263-19-502-Development_Outreach_and_Communications_Specialist.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-19-502

ISSUANCE DATE: 02/25/2019

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 03/11/2019 at 4:30pm Cairo time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Brian L. Carney

Contracting Officer

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1A Nady El Etisalat Street (off Laselki) New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code11435

(2-02) 2522-7000 cairomedia@usaid.gov usaid.gov/egypt | #usaidegypt | @usaidegypt

263-19-502

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 263-19-502

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 02/25/2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 03/11/2019 at 4:30 pm Cairo time

4. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Specialist, Program Office

5. MARKET VALUE: $75,628 - $98,317 equivalent to GS-13

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with options to renew.

Employment shall be for an initial period of one year with an option to extend the contract in yearly increments for up to five years. This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Cairo, Egypt with possible travel as stated in the

Statement of Work.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret clearance

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens.

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

11. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Human Resources Office - e-mail at usaidhr@usaid.gov .

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

USAID/Egypt manages one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. For nearly four decades, the American people have partnered with the people of Egypt to promote an environment where all groups in Egyptian society, including women and minorities, can lead healthy, productive lives. USAID’s program in Egypt, totaling roughly $30 billion since 1978, has directly and fundamentally supported gains such as a reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates, improvement in reading ability in the early grades, and an increase in marketable skills – leading to jobs and lasting prosperity in Egypt. The program is of the highest strategic importance to the U.S.

mailto:usaidhr@usaid.gov

Government (USG) and USAID, and public understanding of the program’s accomplishments is critical to its success.

This Development Outreach and Communications Specialist is on the Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team in the Program Office and works directly under the supervision of the Senior DOC. The Program Office provides overarching strategic guidance to the Mission and programmatic advice to the Mission Front Office and the three technical offices. The Program Office manages the mission’s $670 million portfolio and the multi-million Egyptian Pound local currency program account. The Program Office provides intellectual leadership and rigor in aligning USG policies and strategies through strategic planning, project design, program budget planning, monitoring, evaluations, reporting; donor coordination; Government of Egypt relations; and public outreach for the Mission with a team of 18, consisting of 3 USDHs, 2 USPSCs, and 13 FSNs.

The work requires close collaboration with the Embassy Public Affairs Section, Mission

Director, Deputy Mission Director, Mission senior staff, Mission Program Office, technical team staff, and partners, as well as USAID in Washington. It will be critical for the incumbent to have an understanding of the concerns and attitudes of the Egyptian public, the Government of Egypt, and local staff and partners.

MAJOR DURTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Information and Publicity Materials (50%)

The DOC will work with the Senior DOC to manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Egypt’s programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Egypt, in accordance with the

Mission’s communications strategy and evolving circumstances and in full coordination with broader USG strategy and objectives in Egypt.

It will be especially critical for the incumbent to be adept at eliciting and applying input from many sources in the Mission and throughout Egypt to ensure that USAID programs are actively and appropriately publicized. This will require some experience in the public relations field, as well as a deep understanding of USG foreign policy. The use of judgment in these functions, as well as cultural sensitivity, is particularly important as it relates to USG foreign policy and relationships with the Egyptian government and public.

The incumbent supports the USAID/Egypt Mission by supporting the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate information, including fact sheets, press releases, responses for requests for information, briefing papers, talking points, and other public information materials related to USAID/Egypt activities. These documents must be written in clear, concise English, prepared for reporters and general audiences, and designed for print, video, event, and web use. The incumbent assists in preparing submissions for USAID public information platforms and social media outlets in Egypt and the U.S.

The incumbent assists in the maintenance of the Agency’s website, develops social media content for the Mission and USAID public-information platforms and social media sites, and edits materials supplied by USAID/Egypt’s implementing partners. The incumbent assists in researching, writing, and editing of USAID situation reports such as briefing papers and cables, based on information from technical offices, implementers, legacy reports, evaluations, and other sources. The DOC also supports major USG and congressional visitors by assisting in the preparation of briefing materials and scene setters.

Public Events, Activities, and Interaction with USAID Offices and Implementing

Partners (40%)

The incumbent will help with the large workload expected from outreach activities commemorating the 40th anniversary of USAID in Egypt. The incumbent will conduct research and produce legacy documents to support the anniversary events. The incumbent will work closely with the Senior DOC to coordinate public events including ceremonies, conferences, and ribbon cuttings. In coordination with the Senior DOC, the incumbent’s duties include, but are not limited, to the following:

1) Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with PAS, the

USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, implementing partners, and as appropriate, Government of Egypt partners. Organize background briefings for the media;

compile and disseminate press packets; submit all press releases and interview requests to

PAS (and LPA as appropriate) for review and approval.

2) Write, review, and/or edit press releases, speeches, talking points, briefers, and scene setters for USAID events including conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies.

3) Assist with event protocol, site selection, staging, and logistics; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; write and/or edit briefers, scene setters, and remarks for USG representatives; and provide on-site coordination of the media.

4) Oversee the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/Egypt and to Embassy and Washington stakeholders.

5) Photograph and/or shoot video of USAID events for USAID and Embassy websites, social media feeds, and mission archives.

Other Activities as Appropriate (10%)

From time to time, the incumbent may be required to perform other duties relevant to this position that are not specifically described above. Such additional duties as assigned by the

Senior DOC or designee are considered inherent to the position as well as the smooth functioning of a results-oriented USAID Mission.

POSITION ELEMENTS:

1. Exercise Judgment: Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities.

The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with

USAID/Egypt personnel as well as representatives from other organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID’s Code of

Ethics and Conduct.

2. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

3. Supervisory Relationship: The position does not have any supervisory responsibility.

4. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent reports directly to the Senior DOC with general technical guidance from the Legislative and Public Affairs Office of USAID/Washington.

5. Available Guidelines: USAID Automated Directives System; Foreign Affairs Manual;

USAID/Egypt Strategic Communications Plan; the DOC survival manual; USAID Graphic

Standards Manual. The Public Outreach activities reflect a base of services developed in the

Mission over a period of several years and in response to emerging needs. USAID general guidelines regarding allowable communications activities and relationships with PAS and the media; standard Agency procurement and contracting procedures; priorities set by approved strategies; U.S. Embassy guidelines on public outreach and media relations.

6. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will work extensively with

USAID technical staff in preparing public information materials and events. This may include regular contact with implementing partner outreach points of contact. The incumbent works closely with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section on a range of activities including briefing materials, events, and media contacts. Contacts will occur with individuals – including senior level management - inside and outside of USAID to assist in preparations for special events. This includes other U.S. government officials, journalists and other media representatives, implementing partners, and Government of Egypt representatives.

7. Other Requirements: The incumbent must be:

- Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required/necessary;

and,

- Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and a Dept. of State medical clearance within a reasonable amount of time after being selected.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

All candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be screened accordingly, and only those that meet the below, required criteria, will be moved forward in the recruitment process.

1. Education: (10 points) Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in from an accredited college or university in Media, Communications, Journalism, English Literature, Public Relations, International Relations, Social Sciences or other related field is required..

2. Prior Work Experience: (35 points)

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs, international development or cross cultural communications is required. The incumbent must have successfully demonstrated experience in using social media; organizing and conducting roundtables and other events; producing content, videos, podcasts; planning and delivering training; and working productively with all aspects of government. Prior USAID outreach experience is preferred.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

1. Education: (10 points) Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in from an accredited college or university in Media, Communications, Journalism, English Literature, Public Relations, International Relations, Social Sciences or other related field is required..

2. Prior Work Experience: (35 points)

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs, international development or cross cultural communications is required. The incumbent must have successfully demonstrated experience in using social media; organizing and conducting roundtables and other events; producing content, videos, podcasts; planning and delivering training; and working productively with all aspects of government. Prior USAID outreach experience is preferred.

3. Language and Writing Proficiency: (20 points)

Proven ability to write in clear, concise English on short deadlines. Experience drafting speeches and developing briefers for senior leadership for a variety of audiences. Writing samples are required. English fluency is required.

4. Abilities and Skills: (35 points) Demonstrated history of effectiveness in a multicultural team environment, working with a wide range of individuals and organizations in a developing country context. Proven ability to explain complicated processes clearly, facilitate productive multi-disciplinary teamwork, motivate subordinates and professionally mentor less experienced colleagues. Strong human relations skills and demonstrated ability to be persuasive, culturally sensitive, and diplomatic with a range of audiences, including successful relations with host government representatives, journalists and media, Embassy and USG, VIP visitors, NGO and donor representatives. Superior written and oral communication skills are required along with demonstrated ability to gather and convey information clearly and concisely, to make oral presentations and prepare verbal interpretation, concise documents, reports and other written.

Selection Factors Scoring Percentage

Education 10%

Prior Work Experience 35%

Language and Writing Proficiency 20%

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 35%

TOTAL 100%

* As per details reflected under Qualifications above.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A U.S. citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a “Secret” level Security Clearance.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a State Department Medical Clearance for assignment to Cairo, Egypt. Details of how to obtain US Department of State

Medical Clearance will be provided.

4. Complete Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Training before arriving in

Cairo.

5. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary.

6. Willing to travel to work sites/offices outside of Cairo as/when requested.

IV. APPLYING

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

Signed Form AID 309-2, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/)

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years from the applicant’s professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

Applicants also must address the above Section III, EVALUATION AND

SELECTION FACTORS, in a summary statement to be included in the application.

This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item

3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11.

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the

CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

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

1. Application for Federal Employment (AID 309-2);

2. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution (USPSCs only)

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (USPSCs only)

*Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and

Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations

(Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=92

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(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), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State

Income taxes.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical

Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations