Vacant Position Advertisement: Resident Hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC): Regional PEPFAR Coordinator, USAID/West Africa 

REF No.: 72062421R00002 (must be inserted in the subject line of the email)

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

GRADE LEVEL: $79,468 – $103,309 equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.  

All offers must be submitted to the Point of Contact via email: accrapsc@usaid.gov. 

Offers will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore the solicitation will close if a candidate is selected before the stated closing date. 

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:  Base of One (1) year, with option to extend up to an additional year.  Exercise of option will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, Washington’s approval, and satisfactory performance.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise the additional 1 Year period  option period for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period:	o/a 07/2021 to 07/2022
Option Period	o/a 07/2022 to 07/2023

 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:  To Be Determined.

(U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana; U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin;  U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; U.S. Embassy Bamako, Mali; U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone or U.S. Embassy Lome, Togo ) based on candidate’s country of residence with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:  Open to Resident-Hire U.S. Citizens Proof of residency in the countries listed above must be provided with application.  Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Management and Implementation (40%)

The Regional Coordinator’s portfolio involves the full range of roles and responsibilities associated with broad program management to facilitate and monitor in-country HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care plans; to serve as the key coordinator and facilitator of the USG inter-agency teams in West Africa implementing PEPFAR activities in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and health systems strengthening. The Regional Coordinator assists the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy (S/GAC) and PEPFAR implementing agencies with planning, developing, directing, and ensuring accountability for the success of a major initiative with a regional scope.

The Regional Coordinator will ensure the monitoring and oversight of operations to deliver, measure, and evaluate accomplishments and progress; will highlight successes and identify reasons for shortfalls; and will ensure adjustments as necessary to achieve program goals. S/he will develop and maintain internal control systems to ensure that human, financial, technological and material resources are safeguarded against waste, fraud, unauthorized use or misappropriation.

The Regional Coordinator must exercise considerable judgment and ingenuity to strengthen the quality, availability and sustainability of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services in alignment with PEPFAR goals and policies.

The Regional Coordinator leads the USG PEPFAR inter-agency team in West Africa in the conception, formulation, and implementation of evidence-based interventions in response to the epidemiological profile in West Africa. Specifically, s/he will:

• Lead the development and submission of annual Regional Operational plans (ROPs), Annual Reports, Reprogramming Actions and other processes or inputs into reporting systems in collaboration with the various USG teams in West Africa;
• Ensure that the various PEPFAR country programs fit within the regulations of their national governments and aligns with PEPFAR and international policies;
• Communicate USG policy and technical direction to implementing agency leadership;
• Coordinate and facilitate the inter-agency approach to PEPFAR within the USG;
• Coordinate and facilitate the restructuring and harmonization of goals, objectives, plans and schedules to align with policy, legislation, program authority, and/or funding with PEPFAR implementing agencies;
• Facilitate discussion with the inter-agency team regarding determinations of projects to be initiated, dropped, or curtailed;
• Monitor and facilitate changes in implementing agencies’ organizational structure;
• Facilitate inter-agency strategic decision-making to ensure program sustainability in the following areas: country ownership, institutional ownership, and mutual accountability.
• Analyze the unique operational context of the PEPFAR programs in the region.
• Coordinate the inter-agency process to establish a vision and strategy for responding to this context within the guidelines of S/GAC policy and U.S. diplomatic priorities and;
• Other duties related to program management as assigned.

The Regional Coordinator will maintain appropriate controls to ensure the integrity − financial, technical, and operational − of all HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care programs implemented pursuant to PEPFAR.

The Regional Coordinator will work to determine in coordination with the Chief of Mission and the PEPFAR Implementing Agency Leadership, how best to direct the funds allocated to countries within the region for successful program impact. To properly manage the regional budget, the Regional Coordinator must understand the current levels of expenditure and pipeline, develop budgets, and ensure continued flow of funds necessary to implement the program.

S/he will provide leadership, advice, and counsel to USG inter-agency leaders in the implementation and monitoring of the PEPFAR program portfolio.

Strategic Information (25%)

The Regional Coordinator will − in collaboration with the various Agency Strategic Information (SI) Leads − provide leadership and technical direction to the USG inter-agency team in the development and implementation of all (SI) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities to meet the needs of PEPFAR.  S/he will ensure the use of data and knowledge-based program management in regard to all aspects (implementation, technology, costing) of health systems strengthening, HIV prevention and treatment, prevention and care strategies.  Specifically, s/he will manage and coordinate all Strategic Information (SI) related processes required for the development of the annual PEPFAR Regional Operational Plan, Annual and Semi-Annual Program Results; oversee the fiscal year and planning year target setting exercises; and provide overall vision for the SI needs of PEPFAR. The Regional Coordinator will compile and evaluate results achieved by partner agencies against established targets and track overall progress in achieving PEPFAR objectives.

Collaboration among Major Non-USG Stakeholders (20%)

The Regional Coordinator will:

• Ensure coordination and linkage of USG bilateral health assistance with other bilateral donors, non-governmental organizations, and international multilateral organizations engaged in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in West Africa, including UNAIDS, World Health Organization, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (“Global Fund”) and the West Africa Health Organization.
• Collaborate and share information with multilateral partners, other donors, and S/GAC relevant to the success of broad efforts to mitigate the impact of the HIV epidemic in-country.
• Liaise with these development partners, and in particular with the Regional Directors, Country Fund Portfolio Managers and/or Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund of the various countries in West Africa , to ensure complementarity between the USG investments and other donors.
• Along with other USG PEPFAR implementing agency leadership, establish appropriate protocol for collaboration with partner governments, including providing oversight and developing the vision of USG interaction with the partner government on all aspects of HIV/AIDS, including the health sector, social welfare systems and finance.
• Promote alignment with and understanding of the various West African government priorities and policies among USG staff implementing the PEPFAR program.
• Lead discussions, as appropriate, about the timing and planning for transition from USG resources toward other types of funding for sustainable HIV responses.
• Counsel and advise Mission Leadership and S/GAC regarding the optimal mix of funding support for the regional program.
• Ensure outreach to and engagement of civil society and private-sector partners, including advocacy groups, faith- and community-based organizations, and businesses in the HIV/AIDS response. Encourages the engagement of these groups by all USG agencies responding to the epidemic within the region.
• The Regional Coordinator may act as one of the USG representative members on the CCM in Ghana and attend CCM meetings in other West African countries as needed. PEPFAR currently holds a representative position for the Development Partners on the Executive Committee of the CCM, a position which also serves as President of the CCM’s HIV Committee, roles which may be fulfilled by the Global Fund Liaison.
• The Regional Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Global Fund Liaison and Agency Leads to ensure alignment of technical and implementation efforts across Global Fund and PEPFAR partners.

Program Representation (15%)

The Regional Coordinator will:

• Assist in assuring the accountability of PEPFAR and other HIV/AIDS programs supported by the USG to Administration officials, Members of Congress, and the general public through the development and communication of appropriate statements, reports, and representation.
• In collaboration with various PEPFAR implementing agencies, serve as the representative of the USG at country and regional levels and international-level, when appropriate, such as working groups, country coordinating mechanisms, steering committees, etc., with a focus on responding to the HIV epidemic and to integration of HIV services into broader health efforts in West Africa.
• Counsel and advises the Office of S/GAC and U.S. Embassy staff in the various West African countries on relevant HIV/AIDS policies and issues that emerge in various settings with stakeholders. As requested by S/GAC and the U.S. Embassy, s/he may speak on behalf of the USG about the regional HIV/AIDS epidemic needs based on a comprehensive knowledge of the respective overall country, regional, and global context, in-country HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care programs, and the current status of implementation of PEPFAR.
• Supported by the Epidemic Control Team (ECT) at S/GAC, communicates field-based and headquarters priorities upstream and downstream. With the ECT, facilitates inter-agency dialogue between the field and headquarters inter-agency teams.
• In collaboration with PEPFAR leadership from other USG agencies, serve as the representative of the USG at international meetings, conferences, etc., whose sponsors or attendees may include donors and other stakeholders in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Recommend and promote positions and views for the USG on strategies, initiatives, and current programs that aim to improve the prevention, treatment, and care of HIV/AIDS.
• In coordination with PEPFAR leadership from other USG agencies, plan and direct the identification, development, implementation, and monitoring of outreach and/or liaison activities and initiatives with USG representatives (including Congressional staff), the partner government, international organizations, non- governmental organizations, and regional donors to foster greater leadership, commitment, and resources on their part in the global fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Inform and engage the Chief of Mission, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, USG representatives in-country administering HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care programs, non-governmental organizations, and partner government officials on PEPFAR program achievements, concerns, and needs to reinforce initiatives to accomplish the goals of PEPFAR through bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts.

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants MUST meet the minimum qualifications below and ONLY preselected candidates will be contacted:

This position requires a highly qualified and experienced individual with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to foster inter-agency collaboration and strategic cooperation, the ability to foster inter-agency technical team work, the capacity for strategic thinking, and an understanding of the technical and policy requirements to achieve the PEPFAR goals in West Africa. The incumbent must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment and with a wide range of governmental and non- governmental counterparts. The PEPFAR Regional Coordinator must have the following qualifications: 

Education:

An advanced degree (master’s or higher) in a relevant professional discipline, such as Public Policy, Public Health, Medicine, Business Administration or related subject, is required.

Prior Work Experience:

At least 5 – 7 years of progressively senior level experience managing HIV/AIDS, health, or other development programs, preferably in a developing country context. 

Language:

Level IV English ability (fluent) is required.

 

SELECTION FACTORS: 

Education: (0 Points)

An advanced degree (master’s or higher) in a relevant professional discipline, such as Public Policy, Public Health, Medicine, Business Administration or related subject, is required.

Prior Work Experience: (45 Points)

• At least 5 to 7 years of progressively senior level experience managing HIV/AIDS, health, or other development programs, preferably in a developing country context
• At least 2 years’ experience supervising and managing staff.
• Must demonstrate experience operating in his/her non-native cultural environment 
and demonstrate ability to quickly learn PEPFAR policies and programming parameters.
• Extensive knowledge of the technical issues related to HIV/AIDS, including knowledge of the principles of monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience managing programs. 

Skills and Abilities: (35 Points)

• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to mediate inter-agency conflicts and facilitate decisions on complex technical, programmatic, strategic and financial issues.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong capacity to multi-task, including managing, prioritizing and fulfilling competing demands in real time.
• Ability to keep track of a large amount of data and manage complex inter-agency planning and reporting processes.
• Ability to empower PEPFAR team members to apply available resources and expertise to addressing the local epidemic.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Strong managerial skills.

Language: (0 Points)

Level IV English ability (fluent) is required.

Exercise of Judgment: (20 Points)

• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines to devise innovative approaches to resolve technical, administrative, managerial, and policy problems.
• Proven ability to set priorities and work effectively with host-government officials; coordinate multi-sectorial efforts in support of objectives; and collect, analyze, and report the progress of activities and recommend project actions.

Maximum Evaluation Score: 100 Points

Applicants are required to address each of the selection criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criterion described above, and any related considerations.

Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.

For detailed minimum requirements, applicants must refer to the Full Statement of duties and the qualification requirements available on https://www.usaid.gov/mali/work-with-us/careers   or https://ml.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/

TO APPLY:

All cv/resume and cover letter must be in English; otherwise, application package will be considered incomplete and will be rejected. All the hiring process will be conducted in English, including interviews and any eventual proficiency written test.

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following required documents:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.
2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.
3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.
4. A Cover Letter of not more than two (2) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of the position.
5. A current CV/resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.  Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.
6. Any attachments provided via email must be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word 2003/2010 or PDF and not zipped.
7. Offerors also must address the above Section III: Evaluation and Selection Factors, in a Summary Statement to be included in the application. This Summary Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the Offeror has received that are relevant to each selection factor above.  The Summary Statement must include the name of the Offeror and the announcement number at the top of each page.
8. Offerors must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the Offeror’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the Offeror’s work knowledge and professional experience. Offerors must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.
9. Offerors must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers (if available) and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submission.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION IS:  April 18, 2022 at 5:00PM

Offers will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore the solicitation will close if a candidate is selected before the stated closing date.