GENERAL INFORMATION

1.  SOLICITATION NO.: 21-07.

2.  ISSUANCE DATE: January 21, 2021.

3.  CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 16,           2021 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).

4.  POSITION TITLE: USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Family       Health) – Senior Health Advisor/Family Health COE Director).

5.  MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-PSC 12: Step 1: 6,558,709.00         KSH to Step 13: 11,149,825.00 KSH per annum). In accordance with       AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/             Kenya and East Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within         the listed market value. 

6.  PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Initial 1-year probationary period with       4 additional option years contingent on performance, position need,         and funds availability.

7.  PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as         stated in the Statement of Work.

8.  SECURITY CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Prior to joining USAID,           the selected candidate will be required to:

•  Undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
• Undergo a health check to obtain medical clearance and;
• Obtain and Retain an embassy issued Security Certification.

 9.  STATEMENT OF DUTIES: (See Below).

10.  AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to qualified Kenyan Citizens.             USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for                 employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion,               sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status         or sexual orientation.

11.  PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requirements do not involve             rigorous physical demands.

BACKGROUND

USAID/Kenya and East Africa invests in population and health programs at national and county levels that aim to improve the survival, well-being and productivity of the Kenyan population by reducing the burden of major infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, and addressing the main causes of maternal and child illness and deaths. This includes cross-cutting work to strengthen healthcare systems and build capacity, and to support the national government to formulate key policies and guidelines while assisting counties to better plan, manage and finance quality health services to meet local needs. The Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) office is USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s (KEA) largest office, managing a portfolio valued at over $400 million annually. The office receives funding from a number of U.S. Presidential Initiatives, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Feed the Future (FtF) as well as other USAID health funds for family planning, maternal newborn and child health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene. USAID Kenya and East Africa has a Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and the Office of Population Health and Nutrition supports the 4 Development Objectives namely, DO1 -Chronic vulnerability, DO2 -Well-being, DO3 – Social Systems and DO4 – Regional impact.

USAID/KEA’s regional program is responsible for aiding and technical support to Regional Intergovernmental Organizations and implements health programs across the East Africa region consistent with its Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS).  The HPN’s portfolio contributes to the RDCS goal “Enhance East African-Led Sustainable Economic Growth and Resilience” by contributing to the RDCS Development Objective (DO) 2 “Improved management of risks that transcend borders” and (DO) 3 “East African institutions leadership and learning strengthened”. 

USAID supports the Government of Kenya to enhance the well-being of Kenyans by providing technical assistance to health sector through family planning and sexual and reproductive health, maternal, newborn and child health, youth and adolescent health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene activities.  This includes a particular focus on rural areas, youth, poor and low-education populations. USAID also provides assistance for advocacy and policy efforts, operations research and national surveys such as the Demographic and Health Survey. USAID/KEA’s purview over the next few years is to support the goals of the GOK’s Universal Health Coverage Program aimed at reducing maternal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality.  USAID/KEA’s regional health and HIV/AIDS programs complement bilateral programs by addressing the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations, particularly in fragile and conflict-prone areas of the region, at cross-borders and along the transport corridors where diseases are easily spread and access to services is limited. The irregular and inadequate delivery of healthcare in these areas not only fuels disenfranchisement and exacerbates suffering but also undermines global health security and achievement of the sustainable development goals.

The Development Assistance Specialist who serves as the Family Health Center of Excellence Director is a technical lead for this portfolio mission-wide, providing day-to-day technical oversight of the Family Health portfolio, and managing a budget of over $40 million in FY 2020. The position works under the overall direction of and reports to the Deputy Director, Medical Services and Public Health. Strategic planning, policy formulation, budget formulation and advocacy in coordination with development partners, and Government of Kenya (GOK), representation and partner oversight will be critical elements of the position. Provides direct supervision of and mentoring to at least 13 professional cooperating country national staff members, two being Deputy Team Leaders, providing supervision, leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the Family Health COE staff.

Given the integrated nature of HPN and the heavy emphasis on interagency collaboration, it will be essential for the incumbent to demonstrate strong technical, management skills, complemented by outstanding communication and interpersonal skills. Donor collaboration is equally a critical function under this position. Given the integrated focus of the key Presidential Initiatives and Global Interagency priorities the incumbent shall promote efficiencies and complementarities with USG health programs in the region.

POSITION ELEMENTS

A.  SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Development Assistance Specialist, will work under the supervision of the USAID/KEA Deputy Office Director for Medical Services and Public Health to support the USG’s efforts aimed at enhancing the Government of Kenya’s efforts towards to improving the well-being of Kenyans through health sector investments. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments are self-generated, and occur in the normal course of the work, but the incumbent determines those that must be coordinated with the supervisor. The supervisor provides a review of the policy, priorities, and results to be achieved. The incumbent will seek advice and assistance as required. Completed work is accepted as technically correct, and the overall assignment is reviewed in terms of results achieved.

B.  SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The position supervises thirteen (13) professional cooperating country national staff members, two being Deputy Team Leaders, providing supervision, leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the Family Health staff.

C.  AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: Available guidelines include USAID mission orders, mission strategy, and other relevant reports; the Automated Directives System (ADS); and, USAID mandatory and standard provisions, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), and other published and unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation.

D.  EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: A high degree of independent professional judgment is required, such as when consulting with bilateral USAID missions, U.S. embassies, other donors, and in identifying opportunities for collaboration and coordination of interventions. Management decisions over certain implementing partners are at the discretion of the incumbent.  Independent judgement is required for developing, implementing and managing assigned program/project activities, or reporting and for other assignments.

E. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The incumbent retains the authority given to activity managers and CORs/AORs and AOARs within USAID and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The incumbent takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the incumbent may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem. The incumbent may negotiate ad referendum for the Office Chief and/or Deputy Office Chief.

F. NATURE, LEVEL, AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: The incumbent maintains contacts and work within USAID and with other USG personnel within the region; with considerable interaction with USAID/Washington Global Health and Africa Bureau staff, to obtain and provide information relative to programs and activities and to participate in technical and policy working groups pertaining to RH/MCH. Official contacts include USAID/Washington technical staff and other high-ranking USG representatives. High level officials in the US Embassy, other USG agencies and bilateral and regional missions in the process of managing project activities and explaining and defending USAID policies, objectives and procedures, and to transmit and interpret counterpart concerns to senior USAID officials. He/she will also work closely with senior officials in the national and county governments of Kenya, development partners, implementing partners, Regional Intergovernmental Organizations, academia, the private sector and other civil society entities.

G.  TIME EXPECTED TO REACH FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: One year.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP: FP/RH, MNCH, YOUTH AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH, NUTRITION AND WASH                     (55%)

•  Serves as a high-level health advisor to USAID/KEA mission management and the Office of Health Population and Nutrition (HPN). Provides advice to Embassy, mission management, HPN and other relevant sectors including education and the office of economic growth on developments in the health sector, with emphasis on population and development, family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH), maternal newborn and child health (MNCH), adolescent and youth, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene. The incumbent uses their analytical skills to inform and guide decision-making at the Mission level regarding the on-going effectiveness of current strategies and provide recommendations on options to shape the portfolio.                                                                       
• Participates and contributes in the relevant committees convened by the Chief of Mission and/or the Mission Director to analyze the political climate under which the health sector is operating and provide technical and diplomatic advice.                                           
• Participates and contributes to the Mission’s cross cutting development forums pertaining to health, gender equality, vulnerable populations, women’s empowerment, adolescents and youth, and financing in relation to family health.                                       
• Provides TA across the HPN portfolio on cross cutting programs in health system strengthening, integration of reproductive health, HIV and malaria, water sanitation and hygiene, emerging pandemic threats. 

• Provides programmatic and technical leadership to the GOK in population and development, family planning and sexual and reproductive health, maternal, newborn and child health, youth and adolescent health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene activities. Contributes to policy formulation, strategic planning, advocacy, health care financing, monitoring and evaluation, learning and research pertaining to GOK programs through GOK led interagency coordinating committees, working groups, task forces and relevant ad hoc committees. 

• Represent USAID on joint development partner working groups advancing donor assistance transitions and Kenya’s Journey to Self-Reliance in family health programs. 

• Leads the development of the Health Implementation Plan which contributes to the Annual Operational Plan (OP) and the Annual Performance Plan (PPR) which are key to the achievement of the development objectives. The incumbent is expected to collaborate with all the technical teams in HPN to develop the comprehensive Health Sector narrative, the budget allocation narratives, targets and indicators, and other relevant Mission cross cutting narratives such as gender, anti-corruption, and others. 

• Leads the Family Health Center of Excellence in strategy formulation and innovation, monitoring and evaluation, learning and collaboration, co-creation with relevant development sectors and stakeholders of various components in this portfolio aimed at contributing to the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, increasing contraceptive prevalence, reducing teen pregnancy, reducing malnutrition in children and enhancing the well-being of adolescents, youth and vulnerable communities. 

• Participates in the design and review of health programs in HPN taking lead on this portfolio, and as part of multi sectoral collaboration contribute to other sectoral plans and evaluation. The incumbent is expected to contribute to the development of USAID global mechanisms from time to time. 

• Lead in the development of collaboration and learning platforms with implementing partners, relevant national and county stakeholders and development partners to secure the achievements of national health goals. Contribute thought leadership through participation in National and International Conferences aimed at sharing best practices and achieving SDG pertinent to health and development. 

• Provides programmatic and technical leadership in the HPN regional portfolio that works with regional intergovernmental organizations as it relates to the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Supports efforts towards ensuring that USG efforts in the East and Horn of Africa for RH/MCH and related technical areas are complementary to the efforts of other donors and those of other regional non-governmental organizations (NGO) and public sector regional organizations. Actively identify and develop opportunities for improved coordination with other major donors in the region to leverage greater results in RH/MCH. 

• Monitors current public health literature, reports, international guidelines and standards and best practices in health, and provides recommendations in developing innovative approaches to designing, implementing and evaluating health systems related programs in Kenya and East Africa.

 2.  PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING   20%

• Provides direct supervision of and mentoring to at least 13 professional cooperating country national staff members, two being Deputy Team Leaders, providing supervision, leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the Family Health COE staff. Identifies professional development opportunities for staff and provides timely performance reviews. 

• Provides oversight over all project designs and relevant analyses and documentation under HPN’s family health portfolio. 

• Manages the performance of the Family Health COE portfolio and its contribution to the Country Development Cooperation Strategy and the Regional Development Cooperation Strategy Performance Management Plans. 

• Leads the coordination of the Family Health COE’s collaboration with the PEPFAR program in HPN to achieve program integration of RH, MNCH, adolescent, youth and nutrition program to enable management and programmatic efficiencies that can result in leveraged improvements in RH and MCH health outcomes. 

• Advises in the development of the annual budget for the Family Health COE program, working in collaboration with the Financial Management Team and other technical teams in HPN. 

• Provides financial oversight for USAID’s investments in FP/RH, MNCH, adolescent and reproductive health, WASH and nutrition. 

• Conducts regular site visits to review implementation of the portfolio’s efforts. Based on information collected during field visits with relevant AOR/COR’s, communicate findings and recommendations for strengthening HPN’s Family Health activities. 

• Leads regular data analysis and review for the family health portfolio and data quality assessments. 

• Prepares documents related to assigned area of responsibility including drafting briefing papers, mission planning and strategy documents including the Country Strategy and reporting inputs. 

• Participate in planning and review of relevant national surveys like the Demographic Health Survey. 

• Leads in coordinating regular learning and collaboration platforms to enhance the achievements of the RH/MNCH/adolescent/youth programs in Kenya implemented by USAID partners and other partners in support of GOK, through annual symposiums or thematic technical meetings in coordination with national and county Ministry of Health departments, development and implementation partners and Council of Governors. 

• Policy development: Contributes to GOK efforts in Universal Health Coverage aimed at securing rational financing for contraceptive commodities, appropriate service delivery models and health systems strengthening pillars for primary health care. 

• Participates in health care financing planning forums of the GOK aimed at securing adequate resources for the health sector at the national and county level. This includes the MTEF process and the relevant county budget and planning processes in the USAID target counties for the Family Health portfolio. 

• As Activity Manager in Kenya, provides oversight on program implementation and management issues as specified in USAID regulations and as outlined in the project agreements/contracts. Management includes responsibility for financial, technical, reporting, adherence to work plans and timely incremental funding of activities in collaboration with the USAID AOR. This aspect would also include preparation of technical and program documentation.

 3.  COORDINATION AND REPRESENTATION                      25%

• Serves as the Mission representative alongside USAID Washington in the Global Vaccine Initiative’s (GAVI) Partner Steering Committee charged with providing technical input to the Global GAVI 2.1 Strategy. 

• Serves as the Kenya Country USAID representative on the FP 2020 development partner group alongside DfID, UNFPA, Gates Institute. 

• Serve as the USAID KEA representative on the GOK FP 2020 National Steering Committee. 

• Represent USAID KEA in national and county GOK health sector forums including the Ministry of Devolution, National Council of Population and Development (NCPD) and Ministry of Health. Serves on the NCPD national steering committee on population policy which interfaces with legislative and political leaders in Kenya, serves as the donor representative on the GOK National Steering Committee for Maternal, Perinatal and Newborn deaths surveillance and response (MPDSR), the Ministry of Health’s RH Interagency Coordinating Committee, the GOK Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Working group and other relevant committees and working groups. 

• Lead the development partner forum for coordination of polio support in Kenya working with WHO, UNICEF, and implementing partners. 
• Serve as the USAID KEA County backstop for health in Kisumu County charged with establishing and maintaining working relationships with the Executive and Legislative County leadership aimed at ensuring the success of USAID investments in health, working in collaboration with several stakeholders including development partners, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and National Treasury representatives.                                                 
• Represent USAID in development partner forums aimed at coordinating development assistance for Kenya in maternal and newborn health, family planning and relevant multi sectoral forums. 

• Represent USAID in relevant national, regional and international forums focused on sharing best practices, policy formulation, review of pertinent global strategies, collaborating and learning in reproductive health, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health.

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience managing and implementing public health programs in developing countries, with an emphasis on reproductive health/family planning, MCH, HIV/AIDS and/or child survival is required. Two years of supervisory experience required. Experience working for a USG agency and/or a development organization, with at least three years’ experience, working on RH/MCH activities; At least four years’ experience working for a U.S. Government agency or a development organization, or implementing partner, in a developing country context supporting health development programs, preferably in East Africa or a similar development context at progressively higher program management levels.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrated advanced specialist knowledge and technical experience in population and development, family planning, reproductive health, maternal, newborn and child health, adolescent reproductive health is required. Comprehensive knowledge of public and private approaches to providing family planning, reproductive health/maternal, newborn and child health and integration with HIV is required. Advanced knowledge of health sector issues, national and regional perspective and programs in the USAID/KEA region is required. The incumbent must have a good knowledge, or the potential to quickly acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance, of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and those of non-state actors (i.e. multilateral and bilateral health partners, civil society and faith-based organizations and private sector). The incumbent must have substantial knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different levels of government, in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project strategy and implementation plans.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Demonstrated diplomatic and leaderships skills with strong oral communication abilities at senior management levels is required. Ability to analyze, understand and discuss new technical developments and approaches at regional level and program management and implementation approaches is required. Ability to lead project teams and workgroups and to develop effective working relationships with national and international partners is required.  Ability to provide complex explanations, facilitate meetings and make oral presentations to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural contexts and exercise ingenuity and tact in highly complex settings. The candidate must be capable of working independently, prioritizing and managing several activities simultaneously.  The ability to work in collaboratively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters is necessary.  The work requires strong writing and computer skills with ability to produce concise and clear technical and financial reports. Ability to travel extensively to multiple countries within the region is required.

 

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants must submit a resume/cv which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above.  As part of the interview process, those applicants ranked highest may be required to submit a timed writing sample on a topic provided.  The selection committee may conduct reference checks at any time during the selection process.

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. 

• Prior work experience (30 points)
• Job Knowledge (40 points)
• Skills and abilities (30 points)

Total possible points:  100

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. References will be asked to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria.  USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants.  The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

How to Apply

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

Step 2: Complete the job application questionnaire at www.myjobsinkenya.com  The applicant must answer all the questions in the Questionnaire.

Step 3: Internal Applicants/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 to MyJobsInKenya.

                                                    OR

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

Note to Applicants:

1. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com as stated in Section IV.

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. The closing date for receipt of applications is indicated above.

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