22-72 Project Management Specialist (Water Security, Sanitation and Hygiene)

GENERAL INFORMATION

USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANT’S BANK ACCOUNTS.

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 22-72
2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 30, 2022
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 16, 2022 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).
4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Kenya and East Africa Human Resources, e-mail at [email protected]
5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Water Security, Sanitation and Hygiene).
6. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-11 Step 1 (4,792,523 KSH per annum) to Step 13 (8,147,267 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.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The services provided under this contract are expected to be of a continuing nature that will be executed by USAID through a series of sequential contracts, subject to the availability of funds, the continued need for services and successful performance. It is anticipated that the selection of the successful candidate will be completed within an estimated six-month period from the closing date of this solicitation. The base period will be for one year with the commencement date based upon successful medical clearance and security certification. Contingent on Agency needs, the Contracting Officer may exercise four additional option periods from the contract commencement date.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya;with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Kenyan Citizens. Current locally hired employees of the US Mission in Kenya Employees presently on probation are ineligible to apply.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Security certification issued by the US Embassy RSO.
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The Project Management Specialist for Water Security, Sanitation and Hygiene (WSSH) supports the WSSH portfolio within USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s (USAID/KEA) Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI). OEGI aims to reduce hunger and poverty; increase the resilience of communities; enable affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; increase sustainable delivery of water and sanitation services and catalyze finance, trade, investment and innovation.

This position operates under the direction of the Water Security, Sanitation and Hygiene (WSSH) Team Leader with latitude for planning, organizing, and executing assigned responsibilities. The incumbent performs challenging and complex work within the WSSH portfolio. This position requires technical expertise in the field of water and sanitation, and practical knowledge of program and project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent provides technical leadership and project management to the WSSH portfolio and contributes WSSH expertise to other technical teams across the Mission. S/he is required to possess a high degree of competence and maturity, and will contribute to productive relationships with the Embassy, other donors, the private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and private voluntary organizations (PVOs) from the local, regional, and international arenas. The incumbent is expected to incorporate USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance, private sector engagement, collaborative learning and adaptation, and other USAID strategic initiatives into all activity design, implementation, and evaluation duties. S/he must understand and apply technical best practice and applicable laws and agency regulations. The position entails effective and continuous communication with Government of Kenya (GOK) and / or regional officials on all levels, helping to ensure that USAID/KEA is fully engaged in the sector reform agenda.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

1. Program Coordination and Project/Activity Management 50%

The incumbent plans, designs, develops, and manages new and existing WSSH programs and activities as a member of the WSSH Team. These duties include support to activity design and procurement processes, activity or project implementation, identification and resolution of program issues, and compliance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. S/he will serve as the Contracting /Agreement Officer’s Representative or activity manager for programs and activities. This coordination will include field travel to monitor activities and regular site visits to review implementation of WSSH programs. The Specialist will analyze financial reports, including reporting on activity burn rates and pipelines and expenditure accruals, reviewing reports from partners with particular attention to activity and financial indicators. Manages interactions with partners including helping to develop sustainable strategies to facilitate medium to long-term impact of partner activities, providing direction and capacity strengthening, reaching agreement on follow-up activities and to ensure they are effectively carried out.

2. Technical Leadership and Representational Duties 30%

The incumbent serves as a technical advisor for WSSH issues to USAID/KEA, its partners, and to other U.S. Government entities, including the U.S. Embassy. S/he will be an expert resource on WSSH issues and will be expected to participate actively in internal and external strategy discussions and produce analyses and perform briefings in the area of expertise as required. The incumbent will provide strategic direction around WSSH activities that are innovative and sustainable. Leads formulation of USAID/KEA/OEGI’s strategic approach to WSSH programming, aligned with the Agency’s Water and Development Plan under the U.S. Government Global Water Strategy.

Collaboratively with the WSSH Team Leaders, represents USAID/KEA/OEGI at technical, policy and strategic meetings, including with other national collaborators and donor agencies. Makes presentations at meetings and conferences on issues relating to water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives, and shares USAID’s experiences in this area. Working with the Team Leader and other USG counterparts, organizes learning events to update USG partners on and build their capacity in state-of-the-art approaches.

The incumbent executes the vision of the WSSH Team to accomplish OEGI WSSH objectives. S/he also conducts site visits to the field, represents the WSSH Team in multisectoral efforts, and attends international training and WSSH fora when needed and relevant for position. The Project Management Specialist will be required to assist in creating a supportive work environment that values diversity and elicits the highest possible level of performance from all team members.

3. Information Management and Reporting 20%

The Specialist will be responsible for reporting on Kenya-specific information related to select aspects of the OEGI/WSSH portfolio as part of the Mission’s annual planning and reporting process, participates in the preparation of technical documents and notifications, and prepares implementing documents such as program descriptions and scopes of objectives/work for new solicitations. Contributes to project appraisal documents, results reviews and resource requests, portfolio reviews, annual budget submissions, and other Mission documentation. Prepares and clears WSSH-related documentation such as action memorandum, implementation letters, scopes of work and accompanying budgets. Liaises closely with all USAID/KEA OEGI supported activities and team members to provide analysis and reports as required, including those for presentation at national, regional and international meetings and conferences.

Supervisory Relationship

The incumbent will receive supervision from the WSSH Team Leader, who makes assignments in terms of overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent is expected to handle work assignments independently according to established policies, previous training, and accepted practices. S/he will be expected to develop her/his own work schedule and procedures for accomplishing tasks, and to resolve problems that may arise during execution of objectives. 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 OEGI Office and Mission portfolio.

Supervisory Controls

Supervision over others is not anticipated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated.

1. Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Water/Civil/ Environmental or Biosystems Engineering, Geology, Agriculture, Environmental Health, Public Health or another relevant field is required.
2. Prior Work Experience At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in urban and/or rural water supply, household sanitation, hygiene promotion, and development program management is required.
3. Language Proficiency: Level IV English speaking, reading, and writing skills is required.

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.

– Job Knowledge (50 points)

A comprehensive knowledge of the theories and practices around household WSSH is mandatory. Experience in the management of USG and other bilateral or multilateral donor funded projects is required. Direct hands-on experience on improving water and sanitation services and hygiene promotion in rural areas, informal urban settlements, and/or displaced persons camps. Experience in strengthening policy frameworks and capacity of local governments, utilities, regulatory agencies, etc. Good understanding of strategy, programming and implementation activities related to WSSH. Knowledge of water and sanitation sector development in the relevant region, including understanding of emerging, evidence-based approaches in technology selection, policies/enabling environment, institutional structures, community governance, financing, environmental sustainability, and social/cultural issues including gender.

– Skills and abilities (50 points)

Due to frequent interaction with external stakeholders in high stakes environments, the jobholder must be able to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions and communicate effectively to ensure positive working relationships are maintained. Proven ability to adapt to change, synthesize new information, and then provide sound advice to Mission management and others. Ability to assess problems and develop solutions such as planning for and administering funds, personnel, and equipment to best serve WSSH program oversight objectives; ability to work with minimal supervision and work in a fast-paced environment; and strong organizational skills. Must be able to produce publishable quality written documentation and to make oral presentations before high level officials.

Total possible points: 100

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit any required forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Benefits and allowances are offered in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan (LCP).

TAXES

The Contractor must observe Kenyan laws including those concerning income and related tax obligations.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and TCN PSC 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://www.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. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award.
3. Acquisition & 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 https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations
5. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor 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: [email protected]