GENERAL INFORMATION

USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANT’S BANK ACCOUNTS.

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72061524R10016
2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 23, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 7, 2024 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).
4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Kenya and East Africa Human Resources, e-mail at [email protected]
5. POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
6. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-10 Step 1 (1: 3,863,641.00 KSH per annum) to Step 13 (6,397,744.00 KSH per annum). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Kenya and East Africa. The salary range provided is inclusive of all allowances.  All applicable taxes will be deducted from the stated gross market rate.  Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The services provided under this contract are expected to be of a continuing nature that will be executed by USAID through a series of sequential contracts, subject to the availability of funds, the continued need for services and successful performance. It is anticipated that the selection of the successful candidate will be completed within an estimated six-month period from the closing date of this solicitation.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Kenyan Citizens, including current locally hired employees of the US Mission in Kenya. Employees presently on probation are ineligible to apply.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Security certification issued by the US Embassy RSO

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI) implements a portfolio that reduces hunger and poverty through agriculture; increases resilience of arid and semi-arid land communities; enables affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; increases sustainable delivery of water and sanitation services; and catalyzes finance, trade, investment and innovation to bolster development. The Project Management Specialist (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) requires technical expertise in the fields of water and sanitation and practical knowledge of program and project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation. As a key member of OEGI, the PMS (WASH) will be expected to participate actively and fully to support the management of the Office. S/he is required to possess a high degree of competence and maturity, and will manage productive relationships with the Embassy, other donors, the private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and private voluntary organizations (PVOs) from the local, regional, and international arenas. Staff are expected to incorporate science, technology, innovation and partnerships, as well as Collaborative Learning and Adaptation into all activity design, implementation and evaluation duties. The position entails effective and continuous communication with the Government of Kenya (GOK) and/or regional officials on all levels, ensuring that USAID/Kenya is fully engaged in the sector reform agenda.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

1. Program Management and Related Duties (65%)

The staff plans, designs, develops, and manages new and existing economic growth and integration programs and activities as a team member in OEGI. These duties include activity design, leading procurement processes, and activity or project implementation, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, and in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements.

As a key team member of the WASH Team within OEGI, the Project Management Specialist (WASH) leads USAID’s effort to increase access to WASH services in Kenya. The employee is responsible for providing technical and strategic leadership at all levels from policy analysis to program design in developing sound approaches for Mission WASH activities contributing toward the objectives of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act and its associated directive. Working with USAID/Kenya’s Office of Health, Population, and Nutrition (HPN) and USAID partners in the public, private, and civil society sectors, s/he is responsible for compiling experiences and tools on WASH outcomes, designing programs, supporting design and implementation of strategies, undertaking relevant policy analysis, and developing advocacy efforts based on these with aim to increase access to WASH services.

The staff will be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of implementing partners and other economic growth sector activities, for obtaining and reporting on results and possible setbacks, and for initiating programmatic adjustments, when necessary. The employee will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation at the Project/Activity levels, including development of Project and activity-level M&E plans, Data Quality Assessments, design technical evaluations and provide input into high quality evaluations conducted by the Program Office, and analyze data and information sources to inform programming decisions, including supporting the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) data. The employee is responsible for drafting narratives and providing other inputs into the planning (Operational Plan, CDCS, etc.) and reporting (Performance Plan and Report; Mission Resource Request, CBJ, CBN, etc.) processes, as well as ad-hoc reporting requirements, such as responding to Washington taskers, event coordination, supporting VIP visits, and drafting outreach materials.

The staff will serve as the Contracting/Agreement Officer's Representative or activity manager for programs and activities that include WASH, policy reform, and local capacity development, and other areas relevant to the economic growth objectives of USAID/Kenya and the Agency writ large. Specifically, it is anticipated that the Project Management Specialist (WASH) will manage the WASH activities and WASH components of broader activities, in addition to supporting management of other activities as needed. As AOR/COR, the Project Management Specialist (WASH) is responsible for the development and implementation of annual work plans, schedules for budget allocation, obligation, and expenditure, portfolio reviews, evaluation planning and implementation, audits, development and outreach communications, and closeouts. These responsibilities are defined in the AOR/COR letter issued by the Nairobi Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The Specialist will support OEGI, Mission, and USG efforts to ensure effective, cost effective, and responsible programming and reporting in compliance with USG and USAID regulations and ethics standards, including environmental compliance, and, ultimately, help USAID achieve its economic growth objectives in Kenya and/or the region.

2. Technical Specialist and Representational Duties (25%)

The staff will serve as a senior technical advisor to OEGI, USAID/Kenya, the US Mission to Kenya, and/or regional entities on WASH, particularly as related to economic growth. The Project Management Specialist (WASH) will keep abreast of and analyze economic, political, and other trends affecting WASH and will keep the Mission informed of these trends. S/he will be considered an expert resource on WASH issues and will be expected to participate actively in internal and external strategy discussions, including active engagement across sectors at the Mission, and produce analyses in the area of expertise as required.

The Project Management Specialist (WASH) will identify ways to further meet both USG foreign policy and GOK WASH sector policy objectives in Kenya. This includes liaising closely with USAID’s Global Development Lab on technical solutions, and the development of new, innovative concepts and program designs which engage both traditional and non-traditional partners, with a focus on local solutions. The employee will lead and/or actively participate in Platform Local Solutions and STIP Teams, as well as engage in Collaborative Learning and Adapting (CLA) communities of practice. The employee will actively contribute to monitoring, evaluation, analysis and learning at the Project and DO level. S/he will synthesize trends at the regional/national levels and incorporate learning from all analysis into current and future programming and share extensively across all stakeholders.

S/he will be required to maintain relationships with a wide range of contacts in government and semi-autonomous government agencies, private sector and civil society organizations, donor agencies, implementing partners, and other stakeholders as related to the WASH sector, and to represent USAID and the USG with internal and external audiences as required. S/he will work to best facilitate knowledge management through exchange of technical information and ideas, to collaborate on cross-cutting issues, to provide effective collaboration among actors in the WASH sector, and to promote program/project synergies.

3. Reporting (10%)

The Project Management Specialist (WASH) will work closely with the Wash Team Leader, other OEGI team members, the HPN Office, the Program Office, the Mission Director's Office and the U.S. Embassy on day-to-day Feed the Future (FTF) activities and reporting requirements. The employee will work closely with the WASH Coordinator/Team Leader, the HPN Office, and OEGI M&E team to ensure WASH reporting is cohesive, comprehensive, and compliant with the Agency’s requirements. The employee will provide input to responses to the U.S. Congressional inquiries and other Washington policy and operation requests; draft briefing materials, speeches/talking points for high-level USG officials, press releases, and presentations; and contributing to Mission/Agency newsletters and other communications related to WASH activities. The employee may be called upon to support VIP visits and carry out ad-hoc assignments, as dictated by unforeseen operational requirements at the discretion of the USAID/Kenya Mission Director, USAID/Kenya Deputy Director, OEGI Office Chief, OEGI Deputy Office Chief, or FTF Coordinator.

The Project Management Specialist (WASH) will be required to assist in creating a supportive work environment that values diversity and elicits the highest possible level of performance from all team members, including accomplishment of all other duties as assigned.

Prior Work Experience

Five years of progressive work experience in water and sanitation in urban and rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene improvement in the Kenyan private sector, local government context, Donor Agency or International Organization. Proven experience undertaking activities aimed at capacity building of private and public sector actors to effectively manage water supply/sanitation services, carry out system operation and maintenance, improve technical, financial and management performance and extend service coverage. Direct hands-on experience in improving WASH services and hygiene promotion in rural areas and/or informal urban settlements, and experience in strengthening policy frameworks and capacity of local governments, utilities, regulatory agencies is also required. Experience working with the GoK, donor, and/or regional institutional structures in Kenya is required.

Supervision Received

The employee will be supervised by the WASH Team Leader unless otherwise directed by the OEGI Office Chief and has wide latitude for planning, organizing, and executing assigned responsibilities.  S/he will handle work assignments independently according to established policies, previous training and accepted practices. S/he will be expected to develop her/his own work schedule and procedures for accomplishing tasks and to independently resolve problems that may arise during execution of objectives.

Supervision Exercised

None

Physical Demands

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.  The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c).  In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers.  The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

• Job Knowledge (60 points)

Advanced knowledge in water and sanitation issues, approaches, best practices, policies, host government priorities, initiatives, and institutions is required. Expertise in strategic planning and program management, including in-depth knowledge of the theory, practice, policies, procedures and regulations governing the performance M&E of development programs and projects is required. Practical knowledge of and experience integrating GOK policies, strategies, institutions and procedures into development activities and action plans in water, sanitation, hygiene, integrated water resources management and/or other development assistance is required. Demonstrated understanding of the socio-cultural issues and nuances of working in communities and with vulnerable populations is preferred. Solid understanding of issues and practical approaches to advancing gender equity and mainstreaming youth empowerment in economic development programs.

• Skills and abilities (40 points)

Adaptability and flexibility will be required as the Project Management Specialist (WASH)'s primary responsibilities may change over time as new USAID strategies and GOK priorities emerge. Ability to assess problems and develop sound solutions such as planning for and administering funds, personnel and equipment to best serve water and sanitation program oversight objectives, strong organizational skills, ability to work with minimal supervision and work in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills, both interpersonal and written, to fulfill the technical responsibilities proposed.

 Total possible points:  100

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Step 1:    Register in MyJobsInKenya at www.myjobsinkenya.com

Step 2:    Complete the job application at www.myjobsinkenya.com

Step 3:    Internal Offerors/Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages), a copy of your most recent Performance Evaluation Report, and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload them to MyJobsInKenya.

                        OR

External Offerors/Not Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages) and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload them to MyJobsInKenya.

Offerors must provide a list of minimum three (3) professional references who are not family members or relatives, with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, with working/accurate telephone numbers and email addresses. The offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

Note to Applicants:

1. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com.
2. Submissions will only be accepted through myjobsinkenya.com. Late and incomplete applications (those that do not contain the applicant’s most current and up to date detailed CV and relevant education certificates) will not be considered for the position.
3. All Applicants must provide at least three professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARDS

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit any required forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Benefits and allowances are offered in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan (LCP).

TAXES

The Contractor must observe Kenyan laws including those concerning income and related tax obligations.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.
2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract.
3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.
4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.  See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.
5. PSC Ombudsman: The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: [email protected].