Solicitation SDOCS final 11-15-10.docx

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The USAID Mission in Serbia & Montenegro (USAID/SM) anticipates a vacancy in the Program Coordination and Strategy Office (PCSO) and is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing the PSC services as the Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (DOCS), described in the attached solicitation. Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) or a Standard Form 171 along with resume/curriculum vitae that includes three references with complete contact information (including current telephone number and email address).

Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/forms or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant’s CV may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will be handled in accordance with FAR 15.412.

This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID. USAID reserves the right to award or not to award a contract as contemplated herein, subject to availability of funds and other internal U.S. Government approvals.

Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Stevan Jovanovic, Human Resources Assistant, e-mail: sjovanovic@usaid.gov.

The successful applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Level security clearance from the USAID Office of Security and a Class I medical clearance from Department of State Medical Services within a reasonable time period.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

Sincerely, Jennifer Scott Supervisory Executive Officer USAID Serbia-Montenegro 5070 Belgrade Place Dulles, VA 20189

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 169-S-00-10-24923

ISSUANCE DATE: November 15, 2010

CLOSING DATE/TIME: December 13, 2010 / 17:00 Belgrade Time

POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach & Communications Specialist

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with the possibility of extensions.

Extensions will depend on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Belgrade, Serbia USAID/Serbia & Montenegro

SECURITY ACCESS: USAID Secret Clearance

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (DOCS) Belgrade, Serbia

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (DOCS) is located in the Program Coordination and Strategy Office (PCSO) of USAID/Serbia and Montenegro (USAID/SM). The Senior DOC Specialist (hereafter referred to as Senior DOCS) reports to the Supervisory Program Officer, but will have close and frequent interaction with the Mission Director. S/he maintains regular contact with and collaborates with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer (PAO) to ensure that Embassy personnel, including senior personnel, are properly apprised of USAID public activities and projects. S/he also serves as principal liaison with the Agency’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington (USAID/W). USAID/SM portfolio consists of broad range of programs in Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance with an overall 2010 budget of approximately $46.8 million (Serbia: $40.7 million and Montenegro: $6.1 million).

The Senior DOCS supports USAID/SM in the achievement of its objectives by producing and disseminating public information about the Mission’s activities for host country populations, as well as taking appropriate steps to ensure that quality information is produced for consumption by Washington counterparts (USAID, State Department and the U.S. Congress) and the American public. The Senior DOCS is responsible for collecting, investigating, managing, and distributing information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in both Serbia and Montenegro. The Senior DOCS serves as the Mission’s primary point of contact and liaison for public and media requests for information.

The USAID/SM Senior DOCS activities are of exceptionally broad scope and complexity. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for strategically planning, developing, implementing and administering the USAID Development Outreach and Communication program to promote better understanding of United States foreign assistance to Serbia and Montenegro, along with related policies and achievements among key audiences of the host country and among key audiences in the United States and other donor countries.

Finally, the Senior DOCS will engender commitment from the technical teams and USAID implementing partners such that effective communications and outreach is viewed as a shared objective. As such, the Senior DOCS is expected to provide guidance and appropriate context to USAID staff and implementing partners in producing information about the Mission’s activities with a strategic message and disseminating such information to target audiences. Given the nature of the position, strong leadership and teamwork skills are essential to inform and educate both American and Serbian audiences, and promote a better understanding of USAID’s programs.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Management of the DOC Unit and Coordination of Implementer Outreach Activities

The Senior DOCS is responsible for the providing outreach and communication guidance across the USAID Mission and overall management of the DOC Unit including setting priorities for the accomplishment of their DOC Unit strategy objectives to ensure that special DOC targets, as well as reoccurring DOC demands (e.g., public events) are met; managing the budget for public outreach activities; overseeing the publication of materials; supervising the maintenance of DOC financial records, materials and files; taking primary responsibility for Mission’s Web site; supervising an FSN professional who assists in overall functions of the unit; and coordinating with the designated FSN in Montenegro with DOC activities as part of his/her responsibilities to ensure that the USAID Mission in Montenegro remains an integral part of Serbia and Montenegro DOC activities. The position requires that the incumbent have extensive high-level contacts within the U.S. community based in Serbia and Montenegro and Washington (including the USAID Director and Deputy Director, the U.S. Ambassador, the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) and PAO, the USAID/Washington Administrator; and Bureau Chiefs), the host country community (such as Ministers, Members of Parliament and Non-Governmental Organizations) and Chief of Party of Implementing Partners. Also, key to the effectiveness of USAID public relations is the interaction with COTRs/AOTRs and implementer public relations staff members. The Senior DOCS is in direct and frequent contact with implementer PR staff to coordinate events, success stories and implementer outreach activities.

B. USAID DOC Strategy:

The Senior DOCS implements USAID's DOC public relations strategy and plans to articulate the Mission’s program to external and internal audiences, facilitating information access and sharing within the Mission, and strengthening the Mission’s transparency and reporting functions. In particular, the strategy takes into account the cost/benefits of particular inputs to outputs, to optimize communications tools and distribution to the broadest audiences possible. The incumbent counsels the USAID/SM mission on the selection, targeting and placement of potential DOC materials in keeping with USAID's Country Program Strategy. The Senior DOC Specialist must also take into account the need to identify and focus on key sectors that have a natural appeal to local interest, as well as U.S. Government policies; the importance of ensuring that publicity material used will be non-controversial; and that the material is visually appealing, well-defined and with a human interest element. S/he will also be responsible for putting in place policies and procedures for Mission communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the Mission and Embassy, as well as with implementing partners, including templates for various communication tools, standards for creating and finalizing DOC materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.

C. Media Relations:

1. The DOC Unit is responsible for all USAID/SM media and public relations activities including reporting on the SM media, preparing summaries of significant articles and broadcasts, and monitoring media trends that affect the USAID program. Maintains close, frequent professional contact with the highest levels of the SM media to fulfill this requirement, as well as coordinates with Public Affairs (PA) and USAID/Washington's Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA). This may include arranging interviews, briefings, tours of USAID projects, escorting journalists during these events, and keeping records of activities.

2. Keeps abreast of USAID events to ensure that appropriate press coverage is provided. Advises mission’s Front Office and staff if press coverage is not recommended for any culturally sensitive event.

3. Reviews the daily press to keep abreast of coverage that relates to USAID activities. Selects, translates and edits or summarizes items of interest for the USAID Director, Deputy Director and USAID staff.

4. Plans, researches, drafts and/or edits press releases and fact sheets for the USAID mission in SM. Coordinates with USAID technical offices and with Embassy’s PAO to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written material for the local media and other media.

5. Advises and works with PA to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including TV, radio and other media. Helps USAID technical offices define appropriate candidate activities for coverage, participates in field inspections and final selection, and accompanies TV/radio crews to site locations for filming.

D. Public Events and Activities:

1. Plans, schedules, publicizes and carries out activities to present their programs to the public. This may include a range of communication tools and distribution to a variety of audiences, with particular field trips to specific events or activities, as well as outreach and media coverage for overall programming.

2. Coordinates field travel and public affairs activities of the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director, as well as the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) and high-level visitors for USAID events. Prepares schedules and briefings in collaboration with mission staff, and arranges for photo/video and media coverage as appropriate.

3. For site visits or events that involve the U.S. Ambassador, the DCM, the USAID Mission Director or Deputy Mission Director, the Senior DOC Specialist will ensure that all information related to the events (e.g., backgrounders/scene setters, schedules, talking points, speeches, etc.) has been prepared and meets quality standards and time requirements.

4. Coordinates signing ceremonies, inaugurations and/or dedications of USAID projects including drafting press releases for placement in the SM press, USAID homepage, as well as coordinating with appropriate SM and USAID officials on logistics, schedules, guest lists, seating and other arrangements related to the events.

E. Publicity Material

1. Oversees the development and production of key periodic materials created by the DOC unit, including the bulletin which is distributed throughout Serbia as a supplement in a national daily newspaper, materials for updating the Web site, and others as deemed necessary.

2. Reviews proposed speeches, video tapes on project activities, brochures, booklets, handouts, signs and other public relations materials to evaluate quality, propriety in terms of sensitivity to local culture, and accuracy of content. Ensures that all materialsmeet USAID branding guidance. Recommends revisions, reprinting or other appropriate action. Works closely with USAID implementers and advices them on the quality of publicity material. Ensures partners are giving appropriate acknowledgement of USAID, “the American People,” or the United States when promoting their project’s activities.

3. Works with USAID technical staff to develop briefing materials for handouts and other special needs. Prepares VIP briefing and press packets for use during USAID site visits or media events. Selects information to be included.

4. Manages the preparation and updating of regional profiles, which must be coordinated with Mission staff. Develops a good data base of information on where USAID is working in particular regions to be available for site visits and reporting, as needed.

5. Prepare submissions for Weekly Administrator’s Report and prepares submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including the Administrator’s Blog, Facebook and YouTube.

F. Maintenance of USAID/SM external Website:

Responsible for updating USAID/SM’s external website to ensure that it’s content will have optimal impact on providing information about USAID/SM and its programs for a wide range of audiences. Responsibilities include writing updates on activities and events, coordinating the selection of information displayed on the Website and clearing content as well as overseeing placement.

G. Editing

The DOC is required to fill other editing tasks as needed by the Mission; this includes reports and other documents for internal or external audiences.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

A. Education: Bachelor’s of Art (BA) in Journalism, international relations or development, public administration or a related field is required. A Master’s Degree in one of the above fields is desirable.

B. Prior Work Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible experience in related fields is required, with at least three years of experience in public relations and/or journalism. Previous work experience with U.S. Government or international development organization is highly desirable.

C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - i) Demonstrated skills and extensive hands-on experience in public relations are required; ii) A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies is required, experience with the SEE region is highly desirable; iii) The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts, and sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media are essential elements of the job; iv) A demonstrated ability to supervise staff and work flows, and work as a team member, as well as the ability to plan and execute media campaigns and programs; v) Must possess broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, excellent communication skills and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies; and, vi) Must be comfortable working independently, managing several activities at once and working under very short deadlines.

D. Language Proficiency - Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required, as well as personal initiative, organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to present information creatively. Basic language skills in Serbian are an asset, but not required.

E. Computer skills – Microsoft Office, MS Outlook, Desktop Publishing is required. CorelDraw, Adobe Acrobat, familiarity with social media and basic Web Design and Maintenance is highly desirable.

POSITION ELEMENTS

A. Supervision Received: The Senior DOC Specialist reports to the American direct hire PSCO Office Director.

B. Available Guidelines: USAID general guidelines regarding allowable communications activities and relationships with PA and the media, including Branding Guidelines; standard Agency procurement and contracting procedures; priorities set by approved strategies; U.S. Embassy guidelines on public outreach and media relations.

C. Exercise of Judgment: Substantial reliance is placed on the employee's use of judgment concerning priority and effectiveness of public relations documentation and activities. Employee will frequently have to make important decisions out of the office (often out of town) with no facility for consulting with USDH supervisor. Employee must react to and interpret changing priorities and circumstances in the SM media and their effects on his/her work in coordination with various mission elements. Many important decisions will be based on employee’s experience and managerial skills. The employee must plan his/her work schedule independently and direct colleagues and subordinates to use skills and abilities effectively.

D. Authority to Make Commitments: Incumbent is responsible for budget planning and the preparation of procurement requests for publicity materials and related technical services which will be processed through the USDH supervisor. The incumbent is given broad discretion to discuss political, economic, and social dimensions of the USAID/SM program with the SM media representatives, and well as with highest-ranking members of USAID/US Embassy in Serbia and Montenegro.

E. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts

a. Relationship in the USAID Mission: The incumbent ensures that the many diverse elements of USAID and its constituencies play active roles in the development and implementation of USAID's public relations activities, taking a proactive role to ensure that these actions highlight the strong American-Serbian/Montenegrin relationship and emphasize the benefits that Serbia and Montenegro receives from American foreign assistance.

b. Relationship with Public Affairs: The Senior DOC Specialist works closely with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office on a range of activities including, but not limited to, public relations strategy development and contacts with the SM media. S/He ensures that key operational linkages and feedback systems are maintained.

c. Relationship with USAID/Washington: The Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), USAID/Washington, is an important stakeholder in public relations activities focused on U.S. foreign assistance to SM. The incumbent is the principal mission contact with LPA and is responsible for coordinating all appropriate actions with LPA's Public Relations Division and in ensuring that all Washington policies related to public relations are followed.

d. Other Relationships: The Senior DOC Specialist has a wide range of other contacts including the U.S. Embassy, involving at times the Office of the Ambassador, Government of SM ministry representatives, U.S. and Serbian and Montenegrin journalists, representatives from U.S. and Serbian and Montenegrin TV and writers. The incumbent maintains contact with local reporters, including foreign correspondents, and ensures that they are properly introduced to appropriate individuals at USAID and seeing that their questions are answered. The incumbent have close relationship with USAID contractors, indigenous and U.S. NGOs, and other donors.

e. Supervision Exercised: The Senior DOC Specialist is responsible for the supervision of one FSN PSC DOC Assistant based in Serbia, and oversees the technical work of an FSN professional staff person in Montenegro. At the same time, while the DOC does not directly supervise implementer PR staff, the DOC is responsible for ensuring that partner PR staff adheres to USAID’s Outreach and Communications strategy and work proactively to promote USAID’s activities in Serbia and Montenegro.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Education: 5 points

Bachelors of Art (BA) in Journalism, international relations or development, public administration or a related field is required. A Master’s Degree in one of the above fields is desirable.

2. Prior Work Experience: 15 points

Seven years of progressively responsible experience in related fields is required, with at least three years’ experience in public relations and/or journalism. Previous work experience with U.S. Government (USG) or international development organization is highly desirable.

3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 45 points

a) Demonstrated skills and extensive hands-on experience in public relations are required;

b) A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies is required; experience with the South East Europe region is highly desirable;

c) The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts, and sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media are essential elements of the job.

d) A demonstrated ability to supervise staff and work flows, and work as a team member, as well as the ability to plan and execute media campaigns and programs;

e) Must possess broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, excellent communication skills and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies; and,

f) Must be comfortable working independently, managing several activities at once and working under very short deadlines.

4. Language Proficiency: 25 points

Excellent written and oral English communication skills are required, as well as personal initiative, organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to present information creatively. Basic language skills in Serbian are an asset.

5. Computer & Communication Skills: 10 points

Microsoft (MS) Office, MS Outlook, and Desktop Publishing is required. CorelDraw, Adobe Acrobat, familiarity with social media and basic Web Design and Maintenance is highly desirable.

Total 100 points

Optimally, contract performance will commence as soon as the required security and medical clearances are both set. At its sole option, USAID may consider alternate start periods and/or may favor candidates who are able to start earlier in the final ranking and selection recommendation. If a mutually acceptable start date cannot be agreed, USAID retains the option to withdraw any offer of employment and to instead consider other candidates.

Should a selected candidate for any reason become unavailable, USAID at its sole discretion may decide to consider other candidates who have replied to this announcement or to re-advertise.

V. TERM OF PERFORMANCE / COMPENSATION

Within two weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances, including medical and security clearances, have been received, or unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the contractor shall proceed to Belgrade, Serbia, where s/he shall promptly commence performance of the duties specified above. The term of the contract will be for approximately two years with a possible extension contingent upon the needs of the Mission, contractor performance and availability of funds.

The position has been classified at a GS-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-13 pay scale, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-13 level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be at less than the minimum salary in the GS-13 pay scale.

In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time, and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added.

VI. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES

The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a secret level security clearance through USAID’s Office of Security and a worldwide available medical clearance from State Department’s Office of Medical Services. The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. Details on how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

VII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident-Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)

A. BENEFITS:

Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,399 for a family and $7,266 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500) Pay Comparability Adjustment --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education Allowance (Section 270) Education Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and Danger Pay (Section 650)

C. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

VIII. APPLYING

Qualified individuals must submit an Optional Form 612 which is available at the USAID websites, http://www.usaid.gov/forms , or at Federal offices. Resumes may be attached to the OF-612 and applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria.

The application, summary statement, or cover letter must list at least three references and provide current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

Belgrade-jobs@usaid.gov.

All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. The selection will be based on the panel evaluation of the applicants vis-à-vis selection criteria mentioned previously. Applicants should also note that the salary history for the purpose of the OF-612 is the salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. The OF-612 applications must be signed.

Points of Contact

Ms. Jennifer Scott, Executive Officer, Phone (in Serbia, Belgrade) - (+381) 11-306-4790; Email: jscott@usaid.gov.

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)**

3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)**

4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)**

5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 each**

6. AID 610-14 (Authority for Release of Information)**

7. AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)**

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

9. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974** ** Forms 2 through 9 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a security clearance.

2. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING

TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC)

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html to determine which CIBS and AAPDs apply to this contract.

Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Mission to Serbia and Montenegro U.S. Embassy Kneza Milosa 50 11 000 Belgrade Serbia and Montenegro Fax [+381-11-361-8267] www.usaid.org.yu image1.png