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