FBO: Federal Business Opportunities

Solicitation

Health Care Financing Advisor

USAID/Ethiopia (Re Advertisement)





1. SOLICITATION No : 663-S-09-004



2. ISSUANCE DATE : January 15, 2009



3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: February 14, 2009.



4. POSITION TITLE : Health Care Financing Advisor



5. MARKET VALUE : GS-13 ($70,615 -$91,801)



6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : 2 Years



7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : USAID/Ethiopia, Addis



8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION : U.S. Citizens, US Resident Aliens, Permanent Residents, or Third Country Nationals.



9. SECURITY CLEARANCE : Employment Authorization



10. POSITION DESCRIPTION : See below





POSITION DESCRIPTION: HEALTH CARE FINANCING ADVISOR, USAID/ETHIOPIA



A. BACKGROUND



USAID/Ethiopia’s Health, AIDS, Population and Nutrition (HAPN) Team implements programs in health, with HIV/AIDS constituting the largest portion of the health program, at over $200 million for FY 2008/9. The health portfolio covers child survival (immunization, Integrated Management of Childhood illnesses, nutrition), reproductive health (family planning, safe motherhood), and infectious diseases (tuberculosis, malaria). HIV/AIDS activities are implemented through the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which includes programs in primary prevention of HIV, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), palliative care, antiretroviral Treatment (ART), HIV/AIDS counseling and testing (HCT), and other care and support programs. USAID’s malaria activities are implemented with funding from the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) in the areas of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), Intermittent Presumptive Treatment (IPT) and case management using artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).



Along with the GFATM, PEPFAR/Ethiopia is by far the largest donor for HIV/AIDS programs in the country, and around 60% of the total PEPFAR budget is managed by USAID. Supply chain activities managed by USAID include the single largest agreement in the PEPFAR portfolio. USAID’s health program in Ethiopia is also substantial, with the agency again well placed as one of the largest donors. The largest proportion of USAID/Ethiopia health sector funding, over $120 million in fiscal year 2008/9, is provided through PEPFAR. This multi-agency program is implemented under the leadership of the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, and is guided by a national Executive Committee. The USG PEPFAR team maintains close links to Ethiopia’s national AIDS coordination structures within the MOH, in particular the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO) and the Programming and Planning Department (PPD), as well as other key line Ministries including the Ministries of Education; Youth and Sports; and Women and Social Affairs.



B. BASIC FUNCTION

USAID/Ethiopia requires the services of a Health Care Financing Advisor to provide technical, management, and coordination services in all areas of Health in support of USAID/Ethiopia’s program. The Advisor is responsible for a broad range of planning, monitoring, coordination, capacity building, and implementation of tasks related to health financing reforms in Ethiopia, namely strengthening health sector finance reform, public health insurance and improving the allocation and management of health sector resources including the establishment of costing information for health system maintenance, expansion, pharmaceutical supply and human resources. The Advisor will also be responsible for the project management of the Health Sector Finance Reform activity supported by USAID, emphasizing the development of financing mechanisms for the health system, financing human resources for health, health insurance plans, analysis and costing of benefits, community oversight of facilities, utilization of retained revenues, pharmaceutical financing, poverty protection of vulnerable populations, and quality monitoring. The Advisor will work with the Team Leaders of HIV/AIDS, and Health. In addition the Advisor will provide extensive technical assistance to the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH), regional and local governments of Ethiopia.



C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



I. TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP IN HIV/AIDS AND HEALTH CARE FINANCING MANAGEMENT



1. Provide strategic inputs in Health Financing and Health Economics, assuring responsiveness and quality, resolving problems, and ensuring that project work produces the required output results.



2. Serve as the key liaison for all strategic health financing and health economics issues.



3. In collaboration with the team, develop scopes of work and work plans that clearly identify short and long-range achievable, sustainable strategies for improving financial systems in the Ethiopian health sector.



4. Identify technical assistance expertise required for the field activities, prepare scope of work, identify right consultants, review consultant reports for quality.



5. Represent USAID/Ethiopia at international meetings, seminars and conferences in the areas of expertise



6. Keep informed and collaborate with other international donors and development agencies.



7. Produce analytic papers and products related to Ethiopia specific health topics and field work.



8. Contribute to brainstorming and development of special projects for improving health systems





II. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Serve as CTO/Activity Manager for USAID’s Health Care Financing contractors/grantees. Programmatic and financial oversight includes:



1. Ensure suitable monitoring and reporting systems are in place, providing technical input in the development of Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs).

2. Review and approve implementing partner annual work plans and budgets; ensure partner compliance with approved work plans and budgets.



3. Monitor expenditures and pipelines; ensure appropriate and timely funding.



4. Review and document implementing partner performance by conducting regular site visits to monitor activities and verify asset use; identify issues and recommend follow-up actions, ensuring that these are carried out.



5. Review all written reports submitted by implementing partners and furnish feedback.



6. Maintain program and CTO files.



7. Support implementing partners to conduct Health finance demand forecasting, quantification, costing and supply planning.



8. Ensure that all program activities are implemented in compliance with relevant USAID, USG and PEPFAR guidelines, policies, regulations and procedures.



III. COORDINATION



1. Lead coordination efforts between USAID’s Health implementing partners; facilitate coordination with other USG Health, PEPFAR and PMI Health Care Financing implementing partners.



2. Represent USAID and proactively participate in coordination of Health Care Financing activities and issues with MOH, other donor agencies, appropriate local public sector and non-governmental entities, GFATM, GAVI, GAIN, Clinton Foundation and others.



3. Proactively facilitate a collaborative approach to enhance a long-term Health Care Financing Strategy and support for the GOE Pharmaceutical Logistics Master Plan.



4. Foster donor coordination to prioritize and enhance Health Care planning, particularly with respect to working with the MOH and GFATM to support harmonization.



5. Represent USAID with multi-lateral donor coordination organizations and in defining the donor technical, policy and program agenda as regards Health Care Financing with the MOH and other Ministries.



6. Monitor the political environment and other donor activities to inform USAID/Ethiopia’s funding and programmatic decisions.



IV. OTHER



1. Organize and participate in field visits by external parties that highlight USAID’s Health Care Financing activities.



2. Participate in workshops, special committees, etc. as USAID/Ethiopia’s technical advisor on Health Care Financing activities.



3. Make recommendations to the Mission on program directions and management.



4. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Health Team Leader and or his/her designee.





D. EVALUATION CRITERIA:



1. Education (10 Points):



Masters level degree required. Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Health (MPH), Pharmacy (MSc), or international health is highly preferred. Post graduate training in Health Care Financing is highly preferred.



2. Prior Work Experience (50 Points):



Seven to ten years of progressive and responsible experience in public health, including experience in strategic planning, activity design, program planning and budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation is required.



Minimum five years experience in pharmaceutical management, health care financing and management in developing country contexts is required.



Experience working with health systems and Health Care at the national and local (district/community/service facility) level is required.



Experience managing HIV/AIDS and/or health related programs, particularly in a decentralized context in the developing world, is required.



Experience in developing and implementing innovative approaches and best practices in health care management is required.



Experience in design, implementation and monitoring is required.



Experience with PEPFAR and USAID health programs or health programs of other donors and collaborating partners is desirable.



Familiarity with, and sensitivity to, socio-cultural and institutional factors affecting program development and implementation in Sub Saharan Africa, preferably in East Africa, is desirable.



3. Knowledge and Skills – all required (40 Points):



Understanding of public health challenges in the Ethiopian context or comparable setting.



Demonstrated knowledge of policy, technical and operational aspects of Health Care; knowledge of basic issues, best practices and innovations in supply chain services.



Ability to readily understand, analyze and discuss issues.



Demonstrated ability to identify priority actions, generate and complete work plans within short time frames.



Demonstrated excellent representation, liaison, and coordination abilities with all levels of counterparts.



Demonstrated organizational, managerial and decision making abilities.



Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to clearly communicate program and technical concepts, including the ability to make concise and effective oral and written presentations (required). Amharic language skills useful.



Excellent computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office software (word processing and spreadsheets), and databases (ACCESS or web-based – preferred); ability to produce concise well-written reports in English.



Ability to work effectively in a team situation, and to negotiate difficult issues and build consensus to achieve results with a wide range of program partners.



Ability to work independently with little supervision.



Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a wide range of partners in a complex cultural and bureaucratic environment.



E. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS:



The term of the contract will be for two years from on/about April 1, 2009 (earlier if clearances can be completed) to on/about March 31, 2011 (unless otherwise agreed). Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Addis Ababa to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The salary range for this position has been established in the GS-13 range. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history, but will not exceed the top of the range. In addition, the Mission has a 25% Post Differential allowance. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID.



F. POSITION ELEMENTS



1) Supervision Received: The Health Care Financing Advisor will work under the direction of the Health Team Leader and HIV/AIDS Team Leader or his/her designee. S/he will develop a personal annual performance plan, in coordination with his/her supervisor, and will be evaluated annually on the basis of the performance plan. The Advisor independently plans and carries out the work, selecting technical and managerial approaches and techniques to be used, and informs the supervisor of progress and significant challenges and remedies. Regular consultation with other members of USAID’s HAPN Team, as well as USG PEPFAR and PMI Teams is expected.



2) Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices.



3) Exercise of Judgment: Excellent judgment is critical to successful performance by the incumbent and to successful implementation of USAID/Ethiopia’s Health Care Financing program. S/he must be able to negotiate sensitive issues with GOE officials and other partners and to analyze and solve difficult problems related to program formulation and implementation. The Advisor must be able to provide rapid independent analysis of problems, issues, and opportunities as they arise, and make recommendations to senior management. S/he must be able to review and appraise the quality of reports, evaluations and other technical services procured by USAID. Considerable reliance is placed by USAID on the judgment of the Advisor to make critical program decisions.



4) Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent has no independent authority to make resource commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government.



5) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Incumbent must provide consistent, credible and diplomatic representation of USAID to high level GOE, donor, and other partner contacts for technical, policy and program management issues related to Health Care Financing. S/he will have frequent contacts with high level officials of the MOH, donors, and other partners to facilitate smooth functioning of systems for USG financed commodities. S/he will negotiate with MOH and other partners at State (Deputy) Minister, National Program Director and program manager level on the implementation and monitoring of USAID- or PEPFAR-funded activities, and will advocate to ensure that Health Care issues are taken into account in MOH budget and strategic plans. S/he will negotiate and coordinate with GFATM, GAVI, GAIN and others as needed for HIV- and health-related activities. The Advisor will represent USAID/Ethiopia with multi-lateral donor coordination bodies and in defining donor technical, policy and program support to the MOH and other Ministries.



6) Complexity: The technical scope and management responsibilities of the position are complex, requiring the services of a highly qualified person with strong technical skills in Health Care Financing. The ability to work collaboratively within teams is essential for success in this position, as is the ability to work proactively and independently. The Advisor must be able to function effectively and efficiently with limited supervision in a highly complex, fast-paced environment. The needs of multiple stakeholders in Ethiopia and the U.S. must be considered, while balancing performance and resource priorities. The Advisor will be responsible for managing the contracts/grants, addressing the Health Care Financing requirements of USAID/Ethiopia’s and coordinating with multiple public and private agencies and organizations. The need for decisive leadership in managerially complex and often sensitive, high pressure situations requires that the incumbent exercise good judgment and tact, and operate with substantial responsibility and authority.



7) Post entry training: The Specialist will receive on-the-job training regarding PEPFAR, USAID and USG policies, procedures and regulations, including the Automated Directives Systems (ADS) and Mission Orders. S/he will also receive training in USAID project management and implementation, and auditing and financial management when available and as needed. The Advisor will receive mandatory training as a Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) and become certified for that function. Guiding documents will include the PEPFAR Country Operational Plans, the MOH Road Map for HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment 2007-2010, the PLMP, and Global Fund Grants for Rounds 4, 7, and the Rolling Continuation Channel (RCC) extension of Round 2, if approved.



8) Medical and Security Clearance: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Security . Certification for employment and a medical clearance.



9) Benefits: AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY UTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS. [TCNPSCs WILL BE AUTHORIZED THE USUAL TCNPSC BENEFITS AS STIPULATED IN APPENDIX J OF THE AIDAR UNLESS ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES ARE AUTHORIZED BY THE MISSION DIRECTOR]:





a. Benefits



(1) Employee’s FICA Contribution



(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance —50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for a family and $3,410 for employees without dependents) —50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500)



(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment—Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs



(4) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation



(5) Vacation & Sick Leave



b. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:



(1) Post Differential (Section 500)



(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)



(3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)



(4) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)



(5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)



(6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)



(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)



(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)



(9) Danger Pay (Section 650)



(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)



* Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).



c. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Ethiopia in accord with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, consumables allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children.



G. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.



H. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:



For initial consideration:

1. OF-612 or SF-171



Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate:



2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)



3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).



4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86)



5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington).



The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/



I. APPLICATION PROCESS:



Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp , or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal.



Applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included.



All applications should be submitted electronically to Wbekele@usaid.gov



To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date in item number three of this solicitation. Applications received after that date and/or time may not be considered.



ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf



J. POINTS OF CONTACT



1. Robert Appiah, Supervisory Executive Officer, USAID/Ethiopia, E-MAIL: RAppiah@usiad.gov

2. Roger Heller, A/Executive Officer, USAID/Ethiopia, E-MAIL: Rheller@usiad.gov

3. Wondwossen Bekele, HR Specialist: wbekele@usaid.gov