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PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (PREVENTION) - HIV PREVENTION DEPUTY TEAM LEADER

USAID Kenya NAIROBI, KENYA

Summary

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 20-97.

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 24, 2020.

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 8, 2020   (4:30 PM East Africa Time).

4. POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Prevention)              - HIV Prevention Deputy Team Leader.

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 and       current employees of the U.S. Mission.  Employees currently on               probation are ineligible to apply. 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

The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) represents the US government response to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history. Thanks to American leadership and generosity, alongside the work of many partners, PEPFAR has saved millions of lives, averted millions of infections, and changed the course of the epidemic. As countries progress towards HIV/AIDS epidemic control, the point at which new HIV infections have decreased and fall below the total number of deaths among HIV-infected individuals, PEPFAR is now undertaking the challenge of controlling the pandemic.

The Project Management Specialist (Prevention) is a senior professional and expert in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the full spectrum of HIV/AIDS prevention, detection, care, and treatment activities. The jobholder serves as the team’s senior advisor on HIV/AIDS issues and provides leadership in identifying opportunities for U.S. Government (USG) engagement in HIV/AIDS programming. This senior position ensures that the Mission has the necessary strategic, technical, and management expertise to handle and successfully implement HIV/AIDS programs and activities in the Health Office portfolio. The jobholder serves as the in-house subject matter expert on HIV/AIDS and the Mission’s senior representative in policy, strategic and technical engagements with the interagency, host country government, international and bilateral organizations, and donor agencies to address technical issues and coordinate efforts in implementation of HIV/AIDS activities.

The position is located in the USAID Office of Health and HIV/AIDS. The jobholder reports to the HIV Prevention and Social Services Team Leader or his/her designee and supervises a team of up to five professional staff.

Description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

TECHNICAL AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP                            30%

1. Serves as a high-level advisor to USAID/KEA's HPN Office and Mission leadership on infectious disease prevention and social services issues including key technical areas such as case finding in HIV testing and counseling and linkage, condom promotion and distribution, biomedical HIV prevention interventions such as Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV/family planning integration, and community platforms for delivering HIV prevention services including innovations such as root cause analysis to enhance social and behavior change communication; programming targeting youth (young boys and men, adolescent girls, and young women), and multiple levels of influence on HIV risk and tuberculosis, orphans and vulnerable children, social protection, value chain and social determinants and risk factors for HIV acquisition and transmission in priority and key populations. These priority populations require special focus in order to bring Kenya closer to epidemic control.

2. The Project Management Specialist (Prevention) keeps abreast of current and new prevention and social services issues, interprets and advises the Office and Mission on implications and implementation options to maximize programmatic opportunities (as strategic and cost-effective) within KEA's integrated programming environment.

3. Carries out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic, coordinating, planning and evaluation responsibilities related to the assigned portfolio. Guides and crafts USG/USAID policy and programs in KEA in the area of infectious disease prevention, behavioral change, and social services.

4. Articulates USAID prevention and social services strengthening vision and strategic priorities to GOK and other development partners including donor agencies and private sector providers, leads in the alignment and harmonization with national and global best practices for the achievement of sustainable strategies to facilitate medium to long-term impact of activities, providing technical direction and capacity strengthening, monitoring progress toward key milestones and recommending program course corrections as needed for interventions at national and county levels.

5. Develops and sustains high level relationships with senior GOK, respective development partners and private sector organizations leaders to advocate, introduce and expand policies and programming that promote health and prevent HIV transmission through evidence based interventions, promote the development of sustainable improvements, and to incorporate new prevention technologies into the national and USG integrated health social services program.

6. Provides vision, strategic direction, and leadership to the Prevention and Social Services Team and takes prime responsibility for identifying new potential in the design and implementation of all projects/activities in the portfolio ensuring they meet PEPFAR, MOP, OP and USAID objectives, and respond to Government of Kenya priorities and strategies.

7. Provides strategic and technical leadership to build systems and capacity of Kenyan entities to ensure effective and efficient delivery of critical prevention interventions and social services at national and county levels.

8. Jobholder provides leadership and direction on scientific policy and practices associated with prevention and social services programs at the government and county levels to ensure sustainability of all USAID-supported interventions, including MOP, OP, PEPFAR and post-PEPFAR activities.

9. The jobholder serves as a high-level public health advisor on prevention and social services to USAID/KEA, keeping abreast of current and new health systems issues affecting the portfolio emerging from USAID/Washington, and provides recommendations on options for shaping USAID/KEA’s prevention and social services programs in support of USAID Global Health Strategic Priorities of Creating an AIDS-Free Generation, Protecting Communities from Infectious Diseases, and Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Deaths. The jobholder represents USAID at the highest government and donor levels.

10. The Project Management Specialist (Prevention) carries out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic planning, and evaluation activities for HPN, and ultimately is responsible for overseeing development and management of all Prevention and Social Services Team acquisition and assistance mechanisms. The jobholder directly supervises the Prevention and Social Services Team technical staff.

PROJECT PLANNING, MANAGEMENT, MONITORING AND EVALUATION                                                                         20%

1. Provide strategic and technical leadership in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents including the Country Operational Plan, Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports.

2. Support country-level PEPFAR annual budget preparation process, providing technical assistance to USG financial teams and technical working groups in completing the PEPFAR Funding Allocation to Strategy Tool (FAST) and any other new tools that may be provided for use in the planning processes.

3. Provide oversight to the annual HIV/AIDS budget and ensure costs remain within budget planning levels and that efficiency is maximized.

4. Analytically assess the HIV/AIDS portfolio, the performance of partners, the available budget, the need for additional activities or ending activities, and facilitate design of new projects or activities necessary to achieve strategic objectives.

5. Participate or take the lead on each stage of project design for new activities, including drafting and getting approval for concept papers, writing scopes of work, evaluating applications/proposals, and starting up new projects.

6. Ensure that implementing partners abide by their reporting requirements, including quarterly reports, trip reports, accruals, PMPs, annual reports, and other requirements such as PEPFAR reporting or other requests. This includes supportive supervision and guidance to other technical and support staff in the HIV/AIDS office as necessary.

7. Lead routine meetings with implementing partners to discuss technical and programmatic direction of the HIV/AIDS program. Conduct field visits to USAID-supported HIV/AIDS activities to meet with implementing partners and government health officials as appropriate to provide technical, programmatic, and administrative guidance as necessary.

8. 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 workplans, 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.

9.  Identify opportunities and strengthen existing opportunities for integration of HIV/AIDS with health, economic growth and governance activities, and other areas of the Mission as appropriate.

10. Technically advise and makes recommendations on the need for short-term technical assistance (STTA) from USAID/Washington central projects and write the technical components of the scope of work for the consultants.

11. In collaboration with other members of the Health Office, manage the HIV/AIDS analytical agenda for national HIV/AIDS surveys such as the UHIA and other studies.

12. In collaboration with other Health Office staff, initiate and coordinate targeted analyses of HIV/AIDS data to generate trends and patterns to inform planning and programming.

13. Participate in and ensure the effectiveness of Site Improvement Monitoring System (SIMS) and other field visits to improve quality of service delivery.

REPRESENTATION AND REPORTING                                      30%

1. Represent USAID and PEPFAR at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to HIV/AIDS including regular participation in national level HIV/AIDS technical working groups and related committees.

2. Represent USAID on the inter-agency USG PEPFAR Inter-Agency Technical Team.

3. As requested by the Mission Director, Health Office Director or Deputy Director, represent USAID at meetings outside of the HIV/AIDS field when needed.

4. Organize site visits and prepare orientation materials for delegations from Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), USAID Headquarters, State Department, and other agencies.

5. As a member of the PEPFAR Team, respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements including responding to requests for information from USAID/Washington, Congress and OGAC.

6. Establish strategic working relationships with senior government officials at the national and district level, donor agencies, civil society organizations, private sector health counterparts and medical associations to enhance regular and timely sharing of information on HIV interventions in the country, including changes in key policies, and legal and regulatory environments that could affect the implementation of USAID programs.

7. Serve as the Mission’s representative on all inter-agency forums related to HIV.

8. Prepares reports and responses to USAID/Washington requests for information.

SUPERVISION, COACHING/MENTORING AND STAFF SUPPORT 20%

1. Supervise Co-operating Country Nationals, which includes developing annual work objectives, identifying appropriate training opportunities, mentoring and coaching them in facilitation of professional development. Conduct regular performance reviews and address any performance challenges that may arise.

2. Works with direct reports to determine training needs, helps identify appropriate training opportunities and ensures fair participation in training.

3. Provide expert advice and guidance to direct reports on matters relating to HIV/AIDS and how best the other program components could contribute to ensure an effective service cascade.

POSITION ELEMENTS

A.  Supervision Received: The Project Management Specialist (Prevention) will report to the HIV Prevention and Social Services Team Leader or his/her designee. Most assignments are self-generated and occur in the normal course of work and the jobholder exercises independents in most phases of his/her job responsibilities but determines those situations that must be coordinated with the supervisor or other team members.  Completed work is accepted as technically correct and the overall work is reviewed in terms of results achieved.   

B.  Supervision Exercised: The Project Management Specialist (Prevention) will supervise up to five professional staff.

C.  Available Guidelines: PEPFAR Guidance and Directives, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); AID Acquisitions Regulations (AIDAR); AID Automated Directives System (ADS Series); Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs); Office of Procurement Acquisition Memorandum (OPAMS); U.S. Department of State Standardized Regulations; Federal Travel Regulations; Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Circulars and Controller General Decisions, USAID Mission Orders, Project Papers, Mission Strategy, and other documents available, USAID policies and procedures, Technical Documents and Policy Papers.

D.  Exercise of Judgment: The jobholder will exercise a high degree of independent judgment and initiative to plan, prioritize and conduct the activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The jobholder will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant guidance (for management/administrative issues) and evidence-based strategies (for technical issues) to advance the Mission’s objectives. In the event that no formal guidance exists, the jobholder will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment, making independent decisions that can be defended as necessary and seeking input when appropriate.

E.  Authority to Make Commitments: When fully designated as COR/AOR s/he will have full authority and responsibility as delegated by ADS, other Mission, and USAID guidelines. However, because of the jobholder’s expertise and professional standing in his/her field, substantial weight will be given to his/her recommendations while commitments are made by those with the authority to do so. 

F. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The jobholder occupies a high profile and important position in the Mission. S/he represents USAID in engagements with high levels of a variety of host government officials at national and sub-national levels, donors, private and non-governmental organizations. S/he provides policy recommendations as well as strategic and programmatic advice to senior USAID and US Government officials, other donors, and implementing partners. S/he must also have an extensive range of contacts with the HIV/AIDS, health and social development sectors including senior government technical and managerial staff, Heads of Agencies, development partners, senior officials from the civil society and the private sector. The purpose of the contacts is related to project implementation and to obtain and interpret information relevant to program activities, to develop and/or clarify strategy or activity designs and to identify problems requiring resolution among USAID, technical assistance and training providers, counterparts and other donors.

G. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: 52 weeks    

 

Education
Master’s Degree In Public Health, International Development, Health, Social Or Behavioral Sciences, Organizational Development, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Political Science, Or Business Administration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within one month from the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

1. Education: A Master’s degree in Public Health, International Development, Health, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Organizational Development, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Political Science, or Business Administration.

2. Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USG-specific procedures, regulations, and methods. Formal COR/AOR training is required for successful performance in the position and will be provided. Appropriate training courses will be offered, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds.

3. Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in both oral and written English and in the host country business language is required.

More Details on Experience

1. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public health programming in developing or middle-income countries, with experience spent on HIV/AIDS-related work in Africa are required. Experience working with or for bilateral or multilateral donors/stakeholders such as USAID, the World Bank, the Global Fund, the UN agencies, or national-level public sector projects. At least one year of supervisory experience is required.

2. Job Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS approaches and interventions, as well as the host country context including priorities and challenges, funding of the epidemic and the key stakeholders engaged in the response is required. Thorough knowledge of the host-country’s economic, political, social and cultural characteristics and the history of development assistance, in particular the response to HIV/AIDS, including current trends and directions. The jobholder 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.

More Details on Skills

1. Skills and Abilities: The jobholder must possess strong skills in communication (oral and written), advocacy, and networking. S/he 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 judgement, take initiative and offer leadership. S/he demonstrates timely decision-making and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks. The jobholder must have the ability to identify significant economic, political and social trends in the host country and assess their importance and impact on USAID development assistance objectives and programs. The jobholder must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing.

Terms And Conditions

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.