NSDD-38 U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STAFFING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MASERU 000402 SIPDIS DEPT FOR M/PRI TONI PONCE GABORONE FOR R/HRO CASSANDRA HAMBLIN PRETORIA FOR RHAP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AODE AMGT KMRS LT SUBJECT: NSDD-38 U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STAFFING REQUEST FOR MASERU, LESOTHO REF: STATE 114698 ¶1. Embassy Maseru approves in principle and welcomes the addition of three United States Agency for International Development Health Positions in Lesotho as detailed in the NSDD-38 request. Post is pleased to provide the following with respect to the USAID NSDD-38 request to place this additional staffing at U.S. Embassy Maseru, namely a GS-13 five year PSC appointment USAID Care and Treatment Specialist, a GS-13 five year PSC appointment Community-Based OVC/Care Specialist and a GS-13 five year PSC appointment Health Systems Strengthening Specialist. ¶2. The in-country USAID presence requested under this NSDD-38 is included in Maseru's FY11 MSP, cited under Performance Goal Paper - Containing the HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Revitalizing Health Infrastructure and further detailed in the OGAC 2009 PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP). ¶3. Embassy Maseru is currently understaffed and under budgeted to support fully all existing program and activities. The Mission, therefore, presently has no other resources available to support additional President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) activities in Lesotho anticipated to be $140 million over the next five years. These three proposed USAID positions are required to implement and monitor on-going PEPFAR activities. ¶4. Post agrees with USAID's NSDD-38 application that TDY, FSN, or local contractor personnel are insufficient to support fully this program. The PEPFAR program is a Presidential initiative and a significant foreign policy program for the United States. The Lesotho PEPFAR program involves substantial taxpayer resources and requires a high degree of technical knowledge of and coordination with USAID headquarters, the Government of Lesotho (GOL),partnering USG agencies, and other donors on issues that are politically sensitive, financially important and technically and diplomatically complex. The Chief of Mission concurs with USAID that these new staffing positions are in the best interest of USG efforts to support PEPFAR and its associated programs, and that these positions must be filled by PSC employees with appropriate security clearances. ¶5. Post has worked in close cooperation with USAID to develop a plan for management services, office space, residential housing, and funding to support this increase in staffing. We agree that USAID should subscribe to the full range of ICASS services to support these positions. We have agreed on the renovation and provision of space on the chancery compound to house the USAID staff in light of security concerns at this critical crime threat post and on funding for staffing increases. ¶6. Post concurs with USAID that the benefits of this program are very substantial relative to the inherent security risks associated with additional personnel on the ground. We are working very closely with all appropriate offices to manage and mitigate potential security risks. ¶7. Consequently, the Chief of Mission approves the United States Agency for International Development request case number: USAID-AMC0-0038-2009 subject to the following conditions: A) All positions shall fall under Chief of Mission authority. B) USAID provides sufficient funding to undertake the following: a) financially support to the degree proportionate to new total staffing requirements the renovation of existing warehouse space, fitting it out to become functional office space to support the increased three-person staffing footprint; b) procure and deliver furniture, furnishings, and equipment to support the entirety of USAID office functions; c) lease appropriate housing, including fitting all post-required security upgrades to conform to the Interagency Housing Board (IAHB) and Regional Security Office (RSO) guidelines and regulations; d) procure and deliver residential furniture and furnishings MASERU 00000402 002 OF 002 (including emergency power supply (generators),appliances, heaters, air conditioners, curtains, etc.) which conform to post practice and IAHB guidelines; e) provide for all direct staffing and benefit costs associated with all USAID personnel employed at post. C) Diplomatic Security provides prerequisite approvals/waivers for the renovations of existing facilities to allow co-location of USAID offices on the current Embassy compound. In the absence of such approvals/waivers, USAID must provide funding for leasing of commercial office space. D) All USAID personnel must complete appropriate security training, at the Foreign Service Institute if practical, on the operational and security requirements associated with an assignment to a U.S. mission overseas. ¶8. Post requests acceptance of these conditions by telegram response at the earliest convenience. NOLAN