Job title: Supervisory Development Outreach & Communication
(S/DOC) Specialist
Subject: USAID/UGANDA: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Supervisory Development Outreach & Communication (S/DOC) Specialist
ISSUANCE DATE: November 19, 2010
CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2010
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID)/Uganda, is seeking applications from qualified individuals: U.S. Citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation.
Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:
1) Complete and hand-sign federal form OF-612.
2) Curriculum vitae or resume.
3) Three (3) to five (5) references with current contact information. References must be able to provide substantive information about past performance relevant to the applicant's ability to execute the duties and responsibilities as detailed in the scope of work.
All application reviews will be based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID/Uganda reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.
Any questions may be directed to Grace Nakaddu or Edward Michalski, who may be reached by email gnakaddu@usaid.gov (telephone 256-414-259-791/5 or 256-414-306-001 or fax 256-414-306-661).
Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their application.
Sincerely,
Edward Michalski
Supervisory Executive Officer
ATTACHMENT TO
SOLICITATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR
Supervisory Development Outreach & Communication (S/DOC) Specialist
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 617-0000-11-0002
2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 19, 2010
3. CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2010: 9:00 a.m.
4. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Development Outreach & Communication (S/DOC) Specialist
5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: A base of two years from date of appointment with three annual options to extend to a maximum of five years. Exercising the option to extend will depend on the U.S. Government’s continuing need of services and availability of funds, and satisfactory or better performance by the incumbent contractor. The U.S. Government shall give the contractor a preliminary notice of its intent to extend at least thirty (30) days before the contract expires. This preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.
MARKET VALUE: The position is classified at the equivalent of a GS-14 with an annual salary range of $84,697 to $110,104. Salary will be negotiated within this range and determined based on past salary and work history, experience, and educational background of the successful candidate.
The standard compensation also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Kampala, Uganda (currently set at the rate of 25% of base pay), housing, international travel, shipment benefits and other applicable allowances. If the selected candidate is a resident hire under USAID regulations (a U.S. citizen who at the time of hiring as PSC, resides in Uganda) then s/he will not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contribution for FICA, health and life insurance).
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
8. AREA OF CONSIDEREATION: US Citizens only
9. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Clearance Level
10. POSITION DESCRIPTION:
A. BACKGROUND/OVERVIEW
USAID/Uganda’s activities are of exceptionally broad scope and complexity. In FY 2010 (FY10), the overall U.S. Government (USG) assistance to Uganda totaled $341M. USAID/Uganda directed $131.5M to mitigate the effects of the 23-year conflict in northern Uganda, integrally linking USG interagency efforts in the areas of HIV/AIDS, infrastructure, defense and diplomacy. The USAID development program contains 68 active assistance awards with a total multi-year portfolio value of $765M. The Mission’s complex and challenging assistance program consists of five action areas: economic growth and biodiversity; health and education; democracy and governance; regional peace and security; and humanitarian assistance. Mission programs implementing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) are among the largest in the world. The Mission manages one of the largest biodiversity earmarks in Africa and concluded its Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) threshold program in 2009. USAID programs promote the critical U.S. national security goal of a stable Uganda that takes a leadership role in regional peacekeeping, including its operations in Somalia and efforts to end civil conflict in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Mission operates a satellite office at Gulu in northern Uganda that coordinates regional relief and development efforts.
The S/DOC Specialist is an essential and indispensable member of the Office of Program and Policy Development responsible for producing and disseminating public information about mission activities for Ugandan and American consumption and to educate and promote a better understanding of USAID/Uganda programs. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for strategically planning, developing, implementing, and administering the DOC program to promote better awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign assistance to Uganda. S/he guides, coordinates, and oversees the mission's communication practices and outreach efforts, helping to ensure that they reflect the U.S. Government's (USG) priorities and promote USAID's accomplishments to key audiences. S/he is also responsible for relaying related policies and achievements to key audiences of the host country, in the United States, and throughout other donor countries.
The S/DOC Specialist will collaborate closely with USAID/Uganda’s technical offices and implementing partners to develop and implement the Mission's overall communication strategy. The S/DOC Specialist is also the mission's primary liaison with the US Embassy Public Affairs Office (PAO) to ensure coordination and collaboration on USAID public activities and projects. S/he will also serve as USAID/Uganda’s principal liaison with USAID's Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs in Washington.
B. MAJOR DUTIES
1. Management of DOC Activities
Responsible for the overall management of all DOC activities including setting priorities for the accomplishment of DOC strategy objectives; ensuring that systems are in place to efficiently meet recurring DOC demands (e.g., public events, briefing books, media inquiries, etc.); managing the budget for public affairs activities, including travel; overseeing the publication of materials; supervising the maintenance of DOC financial records, DOC materials and files; and having a key role in creating content for the website. Requires extensive high-level contacts within the U.S. community in both Uganda and Washington, D.C. (including with the USAID Director and Deputy Director; the U.S. Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), PAO; USAID/W senior staff), and Chiefs of Party of implementing partners.
2. Public Information
(i) Oversee the development, review, and implementation of USAID’s DOC/public relations strategy/plan towards the goals of promoting the mission’s program to external and internal audiences, facilitating information access and sharing within the mission, and strengthening the mission’s reporting functions. This strategy should support the overall U.S. Mission communications strategy for Uganda. In particular, the strategy must take into account the cost/benefits of particular inputs and outputs in order to optimize communications tools and distribution to the broadest audiences possible.
(ii) Counsel the USAID mission on the selection, targeting, and placement of potential DOC materials in keeping with USAID’s country program strategy. S/he takes into account the need to identify and focus on key sectors that have a natural appeal to local interest as well as USG policies; the importance of ensuring that publicity material used will be noncontroversial; and that the material is visually appealing, well-defined, and contains a human interest element. The incumbent is responsible for implementing policies and procedures for mission communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the mission and Embassy and with implementing partners, including templates for various communications tools, setting and monitoring performance/standards for creating and finalizing DOC materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.
(iii) The position requires excellent writing skills to communicate about USAID programs to a variety of internal and external audiences through a variety of media. Given the wide variety of writing required, the position requires sound judgment in tailoring writing to the specific audience at hand, which may vary greatly to include: the Ambassador, U.S. Congressional staffers, Ugandan public, Ugandan press, technical experts, etc. Such written products include, but are not limited to:
• USAID/Uganda brochures, background papers
• Q&A’s for Congressional Testimony
• USAID/W public information products
• Speeches and/or talking points for the Mission Director, Ambassador, and other Mission or USG officials
• Press releases
• Project inauguration backgrounders
• Web-based content (to include developing recommendations to improve usefulness and effectiveness of website)
3. Event Coordination and Media Relations
(i) Serve as the principal USAID contact for local and international press and media. Working closely under the guidance of the U.S. Mission Public Affairs Officer and USAID/W, maintain press and media contacts and advise the Mission Director, USAID staff and partners on public information, press and media issues.
(ii) Coordinate efforts to promote press and media coverage of USAID activities, ensuring quality control and standard messages.
(iii) Coordinate with USAID technical teams, implementing partners, and the PAO in planning public diplomacy, press conference and field events related to USAID activities. This may involve leading the advance team, establishing event schedules, coordinating meetings and briefings with partners, other donors and officials, ascertaining staging requirements, possibly negotiating protocol with government officials, and on-site coordination of media. Facilitate contacts among members of the media and USAID implementers to encourage coverage of USAID programs in the local and international press.
(iv) As directed by the Mission Director and Team Leader, and in collaboration with the PAO, respond to inquiries from the general public and the media about USAID programs, practices and any other general information requests. Provide guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media.
4. Building Mission Capacity for More Effective Public Outreach
(i) Oversee and provide guidance to Contracting Officer’s Technical Representatives or Agreement Officer’s Technical Representatives (COTRs/AOTRs) and implementing partners on issues related to branding. Review and advise on Implementing Partner Branding Strategies, provide guidance on USAID branding policy, and provide creative leadership in branding implementation through projects and public events.
(ii) Develop and implement internal Mission programs to increase Mission staff awareness of public outreach efforts. Provide training and support to staff on as-needed basis through regular programs or on an ad hoc basis.
(iii) Develop and oversee the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation plan for the Mission's DOC activities. Oversee the design of public surveys and media campaigns to increase USAID's public image.
(iv) Oversee the development and standardization of various Mission processes and policies related to public outreach and event planning, including formats for briefing materials, VIP visits, and delegation of responsibilities to various offices. Bring best practices used in other missions and replicate similar ideas for the mission to enhance USAID's public image.
C. POSITION ELEMENTS:
Supervisory Controls: The S/DOC Specialist will report to the Supervisory Program Officer (the Team Leader). Given the professional level of the S/DOC Specialist, supervision is exercised in terms of broadly defined guidance and flexible instructions. The S/DOC Specialist is expected to take self-initiative in planning, executing and determining assignments that provide technically authoritative, expected results.
Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Regulations (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, and Mission Notices. Judgment and ingenuity are required of the incumbent to interpret the intent of policies, directives and guidelines in his/her field of expertise and s/he should have the ability and experience to develop applications and guidelines.
Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent has wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to accomplish work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility. Substantial reliance is placed on the incumbent’s use of judgment concerning priority and effectiveness of public relations documentation and activities. Judgment and ingenuity are required not only to interpret the intent of guidance and to develop application/guidelines but also to make quick decisions in settings that require immediate development outreach communication action with crucial implications on U.S. interest and no U.S. senior officials present to consult. Incumbent must react to and interpret changing circumstances in the local and international media and their effects on his/her work schedule and direct colleagues and subordinates to use effective means and skills on rescheduled work.
Authority to Make Commitments: None. Incumbent’s recommendations though will lay basis for making commitments and contribute to policy decisions made by the Mission management team. The incumbent will, however, be required to head activities with no senior officials present that will require his/her expertise and leadership in such events as planning and coordinating partner workshops, donor conferences, project/program Press briefings, and conferences.
Nature, Level and Purposes of Contacts: Personal senior level contacts are with the Mission Director, USAID officials, local professional and international media, U.S. Embassy personnel including the Ambassador, USAID/W Bureaus, staff of implementers and institutional contractors’ Chief of Party, local community leaders, as well as key host country officials and counterparts. Through effective development outreach communication actions, the incumbent must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in working with senior professional contacts for the purposes of negotiating, persuading and gaining favorable impressions for USG activities, as well as acquiring support and rapport for U.S. projects and progress.
Supervision/Oversight over Others: This position is designated as a supervisory position with oversight of one to two Foreign Service Nationals. Given the highly specialized nature of the work, the incumbent shall provide indirect supervision to USAID employees concerning their work products and activities which intersect with the DOC responsibilities including site or fact sheets, press releases, interview skills, and site preparations.
Information Systems and Information Security: The incumbent is responsible for operating USAID information systems and information security to a level of “Separation of Duties", “Individual Accountability” and “Need to Know” as defined in ADS 545.3.2.1 and also below:
A. Separation of Duties – That an individual does not have the authority to complete an entire process (multiple independent actions), such that each action acts as a "check" on other actions within the process. This "compartmentalizes" the independent actions, and decreases an individual's ability to perform multiple actions or to complete the entire process, which may result in a security breach.
B. Individual Accountability – That an individual is solely responsible for his or her actions. He or she may be required to explain and defend those actions to organizational authorities that can impose penalties against misuse or abuse of authorized actions.
C. Need to Know – That an individual, in the performance of his or her duties, has the requirement to access specific information which would otherwise not be accessible to him or her. He or she must protect the information, using safeguards appropriate to its sensitivity level, to ensure that other individuals who do not have an access requirement or authorization do not access it.
D. QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
This position requires a combination of leadership, expertise, analytical, technical, and managerial skills. The incumbent must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures. The incumbent must be familiar with working well in an overseas environment with a wide range of governmental, non governmental counterparts, local, regional, and international press.
The successful applicant must be able to obtain a USAID Secret security clearance. She/he must also be able to secure a State Department medical clearance.
Applicants who do not provide evidence that they meet the below qualification requirements shall not be considered. After an initial application screening, the best-qualified applicants will be invited to a testing process, which will include a written exam and oral interview.
The factors are listed in descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications:
Prior Work Experience (30 points):
(1) Five to seven years of successful professional experience with writing and communications that demonstrate skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, public information, events planning, editing, publishing, layout, webpage design and maintenance;
(2) Proven experience working for an international development organization where the dissemination of information to a variety of targeted audiences and the general public as well as designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns were an integral part of the responsibilities is essential;
(3) Demonstrated experience working with senior managers from different disciplines to formulate and package strategic messages.
Skills and Abilities (30 points):
1) Superior writing skills and the capacity to present complex information accurately, succinctly and creatively for a variety of target audiences;
2) The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities;
3) A demonstrated ability to work as a team member, as well as provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies;
4) Demonstrated analytical ability, superior communication skills, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to execute media campaigns and programs while taking into account a variety of contingencies;
5) Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines;
6) Strong computer skills in the full range of MS software, including spreadsheet, database, PowerPoint and graphics.
7) Familiarity with digital camera and videotaping equipment.
Knowledge (20 points): A working knowledge of media relations, publishing, webpage design and events planning. The incumbent should have a general knowledge of other USG agencies and international development organizations/programs.
Education (10 points): Master’s degree, or its equivalent in post-graduate studies, in mass communication, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, communications, or in another field relevant to development studies. (You must attach a copy of your Master’s degree completion certificate along with your application form and resume.)
Language Proficiency (10 points): Must be proficient (fluent) in both spoken and written English.
11. NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: The most qualified candidates may be interviewed. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. USAID/Uganda shall not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.
12. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION:
Subject to availability of funds, this will be a two year contract, with an option to USAID to extend for three one-year contract periods depending upon continuing need of the services, and satisfactory or better performance, pursuant to FAR 52.217-9. Intended start date is during the first quarter of calendar year 2011.
This position has been classified at a U. S. Government GS-14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the range depending on qualifications and previous earning history.
This solicitation is for an American Citizens only Personal Services Contractor and benefits and allowances will be paid in accordance with the policies and procedures set out in USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar/pdf. These are summarized below.
A. OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES:
(1) Benefits:
1. Employee’s F.I.C.A & MEDICARE contributions
2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
-- 72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,000 for a family and $7,266 for employee without a family)
--50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $500
3. Pay Comparability Adjustment
-- Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs
4. Annual Step Increase except if at the top step of the grade
5. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
6. Annual & Sick Leave
7. Shipment and Storage of Household Effects
8. Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle)
Additional benefits are available in accord with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g. international airfare from place of residence, Rest and Recuperation (R&R), unaccompanied air baggage allowance, consumables allowance, repatriation travel, and furnished housing.
(2) Allowances (if applicable)*
A. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
B. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
C. Post Allowance (Section 220)
D. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
E. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
F. Education Allowance (Section 270)
G. Education Travel (Section 280)
H. Post Differential (Chapter 500)
I. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure(Section 600)
J. Danger Pay (Section 650)
B. LOCAL HIRE USPSC BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES:
If the selected candidate is a U.S. Citizen resident in Uganda at the time of hire; h/she will not be eligible for any fringe benefits except the following:
1. Employee’s F.I.C.A & MEDICARE contributions
2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
-- 72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,266 for employee without a family)
--50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $500
3. Pay Comparability Adjustment
-- Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs
4. Annual Step Increase except if at the top step of the grade
5. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
6. Annual & Sick Leave
Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income inclusion.
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertaining to PSCs are available at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/
CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to the website to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D also applies to PSCs, which can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
C. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES:
(1) Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a Secret security clearance. Upon submission of the required documentation, a temporary security clearance will be requested from AID/Security in Washington D.C. while a personal background investigation is conducted for the required Secret level clearance.
(2) Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, if an offshore candidate is selected, the individual and his/her eligible family members will be required to obtain a Department of State Medical Services medical clearance or waiver for the country of performance specified: Uganda
If the selected individual is a resident hire, this would be from his/her physician/medical doctor of medicine. Instructions for obtaining a medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once contract negotiations are concluded.
NOTE: If a temporary security clearance and medical clearance are not obtained within 4 months, the offer may be rescinded.
List of Required Forms for a USPSC:
(A) Optional Form 612
Note: The forms listed below (B through G) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
(B) Contractor Physical Examination (DS Form 1843),
(C) EQIP Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF-86), or
(D) EQIP Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
(E) EQIP Signature Forms (3-CER, REL, MEL)
(F) Finger print Card (SF-87) (available from requirements office)
(G) AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)
13. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified individuals MUST submit:
A. Completed and hand-signed U.S. Government Optional Form 612 available websites Shortcut to: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf
B. Curriculum vitae/resume.
C. Three (3) to five (5) references.
To ensure applications are received in the Executive Office before the closing date, applications shall be submitted preferably by email. Additionally, fax, handcarry, DHL or FEDEX air courier are acceptable.
VIA EMAIL: To gnakaddu@usaid.gov copy to gmuntu@usaid.gov
VIA FAX: To Fax Number: 256-414-306-661
(VIA HANDCARRY/INTERNATIONAL COURIER)
Executive Officer
USAID/Uganda
US Embassy Compound – South Wing
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
P. O. Box 7856, Kampala, Uganda
CLOSING DATE: Applications must be in the USAID/Uganda Executive Office no later than 9:00 a.m. Monday, December 6, 2010.
NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION
This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.
Filling this position is contingent upon availability of funding and completion of final internal administrative approvals.
11:55 PM
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