SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Results Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor
- Notice Date
- 4/1/2009
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388S00090005300
- Archive Date
- 5/8/2009
- Point of Contact
- Abdus Sobhan Khan,, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
skhan@usaid.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Date: 04/01/2009 Subject: Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00053-00 for US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) – Results Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, Dhaka, Bangladesh Type: Personnel Agency Notice Message: USAID/General Notice PERSONNEL USAID/Bangladesh 04/01/2009 Subject: Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00053-00 for US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) – Results Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, Dhaka, Bangladesh ISSUANCE DATE: April 01, 2009 PRIMARY CLOSING DATE: April 23, 2009 Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant's CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. Applications should be submitted electronically to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov (attention to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, Executive Office, USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This solicitation will remain open until April 23, 2009. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Leslie Vaughn, AA/ASIA, (202) 712-4030. SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-09-00053-00 ISSUANCE DATE: April 01, 2009 CLOSING DATE: April 23, 2009 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS ONLY SUBJECT: USAID/ BANGLADESH--SOLICITATION FOR US PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR – RESULTS MONITORING AND EVALUATION ADVISOR Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant’s CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications, and late submissions will not be considered. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2) 885-5500. The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. The US Citizens should get USG Secret Level of clearance. The US Citizens should obtain Department of State Medical Clearance. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Sincerely, Penelope A. Thomas Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 885-5500 ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBR: 388-S-00-09-00053-00 ISSUANCE DATE: April 01, 2009 CLOSING DATE:April 23, 2009 POSITION TITLE: Results Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor MARKET VALUE: $83,445 – $108,483 (GS-14). Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR:Office Director and Deputy Office Director, Office of Population, Health and Nutrition (OPHN) SUPERVISORY CONTROL:Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The initial contract is two years with an option for extension with two one-year upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SECURITY CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizens: Secret Level Clearance AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) FOR RESULTS MONITORING AND EVALUALTION ADVISOR A. OVERVIEW: Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in population and health over the past 30 years. The total fertility rate has declined dramatically since the early 1970s from 6.3 children per woman to 2.7 in 2007. Fifty-six percent of currently married women aged 10-49 years use a contraceptive method. Mortality of children under the age of five has declined from 220 to 65 per 1000 live births over the same period. Likewise, infant mortality has more than halved, from 140 to 52 per 1000 live births, and this improvement has also reduced the gender gap in life expectancy that traditionally favored men. The maternal mortality ratio is still high, however, at about 320 per 100,000 live births. More than 85% of births occur in the home without the help of trained birth attendants; and only 20% of infants receive care in the first 3 days of life. This situation contributes to keeping both maternal and neonatal deaths (within the first 30 days of life) high, so until practices change it will be difficult to lower these rates further. There is still an enormous need for family planning services, particularly in low-performing areas of the country. Nearly 60 percent of postpartum women have an unmet need for family planning, and contraceptive discontinuation is high. The unmet family planning need for married women of reproductive age is estimated at 15 percent. Unwanted pregnancy is also very high. The USAID/Bangladesh Office of Population Health and Nutrition (OPHN) is responsible for planning and managing all USAID assistance in the areas of population and health, and providing advice to Mission management regarding activities and options in these areas. OPHN is also responsible for integrating USAID-sponsored population and health activities with the larger Mission and U.S. Government programs, and for coordinating such activities with those of other donors. USAID’s PHN program is pursued through a $176 million bilateral agreement titled “US-Bangladesh Health and Population Programs (UBHPP)” as defined by the Program Objective Agreement (PROAG) with the Government of Bangladesh (GOB). This PROAG spans the time period from September 30, 2007 to September 30, 2011. The OPHN staff represents the Mission in the Health and Population Donor Consortium and with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and liaises with the Bureau for Global Health and the Asia Bureau of USAID/Washington. The Results Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor (RM&E Advisor) position is located in the OPHN, USAID/Bangladesh, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In FY 2008, OPHN managed a $37.1 million budget consisting of $17.5 in FP/RH funds; $13.3 million in MCH funds; $3.6 million in TB funds; and $2.7 million in HIV funds. The 15-member OPHN includes a USDH Office Director, a USDH Deputy Office Director, a USDH Health Officer-DLI, a Senior Family Planning Advisor, six Bangladeshi Project Management Specialists, three Project Management Assistants and one Administrative Assistant in addition to this position. S/he will be expected to exercise independent judgment, take initiative, and liaise with a multi-cultural team and will represent USAID at the highest government and donor levels and with USAID’s implementing partners. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: As a member of the senior OPHN team, the RM&E Advisor will provide strategic and technical direction for the office’s monitoring/evaluation and research functions and have full responsibility for the office’s strategic approach to knowledge gathering and management. S/he will advise USAID/Bangladesh on all aspects of health, population and nutrition research, especially on application of research findings to policy and program implementation and will provide technical input on surveys and assist with operational research, tracking studies and program assessments. S/he will serve as specialist for monitoring and evaluation to include project performance monitoring, program level data gathering/validation, trend monitoring and reporting. C.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Research Coordination & Utilization: Provide strategic and technical direction to set the public health research agenda and coordination in order to improve the effectiveness with which research findings and lessons learned are applied to improve health policies and services. Plan, direct, implement and monitor demographic and other health-related research information gathering, analytical studies and research evaluations. Identify emerging research findings with significant programmatic implications. Conduct systematic assessments of program activities to capture and share lessons learned from service delivery implementation and to facilitate utilization of that knowledge. Develop ways to facilitate the inclusion of research utilization activities in future programs; increase the widespread use of research results and tools that have been produced by implementing partners. Keep abreast of major research results produced by USAID implementing partners and other state-of-the-art research findings; Serve as the activity lead for research coordination and Mission liaison with the Global Health Bureau and other South Asian USAID Missions to track, monitor and coordinate USAID-funded health research in Bangladesh and South Asia. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships to coordinate research and M&E activities with those of other USG agencies, UN agencies, foundations and other international organizations; identify relevant research, surveys, studies and demographic information to help the GOB and development partners to formulate and carry out health program strategies. Increase collaboration and coordination with GOB and development partners in obtaining and sharing health sector data; contribute, in a multi-donor environment, to the development of consistent definitions and concepts for data gathering processes basic to the monitoring of impact. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting: Provide strategic and technical expertise in monitoring and evaluation to improve the collection, analysis and presentation of data to provide and ensure up-to-date, accurate and reliable information and results reporting for USAID-funded health programs, and to promote better use of data in planning, policymaking, managing, monitoring and evaluating population, health and nutrition programs. Lead the annual fiscal year and planning year OPHN target setting exercises; review and assess targets set by individual implementing partners to ensure that they are ambitious, yet reasonable and will track the progress on results achieved against targets; recommend adapting targets to be consistent with appropriated budgets, country constraints, and new opportunities. Take the lead in continuously ensuring Performance Management Plans (PMPs) and other performance management tools are updated and advise OPHN staff on the adequacy and quality of performance indicators and monitoring tools. Advise COTRs and Activity Managers on data quality assessment and validation. Lead planning and production by implementing partners, COTRs and Activity Managers of OPHN sections of the Operational Plan and Mission Strategic Plan. Lead OPHN preparation for Mission Semi-Annual Program Reviews (SAPRs) and other mission-wide performance monitoring activities. Communicate outcomes and recommendations both internally and externally; prepare and present monitoring and evaluation data to a wide variety of audiences. Prepare, present and disseminate materials, speeches, graphics, etc. on monitoring and evaluation of population, health and nutrition programs to serve reference, informational and advocacy purposes. Activities Management: Perform project manager activities for individual implementing partners and provide leadership to ensure M&E is used for program management and decision-making. Serve as COTR or Activity Manager for implementing partners conducting strategic information, monitoring and evaluation and research activities as their principal activity. Conduct site visits with OPHN’s implementing partners to monitor adequacy of M&E plans/implementation and to recommend actions to correct insufficiencies. D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Masters-level (or higher) training in public health, demography, epidemiology, social or behavior science or related field required. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in public health development programs is required. At least three years’ field experience in a developing country context supporting public health research and monitoring and evaluation programs, specifically project-based data management and reporting systems, is required. Experience with monitoring and evaluation in donor agency organization, procedures and operational systems is desirable. Experience in working in these areas in South Asia is desirable. LANGUAGE: Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. The candidate should have a demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, program and technical concepts and issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise and well organized manner. Written and spoken Bangla proficiency is desirable. KNOWLEDGE: Thorough professional knowledge regarding the collection and use of empirical information for monitoring and evaluating the impact of socioeconomic development efforts in order (l) to advise the host country and USAID Mission on effective approaches for increasing impact of development efforts; and (2) to prepare effective analyses of country, program and activity-specific monitoring and evaluation issues is required. The candidate must know or be willing to learn relevant USAID reporting procedures and requirements for managing for results. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required as well as ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy and to analyze, develop and present work results. The position requires demonstrated ability in strategic planning, technical and socio-economic analysis, and budget preparation and reporting skills. High degree of judgment, confidentiality, sensitivity, poise and maturity are mandatory as the applicant will represent USAID in meetings with mid to senior level Bangladeshi government officials and with private sector and donor partners. The applicant should possess strong interpersonal, facilitation and cross-cultural skills, the ability to work within a diverse team setting and to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong leadership and negotiating skills are required. Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in statistical software packages and Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel are required. Familiarity with Microsoft Access and PowerPoint is desirable. E. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Applications will be evaluated and scored using the criteria below. The total possible score is 100 points. Applicants for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants. Education: 20% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education as described above. Experience: 30% The extent to which the applicant’s relevant experience meets or exceeds the requisite levels of professional experience set forth above. Language: 10% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required language ability as explained above. Knowledge: 20% The extent to which the applicant’s relevant technical and development expertise meets or exceeds the requisite levels of acquired knowledge as set forth above. Skills and Abilities: 20% The extent to which the applicant’s relevant demonstrated skills and abilities meets or exceeds the requisite levels of acquired skills and abilities as set forth above. Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants. F. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will be supervised by Deputy Office Director and the Office Director of the Office of Population, Health and Nutrition (OPHN). G. SUPERVIOSRY CONTROL OVER POSITION: None. The incumbent may be expected to work as acting in a senior position on a temporary basis. H. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work in the office is mostly sedentary but travel to the project sites requires USG Regional Security Officer’s approval. Travel to the field is physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads and sleeping in rudimentary conditions. I. POSITION ELEMENTS: Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not have formal authority to financial commitment unless authorized by his/her American Supervisor. The incumbent does have authority for setting up/or changing of projects components based on discussions and agreed by all concerned parties. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are according to the regulations and procedures of USAID/Bangladesh, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, partners, implementers and institutional contractors. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first one year of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. J. TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The term of the contract will be for two years on/about June 2009 to May 2011 with an option for extension with two one-year subject to the availability of funds and the continued need for the position. 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 Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-14 band. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-14 equivalent, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-14 pay band. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance; and a Department of State medical clearance. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance: 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only. The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (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 2. 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) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3.Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance 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. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. 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/ 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: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@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. Applications received after the closing date will 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 pertaining 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 applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka
- Web Link
-
FedBizOpps Complete View
(https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c10a5069e81a201c88d9d39e90031e94&tab=core&_cview=1)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Bangladesh
- Record
- SN01783622-W 20090403/090401221743-c10a5069e81a201c88d9d39e90031e94 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |