SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72066019R10003
ISSUANCE DATE: February 07, 2019
CLOSING DATE/TIME:February 28, 2019
SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service
Contractor (CCNPSC)
Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.
Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.
This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.
Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.
Sincerely,
Carmen Morton
Deputy Executive Officer
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
- SOLICITATION NO.: 72066019R10003
- ISSUANCE DATE: February 07, 2019
- CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:February 28, 2019
- POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain)
- MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-11 in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Democratic Republic of the Congo. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
- PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is five years. The services provided under this contract are expected to be of continuing nature executed by USAID through a series of sequential contracts, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory job performance and need for continued services.
- PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Regional Security Office Clearance
- STATEMENT OF DUTIES
- Basic Function of Position
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) in the USAID/DRC Health Office serves as a key member of the Supply Chain team, supporting Presidential initiatives, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and Agency priorities, including Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths and Protecting Communities from Infectious Diseases. The successful achievement of these initiatives and USAID health program objectives depends on the timely procurement and distribution of health commodities. This support will ensure that commodities procured through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/ AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and other global health programs are managed in an efficient, transparent, and sustainable way to help improve the lives of the Congolese population.
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) provides evidence-based technical advice to the Mission, develops strategic approaches to health systems across the portfolio, and designs and manages projects and programs related to health systems strengthening. The incumbent is required to exercise extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, including the specific approach to be taken, the resolution of problems and conflicts, and meeting of deadlines. The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) works closely with technical and management staff across the Health Office and is often called upon to brief Mission leadership. The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) coordinates with and provides technical guidance to the Government of DRC (GoDRC) supply chain management program to ensure U.S. government-procured commodities are taken into account in the commodities pipeline and are distributed as planned. The incumbent also works hand-in-hand with USG implementing partners and donor partners to strengthen commodities distribution. The position requires extensive travel within DRC to design, monitor, and evaluate program activities. The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) is a full time position with wide latitude for planning, organizing, and executing assigned responsibilities.
- Major Duties and Responsibilities
I. Project Design and Management (50%)
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) will be designated as a Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR), and/or Activity Manager (AM) and will provide programmatic, financial, administrative, and technical oversight and monitoring of the implementation mechanism. As such, the Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) will manage a complex portfolio of HIV, malaria, family planning, and maternal and child health procurement activity valued at $45 million annually ($225 million life of project), including:
- Supervise the receipt, preparation, analysis and clearance, certification and approval process for commodity procurement documents, including financial reports, requests for funding, commodity orders, and the Mission's Annual Performance Report.
- Coordinate the timely procurement and delivery of health commodities. The incumbent coordinates procurement actions to facilitate customs clearance and delivery to health zones.
- Exercises prudent management over the award and monitor the recipient’s progress in achieving the objectives of the program description/scope of work.
As the Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) position cuts across all areas of the health portfolio, the incumbent will also work closely with other CORs, AORs and AMs across all of USAID/DRC’s health programs to review and support annual work planning, as well as budget, commodity orders, and shipment monitoring, to ensure activities are aligned with GoDRC policies and plans, coordinated with other USAID and development partners’ activities, and reflect state of the art interventions and best practices in supply chain management.
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) will also provide technical assistance in the design and planning of new supply chain related activities and/or supply chain components of health project and activity design.
II. Technical Leadership and Coordination (40%)
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) will provide important leadership to, and coordination of, the USAID/DRC health supply chain. Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Senior Supply Chain Advisor, s/he will provide technical guidance and coordination to USAID staff across various technical areas, including HIV (PEPFAR), malaria (PMI), infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and family planning.
Specifically, the Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) will:
- Co-lead, with the Senior Supply Chain Advisor, implementation and monitoring of USAID/DRC’s Commodity and Supply Chain Roadmap and Results Framework, 2018-2022.
- Validate quantifications and approve orders for USAID mission.
- Reduce USAID costs by improving efficiencies in supply chains and processes.
- Use diplomatic skills and technical acumen to influence the Ministry of Health in their strategic decisions and policy formulation to strengthen supply chain management, including transparency and accountability, and encourage DRC to take concrete steps in their overall journey to self-reliance.
- Influence other donors, and the private sector to leverage resources for health systems strengthening to achieve mutual goals/targets such as those related to PEPFAR, PMI, the Global Health Security Agenda, FP2020, and preventing child and maternal deaths.
- Perform periodic inventories on health commodities and supply chain functioning and present results to USAID, GoDRC and other relevant stakeholders.
- Recommend and implement mechanisms that will ensure transparent and accountable management of drugs at the health zone and health facility levels.
- Guide Washington-based mechanisms and local partners to ensure that a system for forecasting and quantifying commodity requirements is in place, resulting in accurate and timely commodity purchases.
- Implement a tracking system for all USAID-financed commodity purchases (commodity, dollar value, dates of order, shipment, arrival, customs clearance, and delivery at destination).
- Ensure that operating procedures and protocols for quality management of commodities are in place and communicated to implementing partners and contractors, including but not limited to: stock ordering procedures to avoid stock-outs or over-stocks; protocols for identifying expiring products; safe destruction of expired product; procedures for record-keeping, inventory control and stock management conditions at service delivery points.
- Coordinate with other donors funding health commodities or supporting the national commodity supply chain.
- Liaise with USAID/Washington contractors and other USG contractors and awardees to ensure an adequate, continuous supply of commodities.
- Champion commodity supply and service requirements, performance standards objectives, and related funding to other USG agencies to ensure required commodity and supply chain budgets are included in inter-agency budgeting processes (e.g., country operational plan, malaria operational plan).
- Stay abreast of state-of-the-art knowledge, programming and best practices related to supply chain management and utilize this information to improve USAID, Implementing Partner and GoDRC supply chain management.
- Serve as a mentor and provide on-the job training for other staff in the Health Office involved with supporting supply chain activities.
III. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (10%)
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) will perform routine field visits to ensure that USAID-funded health commodities are managed in compliance with all applicable regulations, including PEPFAR and PMI, and ensure that health commodities are available in health zones and health facilities supported by USAID programs. The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) provides recommendations for corrective actions, whether at the operational or policy level. More specifically, s/he monitors, recommends and implements solutions to ensure transparent and accountable management of commodities at the health zone and health facility levels and presents results to USAID/DRC Health Team.
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) works with implementing partners to ensure that staff responsible for commodities at service delivery points are trained in a minimum of: quantification and ordering procedures; stock management; and record-keeping requirements. The incumbent also works closely with GoDRC staff to provide technical guidance, mentor and/or strengthen capacity to effectively perform their supply chain functions.
The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) oversees the collection of supply chain related indicators throughout the health portfolio, working with implementing partners and Mission M&E Specialists on feasible collection methods that relate to or rely on national government and/or regional data collection systems. S/he also contributes to the design of Data Quality Assessment (DQA) tools for supply chain indicators.
C. Supervisory Relationship: The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) will serve under the supervision of the Senior Supply chain Advisor.
D. Supervisory Controls: The Project Management Specialist will not serve as a supervisor.
- AREA OF CONSIDERATION. All interested candidates. Cooperating Country National (CCN) is defined as an individual who is a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
- POINT OF CONTACT: usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov
- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Project Management, Public Health, or other relevant discipline, with formal training in pharmaceutical and/or supply chain management.
- Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in health project management or supply chain management in the private sector or commodities management in the international health sector; experience in supply chain management is required.
- Language Proficiency: Level IV French and English (fluent listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills) are required.
- Job Knowledge: The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of the principles, concepts, techniques and accepted procedures of health supply chain management. Working knowledge of the commodity logistics systems for health products related to HIV, malaria, family planning, and maternal and child health is required. In depth knowledge of the Government of DRC’s public health supply chain systems is required, as well as knowledge of other major actors and key stakeholders in commodity procurement systems. Knowledge of international best practices in supply chain is required. The incumbent must understand and apply a highly technical body of knowledge related to supply chain management and health systems strengthening, including applicable laws and agency regulations and instructions.
- Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have strong leadership skills and the professional confidence to guide USAID, international and local contractors, engage with high level donor and government representatives, and inform and influence USG colleagues. S/he must have excellent initiative, resourcefulness, and sound judgment as well as time management skills and be able to manage multiple, competing priorities and ensure that activities are implemented and followed through until successfully accomplished. S/he must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment to meet project deadlines. The incumbent must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with USAID colleagues, DRC government officials, development partner counterparts, and staff from implementing partners. The Project Management Specialist (Supply Chain) must possess excellent analytical skills, and have strong project management skills, including budgeting. S/he must possess computer skills, including proficiency using word processing, spreadsheets and other office software and information systems.
III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
The evaluation and selection criteria of the selected candidate will be based on a review of his/her qualifications, work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, and level of language required. The applicants who obtain the highest score based on the criteria defined will be interviewed and may also be required to pass a written test (depending on the TEC Chairperson’s decision). The security clearance and medical clearance is required for the top ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks.
Quality ranking Factors (QRFs):
- Education: 10 points. Position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field and five years of experience managing health commodities supply projects for development organizations; technical certification as a health logistician or pharmacist experience is highly desirable.
- Job Knowledge: 40 points. The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of the principles, concepts, techniques and accepted procedures of program management, evaluation, reporting and budgeting. Also, an excellent knowledge of DRC challenges, development perspectives, objectives and priorities, particularly in health and population issues is required. A thorough knowledge and expertise in program planning, design, negotiation, implementation, review, monitoring, evaluation and reporting is highly desirable.
- Prior Experience: 30 points. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in the field of public health is required; including at least three years of experience in health commodities supply chain management. At least three years of this experience should have been in development assistance programs in developing country contexts. Minimum three years in experience in project management and oversight. Experience in strategic planning, population, health, nutrition program design or with malaria programs is desirable. Substantive experience in analyzing data and presenting findings in written or oral form and managing funds is also required. The incumbent should also have experience in providing counsel/advice to donor population and health programs, to government agencies, or to NGOs implementing donor-funded programs.
- Communication: 10 points. Working proficiency in written and spoken French and English is required. Full professional fluency in English is preferred.The incumbent must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively, both in speech and writing, with government technical officers and donors’ counterparts. Must have the ability to conceptualize, manage and evaluate activities. S/he must have ability to effectively use information technology, office information systems and personal computers. Also, s/he must demonstrate good writing skills for preparing reports, memoranda, etc.
- Leadership skills: 10 points. The proven ability to provide technical leadership, even when not in a supervisory position, is required. Leadership in successful negotiations of sensitive matters is preferred.
Total possible points: 100 points
IV. PRESENTING AN OFFER
- Eligible Offerors are required to complete, sign and submit the offer form- DS-174Application for U.S. Federal Employment with a cover letter and CV. All the three documents must be in English. The DS-174 Application form can be found in the US embassy website https://cd.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/job-opportunities/
- Offers must be received by February 28, 2019 at 17:00 (Kinshasa Time) via email to usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov.
- A supplemental document of up to two pages that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training directly address the QRFs should be attached.
- To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation Number in the offer submission.
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES
Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:
- Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)
- Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
- Finger Print Card (FD-258)
VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: Child Allowance, Spouse allowance, 13th and 14th Month Bonuses, Housing Allowance, and Miscellaneous Allowance, Medical Coverage, Annual Leave and Sick Leave.
VII. TAXES
The employees are responsible for calculating and paying local income taxes. The USAID/DRC does not withhold or make local income tax payments.
VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs
USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/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
3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at https://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
END OF SOLICITATION
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The USAID Mission in DRC 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/DRC 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.
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