Project Specialist Pretoria - USAID Southern Africa - Pretoria

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72067424R10011 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 3, 2024 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 17, 2024, at 17:00, Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa 4. Point OF CONTRACT: Kim Sias at ksiasusaid.gov 5. POSITION TITLE: Project Development Specialist – Data Scientist 6. MARKET VALUE: R847,979 – R1,187,164 per annum, equivalent to FSN Grade 11 In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Southern Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five years renewable contract subject to funds availability and need for the position. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pretoria, South Africa, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. 9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility access 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Internal and external applicants 11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Basic Function of Position: The USAID Project Development Specialist (Data Scientist) position, based in the USAID office in Pretoria, plays a lead role in the development of effective strategic information and monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems and products in support of the full range of implementing mechanisms. The Specialist holds a pivotal role, developing data products that guides BHO leadership to oversee and improve the implementation of programs implemented and will promote the utilization of data to inform strategic planning and program refinement processes as the Bilateral Health Office (BHO) continues to localize the design and management of its programs at subnational levels. The Specialist works with across the U.S. government interagency with tasks, including but not limited to, data monitoring, transformation and processing, reporting, analytics, and visualization, as well as for health informatics and health information systems support. As a subject matter expert, the Specialist engages government officials, implementing partners and other stakeholders in the development and use of data systems and analytical products. Where appropriate, the Specialist also serves as an Activity Manager, responsible for providing technical and programmatic guidance to assigned activities. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Performance Management 40% Applies sound data science principles and methods to track changes objectively and systematically, and to measure progress towards relevant health priorities. Acquires, processes, manages, analyzes and interprets data from a range of sources to inform programmatic decision making. Provides guidance to technical staff on defining measurable indicators and targets for desired programmatic results Prepares professional data visualizations for use by USAID, implementing partners, South African government, and other external stakeholders. Produces and edits quarterly, semi-annual, and annual performance reports. Prepares data requirements for the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan, and other quarterly/semi-annual/annual routine performance reports and processes (e.g., data completeness checks) Conducts site improvement, data quality and other types of program monitoring visits. The job holder is expected to travel approximately 10-15% of the time. Trains and mentors USAID staff and implementing partners in data analysis, use, visualization and other relevant skills. Supports the Office and implementing partners to integrate data science into planning, delivering, and assessing health and development programs. Participates in the strategic design and procurement of new programs, including support for the development of logical frameworks and monitoring and evaluation plans. As assigned, serves as a Contract/Agreement Officer's Representative (C/AOR) for a grants or contracts, which comprises management of budgets as well as administrative, financial, and technical management and oversight. Data Management 40% Designs, facilitates, and promotes user-friendly means to collect, organize, clean, store, analyze, and share disparate, complex datasets, with attention to security and confidentiality, and with sensitivity to the country context. Leads the development and implementation of data, evaluation and learning agendas for the Office that comply with USAID policy and promotes a continuous learning environment across the program. Supports staff and technical specialists on planning, designing, and implementing appropriate evaluations to ensure evaluations are planned and carried out in a high quality and professional manner. Specific tasks include drafting evaluation scopes of work (SOW), providing technical assistance and guidance to external evaluation teams and contractors; and providing technical feedback on draft evaluation reports. Provides technical support for internal and implementing partners' design and re-design of information systems, making adequate use of relevant techniques, such as data analytics, machine learning, and predictive analytics. Provides guidance to implementing partners to ensure appropriate data capture, storage, curation, transfer/entry, and quality. Serves as technical and subject matter authority in the management of data and analytics requirements, policies, procedures, and tools to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of quality data. Participate in the negotiation of data-user agreements with the South African government and other external stakeholders. Technical Leadership and Representation 20% Advises staff, supervisor, Office Chief, Mission leadership, and others, as assigned, on local matters of importance to data quality, use, and program oversight. Provides technical guidance to the Department of Health and other host-country counterparts to ensure that national data is available and reliable; and that USAID program data contributes to relevant district, provincial and national health information. Collaborates with USAID, USAID implementing partners, South African government, and other external stakeholders on special data analytics projects for monitoring, evaluations, research, and learning. Participates in the U.S. Government Inter-Agency Strategic Information Technical Working Group. Establishes and maintains close working relationships with relevant stakeholders and technically represents USAID to the South African government, implementing partners, the U.S. Interagency (e.g. Centers for Disease Control, Department of State etc.) other stakeholders. Represents USAID to external organizations, donor committees, professional meetings and other external bodies, as assigned. CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa. POSITION ELEMENTS Job Knowledge: Advanced understanding of strategic information, particularly data management and use is required. Knowledge of epidemiology and HIV and TB service delivery data elements required. Knowledge of database and information system design required. General knowledge of USG, donor, multilateral organization or similar policies, procedures, and reporting requirements. Skills and Abilities : Advanced analytic skills required. Ability to present the findings from complex data analysis to programmatic staff and leadership in easy to use and interpretable formats is required. Advanced skills in the use of R, Python, SQL or similar statistical software and programming language is required. Advanced skills in the use of Tableau, Power BI, or a similar business intelligence tool is required. Ability to prepare written material in a clear manner and according to professional standards is also required. The ability to operate independently with limited direct supervision of day-to-day activities. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team is also required. Ability to orientate, train and guide staff. Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work within a large cross-cultural team of healthcare technical advisors, program managers and other staff from different USG agencies (USAID, CDC, DOD, DOS, and Peace Corps) are also required. Ability to travel is required. Post Entry Training : Familiarization training in USAID- and PEPFAR-specific procedures, regulations, and methods, and orientation to working from a donor-Agency perspective, will be provided. Successful completion of formal C/AOR training is necessary for proper job performance and will be provided. Training to maintain professional capability in the field, and other courses offered for professional USAID staff, as appropriate; and courses, seminars, conferences, and other activities in fields related to the function and needed to maintain and update professional qualifications may be provided as they become available, subject to availability of funds. Supervision Received : The Specialist works under the very general supervision of the Health Office Chief and the closer general supervision of the Strategic Information Team Lead. Supervision Exercised : The supervision of other staff is not contemplated. The Specialist may be assigned as a group/Team Leader but will not serve as a full supervisor. The Specialist is expected to serve as mentor to C/AORs, Assistant-level staff, and others in SI and MEL systems and processes, and to provide other work guidance as assigned. Available Guidelines : 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. Exercise of Judgment : T he Specialist operates independently, and his/her work is reviewed primarily on the basis of results achieved within the broad constraints of policy and priorities. A COR/AOR must exercise an unusually high degree of sound judgment in handling all aspects of health development actions, as outlined in the position description Authority to Make Commitments : The Specialist exercises the authority given to all FSN/CCN Advisors, AORs/CORs, and Activity Managers, and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission and Office policy. The Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and superiors informed of activity 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 has no independent authority to commit the USG to the expenditure of funds but may negotiate a referendum for the 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 implementing USAID-funded programs/projects/activities in the sector. Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staff, 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. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with officials of the host government, and with the private sector, are for the purpose of explaining and defending Health Office and USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret host-government and private-sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials. In addition, the Specialist provides technical assistance and guidance on best practices to USG staff, and host-government and partners. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level : One year. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1 . The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c) . In accordance with FAR 52.215-1 , if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far . The following factors, and points for each, will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. FACTOR 1 - Relevant Work Experience 35 points: Minimum of seven (7) years' professional experience in monitoring and evaluation of public health programming; and additionally, in at least two of the following relevant areas: biostatistics, data analytics, data visualization, monitoring and evaluation, health information systems or surveillance systems. FACTOR 2 – Job Knowledge - 30 points: Advanced understanding of strategic information, particularly data management Knowledge of epidemiology and HIV and TB service delivery data elements Knowledge of database and information system design. Knowledge of USG, donor, multilateral organization or similar policies, procedures, and reporting requirements. FACTOR 3 – Skills & Abilities - 35 points: Advanced skills in the use of R, Python, SQL or similar statistical software and programming language. Advanced skills in the use of Tableau, Power BI, or a similar business intelligence tool. Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Total Factor Points - 100 points Interview Performance - 100 points Selection Process: After the closing date for receipt of applications, applications will be reviewed for submission requirements and the established minimum requirements for the position. Applications that meet the minimum requirements will be forwarded to a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC). The TEC will review each of the forwarded applications against the established evaluation criteria to develop a shortlist of applicants to be tested and possibly interviewed. Shortlisted applicants may be further evaluated. Assessments to include English writing, computer and other technical skills may be administered to determine competitively ranked applicants for possible interviews. Competitively ranked applicants will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for the interviewed applicants. Following the interview, during which the applicant will be evaluated against the established criteria, the TEC will make a preliminary determination of applicants to be considered for employment and conduct and document reference checks. Please note that references may be solicited from current as well as former supervisors in addition to the references you provided in application packages. References will only be solicited for those interviewed applicants who are being considered for ranking. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about their past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant's concurrence. Based on this final input, the TEC will make its final decision on applicant ranking and submit a selection memo to the Contracting Officer (CO) for final determination on whether an offer of employment will be made. Unsuccessful applicants who were interviewed will be contacted and advised of their non-selection. As a positive medical clearance and security certification are a condition of employment, the selected candidate will undergo a stringent investigation prior to employment with USAID/SA. Submitting an Offer: All interested and eligible candidates should visit http://usaid.ci.hr to apply. Applicants with P-net 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. Kindly note that when you apply via cellphone you are not able to complete the required questionnaire. And if you do not complete the required questionnaire for the position, you will automatically be eliminated from further review. For an application to be considered complete, please include a high-quality cover letter, explaining why you are qualified for the position and a CV of no more than 4 pages, along with written responses, of no more than 750 words, to factors 2 and 3. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in your application being considered “non-responsive” and eliminated from further consideration. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. The U.S. Mission in South Africa provides opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also strives to ensure equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not follow the application instructions may be dropped from further consideration. Points of Contact: · Kim Sias, Telephone: (012) 452-2206 Applicability: This position is open to South African citizens and South African permanent resident permit holders. USAID Southern Africa management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, 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. 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. COMPENSATION This position will be compensated in accordance with the U.S. Mission for South Africa's Local Compensation Plan (LCP). The successful candidate's salary level will be based on prior job-related experience and salary history. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award: a. Conditional Selection Letter b. Security Eligibility Requirements c. Medical Clearances or Statements BENEFITS As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: basic salary, miscellaneous allowance, pension fund and medical aid subsidy in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan. TAXES Every CCNPSC staff member in the Mission regardless of agency affiliation is required as a condition of employment, to pay their taxes to the South African Government. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO CCNPSCs USAID regulations and policies governing CCNPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://w ww.usaid .gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https:// www.usaid.gov/forms will be used for this contract. 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins ( AAPDs/CIBs ) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds- cibs . 4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “ Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, ” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635 . See http s://w ww. og e .gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE Regulations . 5. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any PSC who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the Agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman . The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsmanusaid.gov . 6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference 52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION JUN 2023 Education: Master's degree in statistics, mathematics, public health, epidemiology, computer science, or a related field is required. Prior Work Experience : Minimum of seven (7) years' professional experience in monitoring and evaluation of public health programming; and additionally, in at least two of the following relevant areas: biostatistics, data analytics, data visualization, monitoring and evaluation, health information systems or surveillance systems. Language Proficiency : Excellent English (minimum Level IV – fluent) writing, speaking, and listening ability is required. Apply Now

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Project Specialist Pretoria - Pretoria

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