I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066324R10026

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 13, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:  December 27, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. EAT

4. POINT OF CONTACTS:  Reid Ahl Supervisory EXO and Fekadu Tamirate, HR Specialist, e-mail at addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov. 

5. POSITION TITLE:  USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator) 

6. MARKET VALUE:  $ 32,085 – $ 57,777 yearly i.e., equivalent to FSN - 12. In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Ethiopia. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.  Salary will be paid in local currency at the exchange rate in effect when the payroll is processed.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:  Five (5) years. The services provided under this contract are expected to be of a continuing nature through a series of sequential contracts, subject to continued need, satisfactory performance, and the availability of funds. 

 The expected period of performance will be from 04/19/2025 – 04/18/2029.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: US Embassy, Entoto Road, Addis Ababa, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:  Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs). “Cooperating country national” means an individual who is a cooperating country citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country. 

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities access.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Development Assistance Specialist (PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator), reporting to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC)) in Ethiopia, will support the full mandate of the PEPFAR Ethiopia Coordination Office (PECO). The Deputy Country Coordinator will work closely with the PCC to ensure full communications between and among the various USG agencies involved in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Ethiopia as well as communicating with the Bureau for Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD), particularly the Ethiopia Country Lead. The Deputy Coordinator manages critical and time-sensitive communications and work products between and among the various US Government (USG) agencies involved in the PEPFAR Ethiopia Program. The Deputy Coordinator liaises routinely with GHSD. The Development Assistance Specialist (Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator) applies knowledge and expertise in HIV and AIDS, primary health care and health policy to situate effective HIV/AIDS strategies and programs within the broader health sector agenda. The Deputy Country Coordinator in conjunction with the coordinator, supports the development of the annual Country Operational Plan (COP). The Deputy Country Coordinator will ensure appropriate documentation of performance results, including quarterly reviews, semi-Annual and Annual Performance Reports (S/APR and APR). The Deputy Country Coordinator will work closely with the Global Fund (Secretariat, Country Coordinating Mechanism, and technical oversight committees), to ensure synergy between PEPFAR and Global Fund supported programs. In the absence of the Country Coordinator, the Deputy Coordinator serves as the Acting Country Coordinator. The Development Assistance Specialist is a key member of the Health Office, PEPFAR team, and serves as a Mission subject matter expert on PEPFAR-related approaches and programming. The jobholder will report to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator or their designee and will provide mentoring and coaching to the entire Office in the areas of HIV/AIDS.

            b. Statement of Duties to be Performed 

Coordination and Planning with Interagency Collaborative Team and the PEPFAR Office at the Bureau for Global Health Security and Diplomacy (60%) 

• Manages all logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad hoc meetings of the PEPFAR Collaborative Team and Interagency Technical Teams, as well as meetings with stakeholders and implementing partners 

• Develops and manages compliance with annual calendars and work plans for production of the Country Operational Plan 

• Support high-level advocacy and technical dialogue with host government ministries to promote a sustainable approach to addressing HIV/AIDS. 

• Serves as co-convener (with the PEPFAR Country Coordinator) of regular meetings of PEPFAR agency liaisons from USAID, CDC, Peace Corps, Department of Defense and Refugee Program for optimal coordination of programs 

• Participates in meetings with the PEPFAR review team for Ethiopia 

• Serves as secondary point of contact for ad hoc queries from PEPFAR regarding status of overall planning and reporting for PEPFAR in Ethiopia 

• With the Country Coordinator, manages iterative participation in headquarters interagency reviews of the annual Ethiopia Country Operational Plans, semi-annual and annual performance reporting, and other PEPFAR wide review processes. 

Coordinating HIV/AIDS Subject Matter Expert (25%) 

• Works closely with the Strategic Technical Advisor to provide technical support for Strategic Information activities (SI) and other USG Technical Working Groups (TWGs) for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment mitigation, particularly as the work relates to the production of the various target and financial performance reports 

• Participates in National and USG Technical Working Groups (TWGs) as relevant 

• Participates in inter-agency sites visits as relevant 

• Provide strategic leadership in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents including the Operational Plans, Congressional Budget Justifications, Progress Reports and other ad hoc requests for information.

Performing Administrative Duties (15%) 

• Leads Expenditure Analysis process and COP budget preparation 

• With the Country Coordinator, tracks expenditures and pipelines, reprogramming, and FACTS INFO data against annual operating budgets 

• Liaises with GHSD budget and appropriations staff and in-country participating agencies to ensure rapid and effective availability and use of funds 

• Provides technical and leadership support with special projects as requested 

• Maintain a technical portfolio as Contracting Officer’s Representative/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) and/or Activity Manager, which includes review and approval of work plans, budgets, quarterly and annual reports, performance monitoring plans, monitoring activities through field visits and ensuring that financial reporting (accruals/vouchers) are submitted to the Financial Management Office as required. 

• Provide expert advice and technical guidance to Mission staff on matters relating to the GHSD Bureau including HIV/AIDS, and emerging infectious diseases and how best other program components could contribute to pandemic preparedness, prevention and response. 

The contractor is eligible for travel to the U.S., or to other locations abroad, for training, for temporary duty, or to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

            c. Supervisory Relationship

The Deputy Coordinator directly reports to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator. General direction and supervision provided by the PEPFAR Country Coordinator. 

            d. Supervisory Controls

The Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator does not have a supervisory role. 

     12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

            The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Job Requirements

1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

 a. Education: A Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master’s degree in Public Health, International Development, Health, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Organizational Development, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Political Science, Business Administration, or related fields is required. 

b. Prior Experience: Minimum seven years’ experience in public health/development programs in developing countries with demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in program analysis and planning, and management of  programs in developing countries. At least two of the seven years of experience must be in HIV/AIDS is required. 

c. Language:  English and Amharic at Level IV. English proficiency is a requirement for positions with USAID. In lieu of testing, as academic courses are taught in English at the secondary and post-secondary level, English proficiency will be assessed throughout the evaluation process - application review, skills test, interview. In addition, candidates may provide proof of English language proficiency. Acceptable certifications include CEFR of C1 or C2, IELTS (minimum of 6.5), Cambridge (CAE), TOEFL IBT (minimum of 95), or TOEFL ITP ( minimum of 560). These test results are valid for two years.

d.  Job Knowledge: Expert level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS programming in low resource settings, knowledge of PEPFAR and U.S. government rules and regulations for program management. The Deputy Coordinator is expected to have an in-depth       understanding of US Government foreign assistance to the host-country government and familiarity with central aspects of U.S. Government policy in the host country. Working knowledge of USG and USAID’s strategic direction, its chief accomplishments and its challenges.

e.   Skills and Abilities: The Deputy Coordinator must possess excellent interpersonal skills in a diverse, multi-cultural environment involving multiple government agencies, implementing partners and other stakeholders. Strong skills in communication (oral and written), advocacy, and networking. The Deputy Coordinator must have strong conceptual and analytical skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts into operational plans and results. This position requires an outstanding ability to exercise flexibility and prioritization skills to be able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts. Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative and offer leadership. They demonstrate timely decision-making and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks. The Deputy Coordinator must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with candidates 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 candidates 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 candidates 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.

To meet the basic eligibility requirements for this position the offeror must:

• Be a citizen of Ethiopia, or otherwise eligible to work lawfully in Ethiopia.

• Submit a complete application (Offer) as outlined in the section IV.

• Be able to attain a security certificate for Facility Access.

• Be cleared medically to work in the U.S. Mission to Addis Ababa.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, those that meet the minimum qualification

requirements (Education and Experience) will be referred to a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC). Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The TEC will review and score the applications to create a list of applicants to be interviewed. Short-listed candidates will be evaluated based on information presented in the application, skills test (if used), interview, and obtained through reference checks. An applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities

BASIS OF RATING:

Applications are rated as outlined below.

      Application Review    30 points

      The application will be scored based on information provided outlining the quality of experience supporting the statement of duties as outlined in this solicitation (See Section II. d. Job knowledge and e. Skills and Abilities).

      Technical Skills 20 points

      A skills test will be administered in the form of an essay to assess the candidate’s technical knowledge, attention to detail, English proficiency, and clarity of response using logic and reasoning.

      Interview Performance 50 points

      Interview questions will be intended to explore the candidate’s:

• Capacity to lead or work as a member a diverse team

• Capacity to communicate with impact across interagency 

• Ability to prioritize tasks in fast-paced environments 

• Knowledge and experience in planning, reporting, and budget management

• Understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility concepts

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Reference Check Pass/Fail

A “Fail” Reference Check would result from information regarding confirmed illegal or unethical activities or a preponderance of negative feedback from numerous references, e.g., not a single critical comment.

How to Apply

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit:

1. The offer form DS-174 (Application for U.S. Federal employment) which can be found using THIS LINK; or This link.

2. A résumé in English

3. Letter of application (cover letter) that describes your experience complimenting the  evaluation criteria (Section III: Evaluation and Selection Factors), and 

4. Contact information for a minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including at least two references with direct knowledge of the offeror’s past performance.

Further Guidance: 

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation Number in the offer submission.

Application must be submitted ONLY via addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov and the email subject must say– solicitation 72066324R10026, USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator). Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

Please do not submit more than one application; and 

The application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Ethiopia time 5 p.m. (Local Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Time, or EAT).  Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The Contracting Candidates will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

2. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

3. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

   Group life insurance, medical coverage, annual leave and sick leave.

2. ALLOWANCES (as applicable):

   Meal allowance and miscellaneous benefit allowance.

VII. TAXES

Cooperating Country Nationals are expected to comply with all relevant Ethiopian laws and regulations.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN 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 award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B) QUANTITY

(C) UNIT

(D) UNIT PRICE

(E) AMOUNT

(F) 000

Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

1 LOT

$ _TBD__

$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

          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: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

          6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.304-27PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATIONJUN 2023

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Ethiopia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Ethiopia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations.

The EEO complaint procedure is available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.