The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (HIV)

ISSUANCE DATE: May 24, 2019
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 07, 2019.
POSITION TITLE: The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (HIV)
MARKET VALUE: FSN 12: P542, 198.00- P786,200.00 (Full Performance- Basic Salary)
Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 5 years renewable contract subject to funds availability and need for the position.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: US Embassy for USAID- Gaborone,Botswana
SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access
BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

Additional benefits include miscellaneous allowance, meal allowance, medical and pension fund subsidy.
TAXES
USAID/ Botswana Mission do not withhold taxes on behalf of employees but employees have the responsibility of paying tax with the Botswana Government
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All Botswana citizens and Botswana permanent residence permit holders

Introduction and background

The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (HIV) serves USAID/Botswana as the senior host-country Specialist in the area of HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment, clinical prevention services, and in the prevention and treatment of TB.  In addition, the Specialist works in the area of pediatric, adolescent, and adult health.  The Specialist supports clinics providing ARVs, PrEP, TB, and STI services, among other things, and advises on and manages program development and implementation around activities to support these programs.  In addition, the Specialist works to strengthen collaboration between implementing agencies around clinical services, and to increase understanding of the intricacies of sister-agency programs and collaboration during COP planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.  The Specialist coordinates and collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and other Government of Botswana (GoB) entities, especially in this era of increased GoB/USG policy engagement, requiring expertise to discuss and advise the MOHW on all programs, including clinical services, and to apply an intimate knowledge of how clinical services work in both governmental and non-governmental settings.  The Specialist utilizes their medical/clinical expertise to lead USAID activities in the implementation of pediatric, adolescent, and adult HIV/AIDS clinical prevention, including testing and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), linkage to care and treatment, adherence and retention, and TB programs.  The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (HIV) fosters better HIV outcomes for all in Botswana, across PEPFAR (USAID and CDC) and non-PEPFAR activities and sites.

MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 HIV and TB Prevention, Care, and Treatment – 60%
The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (HIV) provides technical assistance to USAID and other PEPFAR and non-PEPFAR programs, and to the development of national and local strategies and program planning to deliver successful pediatric, adolescent, and adult care and treatment HIV/AIDS and TB service delivery programs at clinic and community levels, establishing and maintaining linkages between facility- and community based resources.  The Specialist provides assistance and guidance at the highest level, including to USAID leadership and technical staff, the CDC PEPFAR Director and technical staff, and the MOHW, from technical experts to Deputy Permanent Secretary levels, and at the service delivery level with implementing partners (IPs) to ensure practical operational implementation.  The Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates USAID clinical and community service delivery activities, providing technical support to and oversight of CDC, requiring an intimate understanding of clinical services.  The Specialist applies a clinical background, and keeps abreast of the latest developments within PEPFAR and within key multilateral organizations, such as SADC, UNAIDS, and WHO on pediatric, adolescent, and adult HIV and TB care, and advises on observed strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within the HIV/AIDS health sector in the country.

The Specialist fosters and measures better HIV outcomes for infants, children, adolescents, and adults, with particular emphasis on treatment coverage for children and adolescents which lags behind that of adults.  The Specialist works to improve outcomes for children, include increased uptake of Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and post-weaning testing, early testing of children and adolescents, efficient and immediate linkage to care and treatment, and life-long adherence and retention.  The Specialist monitors measures of treatment linkages and viral load levels across age groups and geographic areas, and intervenes in USAID and other PEPFAR programs where viral load outcomes and monitoring can be advanced and/or improved; supports shared learning among PEPFAR prevention, pediatric, adolescent, and adult treatment, OVC, and key population technical partners, advisors, and national government representatives, particularly across the continuum of care; and, works with clinicians, lay program staff, managers, and GoB colleagues to apply policies and practices of the GoB, PEPFAR, and international organizations and partners.

Program/Project/Activity Design, Development, and Management – 25%

As COR/AOR the Specialist provides management of USAID-funded programs/projects/activities, monitoring of progress in achieving the objectives, and in achieving targets that are set on an annual basis; ensuring IPs provide services in accordance with national and/or international standards; advising CO/AO of instances where there is need to make revisions or adjustments to the awards being managed; and, provides substantial financial management, including completing quarterly accruals and monitoring the financial situation of IPs to ensure projects are sufficiently funded.  The Specialist participates in the strategic design and procurement of PEPFAR service delivery programs; and, due to the cross cutting nature of the PEPFAR/Botswana portfolio, assists other program areas in the design, procurement, and management of linkages to clinical services.  The Specialist works with PEPFAR-funded partners on design, implementation, and monitoring of programs, to ensure alignment to the latest PEPFAR and GoB guidance and policies; and, as a member of MOHW Technical Working Groups (TWGs), the Specialist keeps abreast of issues and advises partners accordingly.  The Specialist works with global and national partners to better utilize PEPFAR, national quality, and M&E systems, including better USAID partner use of MER indicators, and technical direction on how SIMS and MER data may be used to improve service provision for pediatric and adolescent care and treatment.  As the USAID clinical advisor, the Specialist advises Mission staff on the implementation of SIMS in the service delivery setting, and on how to interpret and mitigate issues identified.

Other            (15%)

The Specialist keeps counterparts informed of new PEPFAR initiatives, policies, and procedures; serves as collaborator and provider of technical assistance to MOHW, through membership on TWGs and regular contact with MOHW staff; and, advises on clinical guidelines, drug regimens, and provision of clinical services to adults and pediatrics.  The Specialist provides technical updates to partners and counterparts in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and liaises with SADC, UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF, GFATM, the World Bank, and other international partners to harmonize efforts to strengthen and support the HIV continuum of care.  The Specialist provides highly developed technical assistance to the total USAID/PEPFAR program, and to the development of national and local strategies and program planning to deliver successful bio-medical prevention programs, especially those targeting priority populations, such as adolescent girls and young women, key populations, and sexual violence survivors, all of which have clinical components that require the support of a staff member with an intimate knowledge of the relevant clinical guidelines and practices in Botswana.  The Specialist serves on inter-Agency TWGs as needed and appropriate, and is available to co-chair such groups as needed.

Physical condition:

The successful candidate will be required to pass a medical certification exam, paid for by the U.S. Government and security clearance. USAID prohibits discrimination in hiring and employment on the basis of physical or mental impairment.  USAID promotes, with reasonable accommodation, the full realization of equal employment opportunities for the disabled in recruitment, promotion, assignment, and training.

APPLYING

Applicability: This position is open to all Botswana citizens and Botswana permanent resident permit holders. USAID/Botswana management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, section need for continuity and residency status in determining successful applications. Current USG employees on probationary status (i.e., within their first year of employment) are not eligible to apply.

Compensation: The Project Development Assistance Specialist will be compensated in accordance with the U.S. Mission to Botswana’s Local Compensation Plan (LCP). The plan includes basic salary, miscellaneous allowance, pension fund and medical aid subsidy. Subject to qualification, compensation for dependents’ education assistance is also available.  The successful candidate’s salary level will be based on prior job-related experience and salary history.

References: Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

Security Clearance:  Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain an “employment authorization” if a US Citizen or US Green Card Holder.  This temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted.  Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

Methods of application submissions:

To Apply:

All interested and eligible candidates should visit  USAID.pnet.co.za to apply for this position. Applicants with pnet accounts can log-in from the above website to apply and first time users will be required to register  on the site before they can apply.  For an application to be considered complete include a high quality cover letter, explaining why you are qualified for the position, with the advert reference #, position title, and a CV of no more than 4 pages.

Failure to comply with these instructions may result in your application being considered “non- responsive” and eliminated from further consideration.

Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.

POINT OF CONTACT:        

Mr. Seja Matlakala     (012) 452 2358

Ms Gugu Madokwe     (012) 452 2225

Ms Lavinia Denation   (012) 452 2054

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION:

Medical Doctor’s Degree (MD), with additional training in HIV/AIDS, health care management, quality assurance, public health, reproductive health, TB, and/or other relevant specializations.

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: 

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience working with HIV and public health programs and activities in resource-poor settings, as well as demonstrated progressively responsible activity management experience in the form of programs or projects, is required.  At least five (5) years as a physician working in clinical settings that include HIV/AIDS services in Botswana is required.

POST ENTRY TRAINING:  

Familiarization training in USAID-specific procedures, regulations, and methods, and orientation to working from a donor-Agency perspective, etc., will be provided.  Formal COR/AOR certification courses are required for success in the position and will be provided.  Other training to maintain professional capability in the field, and other courses offered for professional USAID staff, and, courses, seminars, conferences, and other activities in fields related to the function, and needed to maintain and update professional qualifications, will be provided as they become available, subject to availability of funds.
LANGUAGE PROFIENCY:

Level IV (fluent) ability is required in written and spoken English. Level IV also required in Setswana.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: 

The Specialist must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of pediatric, adolescent, and adult HIV care and treatment, and experience working in or supporting clinical and community settings in Botswana, and the problems and policies in Botswana, from the business, political, and social perspectives.  The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Botswana; and, the health sector’s development problems, resources, and resource constraints, and the overall development prospects and priorities of the GoB; and, a good knowledge, or the potential to quickly acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance, of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities is required.  The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different levels of the GoB in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project/activity strategy and implementation plans; and, a good grasp of USG PEPFAR activities, and global partners such as UNAIDS, WHO, GFATM, UNICEF, the World Bank, and other national and international health program partners.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate pediatric, adolescent, and adult HIV health programs/projects/activities is required.  The Specialist must have excellent verbal communication skills, tact, and diplomacy in order to establish and develop sustainable working relations and a high level of trust with senior- and middle-level GoB officials, and with public and private organizations, such as primary USAID technical contacts in the health sector.  Verbal communication skills are also used to explain and interpret GoB attitudes, priorities, and the concerns to USAID and USG officials, and to negotiate program/project/activity plans and resolve program/project/activity implementation issues with appropriate organizations, technical advisors, IPs, counterparts, and peers.  Excellent writing skills are required, in order to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, project documentation, and briefing papers.  Good analytical ability is needed to interpret public policies, and to assist in the development of revised policies, as required; and, to develop and monitor the performance of budgets, and the development of periodic work plans.  Skill in project programming, policies, and plans, and in developing strategies for implementation, is desired.  The ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, program/project/activity, and administrative matters, is necessary.  The work requires good computer skills in order to manage assigned activities and to achieve set goals and achievements, both technical and financial.    

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  

The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV) reports to the Deputy Chief of the Health Office, and/or his/her designee.  The supervisor makes assignments in terms of overall objectives and resources available.  Completed work is reviewed in terms of achievement of program/project/activity goals, effectiveness in meeting host-country and USAID objectives, and integration with other initiatives in the Office and Mission portfolio.  Some technical direction may come from other professionals in the Office; in general, however, the Specialist is expected to exercise considerable autonomy and best judgment in discharging the duties of the assignment.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Continuing supervision of other Mission staff is not contemplated.  However, the Specialist is expected to serve as Team Leader on an ad hoc basis from time to time, and as a mentor to lower-graded staff in the Office and the Mission.

AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: 

Generally accepted international HIV/AIDS medical and ethical standards for treatment and research, such as WHO and UNAIDS, and PEPFAR strategic objectives and operating provisions are available.  Other guidelines include the Country Operational Plan (COP); USG (including Agency and PEPFAR) rules, regulations, and policies, issued both in writing and orally; PEPFAR/Agency-specific financial regulations; Agency-specific procurement regulations and requirements for developing and implementing grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements the Automated Directives System (ADS); and, USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, the FAR and AIDAR, and other published and unpublished guidelines.  Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation.

EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: 

Substantial judgment (discretion) is used daily in giving technical guidance to USG, USAID, and GoB colleagues, to IPs, and in representing USAID in multiple-stakeholder fora.  Management decisions over certain IPs are at the discretion of the Specialist.  Independent judgment is required for developing, implementing, and managing assigned programs/projects/activities, for reporting, and for other assignments.  Substantial judgment is required in analyzing and determining whether or not to recommend approval of proposed programs/projects/activities, in choosing among alternative proposals, and in evaluating data for reliability.

AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: 

The Specialist exercises the authority given to activity managers and CORs/AORs, and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy.  The Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment.  Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status.  Within the scope of the authority delegated, the Specialist may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem.  The Specialist may negotiate ad referendum for the immediate supervisor.    

NATURE, LEVEL, AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: 

The Specialist has a full range of contacts within the Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with IPs and grantees implementing USAID-funded programs/projects/activities in the sector.  Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staffs, and with senior staff as needed.  Host-government, local, and other contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented, and may be at any level – including Ministerial, Deputy Minister, etc.  Frequent and substantive personal contacts with senior-level officials of the GoB, and with the private sector, are for the purpose of explaining and defending USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret GoB and private-sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials.

TIME EXPECTED TO REACH FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL: 

One year

Evaluation Criteria and Weights:

1.   Education/Weighted 5% based on initial application review;

2.   English Language Skills/Weighted 20% based on application review, written assessment, and interview;

3.   Prior Work Experience/Weighted 15% based on application review and interview;

4.   Knowledge/Weighted 30% based on written assessment and interview; and

5.   Skills and Abilities/Weighted 30% based on written assessment and interview.

How the Selection will be made:

The successful candidate will be selected based upon the following:

1. a preliminary review of the applicant’s submitted package (which includes the cover letter and CV) to establish that minimum educational, work experience, and English writing fluency requirements are met;
2. tests to include an English writing skills test; a Microsoft Office proficiency test that might include any of the following: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and any technical skills test that might be deemed appropriate;
3. a personal face to face interview; and
4. reference checks.

• USAID/SA’s Human Resources Section will perform the preliminary review (Step 1 above) to eliminate those applications that do not meet the minimum educational and written English language requirements before forwarding the rest to the Technical Office or Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for further review and assessment.
• The Technical Evaluation Committee will review each of the forwarded applications against the established evaluation criteria to develop a shortlist of applicants to be tested and possibly interviewed.  Applicants will be contacted for testing (Step 2) and interviews.
• Following the interview (Step 3) during which the applicant will be evaluated against the established criteria, the TEC will make a preliminary determination of candidates to be considered for employment and forward that list to HR. The TEC will conduct and document reference checks. (Step 4) prior to advising the TEC of the results of these checks. Please note that references may be solicited from current as well as former supervisors in addition to the references you provide in your application package. References will only be solicited for those interviewed applicants who are being considered for ranking.
• Based on this final input, the TEC will make its final decision on which candidates to rank order, prepare a selection memo for the review and approval of the Contracting Officer, after which an offer of employment will be made to the successful candidate, and unsuccessful candidates who were interviewed will be contacted and advised of their non-selection.
• As positive medical and security clearances are a condition of employment, the selected candidate will undergo stringent investigation prior to employment with the USAID Mission.

FSN 12: P542, 198.00- P786,200.00 (Full Performance- Basic Salary)