Website USAID Nepal
JOB OPPORTUNITY
USAID/Nepal invites applications for employment from all interested and qualified candidates for the position of Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease) in the Health Office, under a Foreign Service National (FSN) Personal Services Contract (PSC) subject to availability of funds.
OPEN TO: All interested and qualified candidates
POSITION: Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease) – FSNPSC-11
OPENING DATE: April 1, 2022
CLOSING DATE: April 28, 2022 – 5:00 P.M. Kathmandu time
WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week
NOTE: ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
USAID/Nepal’s Health Office (HO) manages programming in maternal and child health; nutrition; water, sanitation, hygiene, and water resources management; HIV/AIDS; disability/rehabilitation; infectious disease; and family planning/reproductive health. In addition, USAID/Nepal invests in cross-cutting areas of systems strengthening support, including: strengthening the decentralized health system through improved health governance, financing, and data for decision-making; improving human resources for health capacity; and strengthening supply chain and pharmaceutical management systems to support sustainable access to and appropriate use of safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable essential medicines and related pharmaceutical equipment. HO has 19 staff organized into two technical teams: 1) Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition, 2) Family Planning, HIV/AIDS, and Social Marketing.
The USAID Project Management Specialist – Infectious Diseases (the “Specialist”) serves as a technical leader and resource in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of infectious disease (including COVID-19) -related outbreak response programs/projects/activities. The Specialist serves as the in-house subject matter leader on infectious diseases and outbreaks/pandemic threats, including transmission pathways, diagnostics, case management, community interventions/prevention measures, and data analytics and research.
The Specialist serves as a key resource to the Mission and US Government (USG) in policy, strategic, and technical engagements with the cooperating country Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) and other ministries engaged in outbreak response, and with USG interagency, international and bilateral organizations, development partners and donor agencies to address technical issues and coordinate efforts in implementation of infectious disease prevention, detection and response activities. In addition, the Specialist serves as a Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR), Alternate COR/AOR and/or Activity Manager, providing technical assistance to the appropriate cooperating country Ministry in the development of national policies, and the design and management of in-country programs/projects/activities, reflecting best practices in pandemic threat response. The Specialist works with the cooperating country government officials and other donors and development partners to ensure a
well-coordinated approach to infectious disease response efforts/interventions.
The Specialist is a key member of the Health Office. The jobholder reports to the Senior Health Technical
Advisor and has no formal supervisory responsibility.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
a. Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or local equivalent from an accredited program in Public Health, International Development, Health, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Medicine, Pharmacy, Pandemic Threats or equivalent is required.
b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in
the field of public health programming in developing or middle-income countries, with a focus on pandemic threats or infectious diseases is required.
c. Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USG-specific procedures,
regulations, and methods. Formal COR/AOR training is required for successful performance in the position and will be provided. S/he must participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training and demonstrate the ability to explain how these concepts can effectively be integrated into development programming and the workplace environment. Appropriate training courses will be offered, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds.
d. Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in English and in the appropriate host-country business
language, both written and spoken, is required. Language competence may be tested.
e. Job Knowledge: The Specialist must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of development
principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to managing outbreak response activities and vaccines in Nepal, and the problems and policies of Nepal from the business, political, civil society, and social perspectives. The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Nepal and the region; development problems in the outbreak management sector in Nepal and the region; and an understanding of the resources, resource constraints, and overall development prospects and priorities of Nepal and the region.
f. Skills and Abilities: The jobholder must possess strong technical and analytical skills in infectious disease prevention, detection and outbreaks/pandemic threat response. The jobholder must possess strong skills in communication, advocacy and networking. S/he must have strong conceptual and analytical skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts into operational plans and results.
This position requires an outstanding ability to exercise flexibility to be able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts. The jobholder must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing. S/he exercises individual judgement in his/her roles. S/he takes initiative and offers leadership in reviewing the progress of programs and projects under his/her responsibility, including performance reports, pipeline management, program implementation reviews, as well as fulfilling other USAID and USG reporting requirements. S/he demonstrates timely decision-making ability and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, using diplomacy and tact.
S/he must demonstrate understanding of and be able to explain the concepts of diversity, inclusion, and equity and relate them to their work. S/he must have the ability to gain and apply knowledge of USG and GON context and policies on diversity, inclusion, and equity. A detailed job description for the position can be obtained by visiting USAID/Nepal’s website at http://www.usaid.gov/nepal/careers or by requesting USAID/Nepal’s Human Resources Office (USAIDNepalHR@usaid.gov).
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and a resume – not to exceed 3 pages – and any other
documentation that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed in the full job
description. Please provide names of three references and their contact numbers and email addresses as
well. Please send your application to the attention of USAID/Nepal Human Resources Office, U.S.
Embassy Maharajgunj, G.P.O. Box. 295, Kathmandu, Nepal. Applications may be sent electronically to:
USAIDNepalHR@usaid.gov
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to participate in the hiring process.
USAID/Nepal is an equal opportunity employer committed to a staff composition that reflects the social
and ethnic diversity of Nepali society. We believe that social inclusion and diversity contribute to
excellence. USAID/Nepal makes hiring decisions without regard for gender, gender identity, caste, race,
ethnicity, disability, marital status, age (if over 40), or sexual orientation. Applicants from ALL
backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Position Description
USAID Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease Specialist)-FSNPSC-11
USAID/Nepal Health Office
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
USAID/Nepal’s Health Office (HO) manages programming in maternal and child health; nutrition; water, sanitation, hygiene, and water resources management; HIV/AIDS; disability/rehabilitation; infectious disease; and family planning/reproductive health. In addition, USAID/Nepal invests in cross-cutting areas of systems strengthening support, including: strengthening the decentralized health system through improved health governance, financing, and data for decision-making; improving human resources for health capacity; and strengthening supply chain and pharmaceutical management systems to support sustainable access to and appropriate use of safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable essential medicines and related pharmaceutical equipment. HO has 19 staff organized into two technical teams: 1) Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition, 2) Family Planning, HIV/AIDS, and Social Marketing.
The USAID Project Management Specialist – Infectious Diseases (the “Specialist”) serves as a technical
leader and resource in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of infectious disease (including COVID-19) -related outbreak response programs/projects/activities. The Specialist serves as the in-house subject matter leader on infectious diseases and outbreaks/pandemic threats, including transmission pathways, diagnostics, case management, community interventions/prevention measures, and data analytics and research.
The Specialist serves as a key resource to the Mission and US Government (USG) in policy, strategic, and technical engagements with the cooperating country Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) and other ministries engaged in outbreak response, and with USG interagency, international and bilateral organizations, development partners and donor agencies to address technical issues and coordinate efforts in implementation of infectious disease prevention, detection and response activities. In addition, the Specialist serves as a Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR), Alternate COR/AOR and/or Activity Manager, providing technical assistance to the appropriate cooperating country Ministry in the development of national policies, and the design and management of in-country programs/projects/activities, reflecting best practices in pandemic threat response. The Specialist works with the cooperating country government officials and other donors and development partners to ensure a
well-coordinated approach to infectious disease response efforts/interventions.
The Specialist is a key member of the Health Office. The jobholder reports to the Senior Health Technical Advisor and has no formal supervisory responsibility.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES % OF
TIME
Technical and Strategic Leadership 50%
- Serve as a senior-level technical resource on infectious disease prevention, detection and response, providing high level technical guidance to the Mission, the cooperating country Government, and other development partners.
- Provide strategic and technical guidance and input on infectious disease response activities and ensure that activities are appropriately integrated with Health Office and larger Mission activities.
- Provide technical assistance and oversight to implementing partners to ensure that infectious disease activities are carried out in alignment with approved work plans, Health Office and USAID Mission guidance and priorities.
- Stay abreast of state-of-the-art knowledge on programming and coordinates exchanges and sharing of best practices among USAID, USG and other stakeholders to track evolving infectious disease data, case management techniques, and vaccine roll out to strengthen infectious disease response approaches. Advise accordingly on how these policies and strategies can most effectively be incorporated to enhance USAID’s approaches.
- In collaboration with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning colleagues, participate in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools to support measuring the impact and outcomes of infectious disease activities. Promote culture of learning and use of data for improved program performance.
- Provide technical guidance in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents including the Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, Semi- Annual and Annual Progress Reports and other ad hoc requests for information.
- Provide technical guidance and leadership for all infectious disease-related reporting requirements.
- Identify short-term technical assistance (STTA) and ensure that objectives and outcomes of the STTA are consistent with and support the furtherance of the Mission infectious disease and pandemic threat response portfolio.
- Organize site visits and prepare orientation materials for delegations from USAID Headquarters (HQ), Department of State, other agencies and Congress.
Program/Project/Activity Management 25%
- Serve as a COR/AOR and/or Activity Manager for infectious disease programs/projects/activities, providing financial and programmatic oversight to ensure contracts and grants achieve anticipated results, and are linked to and enhance attainment of the Health Office, Mission, and USG objectives.
- Conduct site visits as required in order to monitor progress, and to provide technical and programmatic recommendations to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and judicious use of U.S. Government (USG) funding.
- Participate in the design of project mechanisms and activities to prevent, detect and respond to infectious diseases and other pandemic threats.
Representation and Reporting 25%
- Represent USAID at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to infectious diseases, including regular participation in national level technical working groups, emergency operations committees, professional associations, and related committees. Participate in COVAX and other coordination meetings and multi-partner program reviews.
- As a member of the Health Team, respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work related requirements, including responding to requests for information from the Mission Director, the Embassy, USAID/Washington, and Congress.
- As requested by the Mission Director, Health Office Director and/or Unit Leader, represent USAID at meetings outside of the infectious disease/pandemic threat field when needed.
- Establish strategic working relationships with senior MOHP and other relevant ministry officials at the national and sub-national level, development partners, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, private sector health counterparts, and professional associations to enhance regular and timely sharing of information on issues related to strategic planning and direction, private sector engagement, changes in key policies, and legal and regulatory environments that could affect the implementation of USAID programs.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE:
a. Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or local equivalent from an accredited program in Public Health, International Development, Health, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Medicine, Pharmacy, Pandemic Threats or equivalent is required.
b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in
the field of public health programming in developing or middle-income countries, with a focus on pandemic threats or infectious diseases is required.
c. Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USG-specific procedures,
regulations, and methods. Formal COR/AOR training is required for successful performance in the
position and will be provided. S/he must participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training and
demonstrate the ability to explain how these concepts can effectively be integrated into development
programming and the workplace environment. Appropriate training courses will be offered, subject to
course offerings and the availability of funds.
d. Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in English and in the appropriate host-country business language, both written and spoken, is required. Language competence may be tested.
e. Job Knowledge: The Specialist must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to managing outbreak response activities and vaccines in Nepal, and the problems and policies of Nepal from the business, political, civil society, and social perspectives. The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Nepal and the region; development problems in the outbreak management sector in Nepal and the region; and an understanding of the resources, resource constraints, and overall development prospects and priorities of Nepal and the region.
f. Skills and Abilities: The jobholder must possess strong technical and analytical skills in infectious disease prevention, detection and outbreaks/pandemic threat response. The jobholder must possess strong skills in communication, advocacy and networking. S/he must have strong conceptual and analytical skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts into operational plans and
results.
This position requires an outstanding ability to exercise flexibility to be able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts. The jobholder must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing. S/he exercises individual judgement in his/her roles. S/he takes initiative and offers leadership in reviewing the progress of programs and projects under his/her responsibility, including performance reports, pipeline management, program implementation reviews, as well as fulfilling other USAID and USG reporting requirements. S/he demonstrates timely decision-making ability and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, using diplomacy and tact.
S/he must demonstrate understanding of and be able to explain the concepts of diversity, inclusion, and equity and relate them to their work. S/he must have the ability to gain and apply knowledge of USG and GON context and policies on diversity, inclusion, and equity.
POSITION ELEMENTS:
a. Supervision Received: The Specialist will report to the Senior Health Technical Advisor in the Health Office in USAID. S/he is expected to work independently in carrying out responsibilities. S/he is expected to develop annual work objectives in consultation with his/her supervisor. 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 cooperating 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 will be expected to exercise considerable autonomy and best judgment in discharging the duties of the assignment.
b. Supervision Exercised: Continuing supervision of other Health Office and/or Mission staff is not contemplated.
c. 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.
The job holder is required to understand Mission and Agency-specific policies and procedures that
govern project activity management in addition to administrative operating procedures, policies
and formats established by the Department of State. The jobholder will be required to be proactive
in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect Infectious Diseases response
programming.
d. Exercise of Judgment: The jobholder will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in representing USAID and in providing guidance to Mission staff, government officials and implementing partners. Substantial reliance will be placed on the jobholder to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. The jobholder will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant guidance (for management/administrative issues) and evidence-based strategies (for technical issues) to advance the Mission’s objectives. The use of initiative, discretion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and
teamwork is expected of the jobholder to resolve challenges for which there are no clear or immediate solutions. In the event that no formal guidance exists, the jobholder will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment, making independent decisions that can be defended as necessary and seeking input when appropriate.
e. Authority to Make Commitments: When fully designated as COR/AOR or Activity Manager, s/he will have full authority and responsibility as delegated by ADS, Mission, and USAID guidelines. However, because of the Specialist’s expertise and professional standing in his/her field, substantial weight will be given to his/her recommendations while commitments are made by those with the authority to do so.
f. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The jobholder occupies a high profile and important position in the Mission. S/he represents USAID in engagements with high levels of a variety of cooperating-country government officials, including but not limited to Ministry of Health and other Ministry officials at the district, provincial and national levels, donors, private and nongovernmental organizations, and provides policy recommendations as well as strategic and programmatic advice to senior USAID and US Government officials, other donors, and implementing partners. S/he is required to establish and maintain professional contacts/relationships with senior officials and leaders of private and nongovernmental sector institutions that partner on Infectious Diseases/outbreak activities and to seek to leverage funding. Internally, the jobholder has routine and frequent contact with senior officials of the other members of the USAID Mission, personnel at the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington and other USG agencies, partner organizations, institutional contractors and consultants.
g. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: 12 months.