263-20-501-Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist.pdf

®~T~.A~Q I EGYPT

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-20-501

ISSUANCE DATE: 01/27/2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 02/12/2020 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.

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPl'1ENT IA Nady El Etisalat Street (off Laselki) New Maad~ Cairo, Egypt Postal Code 11435

BnanL. arney Contracting Officer

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

263-20-501

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 263-20-501

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 01/27/2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 02/12/2020 at 4:30 pm Cairo time

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

5. MARKET VALUE: $92,977.00 - $120,686.00 equivalent to GS-14 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:

US AID/Egypt manages one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. For over 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 over $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. Government (USG) and

USAID, and public understanding of the program's accomplishments is critical to its success.

This Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist leads the Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team in the Program Office and works directly under the supervision of the Program Office Director. 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 19, consisting of 3 USDHs, 3 USPSCs, and 13 FSNs.

MAJOR DURTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior DOC Specialist will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support ofUSAID/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 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 host government and public.

The work requires close collaboration with the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS), Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, Mission senior staff, Mission Program Office, and staff as well as USAID in Washington, specifically the Legislative and Public Affairs (LP A) office. 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.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Supervisory and Coordination Role: 25%

• Lead the Mission's Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team comprised of four team members to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives. Advise and coordinate with communication specialists in other technical offices at the Mission, as well as with implementing partner communication specialists.

• Lead the development and implementation of the Mission' s communications strategy and outreach plan. Monitor and evaluate progress toward communications objectives as outlined in the Mission-approved Communications Strategy.

• Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to USAID public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the Government of Egypt, implementing partners, and other donors and institutions.

• Coordinate with PAS, other USG agencies, and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development efforts and initiatives, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director.

• Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives, as well as their communications and media strategy and relations.

• Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency's Graphic Standards Manual.

• Oversee and provide regular trainings to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking. Work closely with CORs and AORs to ensure adherence to branding in the field. Seek guidance from RLO and LP A on any disputes or waiver requests.

2) Public Information and Publicity Materials: 25%

• Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission's offices and technical staff; and with implementing partners.

• Manage the drafting, editing, and disseminating of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, responses to requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID/Egypt's activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, and to the extent possible, Arabic, and prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for a variety of uses.

• Prepare and/or oversee submissions for USAID Frontlines/newsletters, and other USAID public information platforms including the Administrator's Blog, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.

• Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach. A social media strategy will be developed to complement the broader communications plan.

• Oversee the maintenance of the Mission's English-language web materials to ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date.

• Manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the USAID program in Egypt for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, USAID/Washington, LPA, the State Department, Congress, etc., including general information about Egypt.

• Oversee the writing and distribution of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, etc. Coordinate with technical offices, Embassy's PAS, and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international media.

3) Media Relations and Press: 25%

• Promote separate, pro-active, targeted, information and media outreach activities for the Egyptian, U.S., pan-Arab and international press. These activities are specifically designed to push accurate information about USAID programs deep into local, regional, and national markets in the U.S., Egypt, and the region, through the selective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards; and traditional communications.

• Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level journalists from all media outlets.

• Advise and work with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities for coverage ofUSAID assistance, including TV, radio, and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc.

• In collaboration with PAS, advise USAID senior leadership and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

• Coordinate with Government of Egypt public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on publicizing joint events.

• Supervise the monitoring of the Egyptian and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Reporting on placement ofUSAID-related articles in the Egyptian, pan-Arab, international, and U.S. press to the Embassy, Mission, and Washington.

• Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming, as well as the effectiveness of the communications strategy.

• As directed by mission leadership and in collaboration with PAS, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

4) Publicity Events: 25%

• Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with PAS, the USAID senior leadership, technical teams, implementing partners, and as appropriate, Government of Egypt partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for the media; compile and disseminate press packets; deal with protocol issues, 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 memorandums principals representing the USG at events; and provide on-site coordination of the media.

• Follow up with media to encourage coverage of public events. Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website and social media sites.

• Write, review, and/or edit press releases, speeches, talking points, briefers, and scene setters for USAID events.

• Submit all press releases and interview requests to PAS ( and LP A as appropriate) for review and approval.

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

• Photograph and/or shoot video ofUSAID events for USAID and Embassy websites, social media feeds, and mission archives.

• Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website and social media feeds. This could include photographs, videos, press releases, success stories, and fact sheets as appropriate.

• Serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities. Coordinate VIP site visits as necessary. Coordinate with the Embassy on schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of COD EL, STAFFDEL, and other high-level visitors to USAID/Egypt, coordinating closely with partners in advance.

POSITION ELEMENTS:

1. Exercise Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, teamwork, and communications management.

2. Authority to Make Commitments: No.

3. Supervision Exercised: Yes, primarily one FSN DOC staff member, and interpreter/translator FSN, a locally-engaged PSC, and related contracts for communications services and any outreach TDYers.

4. Supervisory Controls: Incumbent will report to the Director of the Program Office, but the incumbent is expected to work independently in carrying out responsibilities.

5. Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices.

6. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with local and international media, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, and U.S. and local implementing partners.

7. Time required to perform full range of duties: Six months.

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:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, English, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies is required. Master's degree with significant coursework in the above relevant fields is preferred.

2. Prior Work Experience:

At least eight years of experience in public relations, journalism, or international development communications, or public affairs or international relations and/or outreach is required. At least 5 years of this experience should be in a developing country. Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is highly desirable.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

1. Education: (10 points) Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, English, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies is required. Master's degree with significant coursework in the above relevant fields is preferred.

2. Prior Work Experience: (40 points) At least eight years of experience in public relations, journalism, or international development communications, or public affairs or international relations and/or outreach is required. At least 5 years of this experience should be in a developing country. Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is highly desirable.

3. Language and Writing Proficiency: (20 points) The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English. Writing samples are required.

Unedited writing samples should be marked as such.

4. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: (30 points) The candidate must have a demonstrated capacity in the following skills and abilities:

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines.

Outstanding coordination, organizational and critical thinking skills .

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy to understand narrative.

Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively .

Superior project management skills and the ability to take initiative working with the direction of management; must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively problem solve and see through to completion.

Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques.

Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of radio programs.

• Maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult environment.

• Willingness to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed.

• Strong, working knowledge of Microsoft Work, Excel, Power Point and internet applications.

Familiarity with Adobe Suite, particularly using Adobe Photoshop. Working knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Y ouTube, Linkedln, and RSS feeds.

• Familiarity using a digital camera and videotaping equipment.

• Effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi disciplinary, multi-cultural team.

• Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations.

• Initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables.

• Demonstrated success in development and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns targeted at specific audiences as well as the general public.

• Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences.

• Broad understanding of issues related to international development.

• Extensive writing and editing experience.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media.

• Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies.

• Experience supervising staff and work flows, working as a team member, and providing leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.

Selection Factors Scoring Percentage Education 10%

Prior Work Experience 40%

Language and Writing Proficiency 20%

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 30%

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/formsD

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 at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 works (preferably 750-1,500 words). They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant's ability to clearly and lucidly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be by the applicant, co-written articles are not accepted. A writing test will be administered at the time of interview and this will also be included in this section to be scored.

• 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 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. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

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

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

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

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

6. 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)

1(

(a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(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 G) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) when employees spend 4 hours or more anywhere in Egypt, other than Cairo and Alexandria, on official travel.

(k) Sunday Premium Pay 5%

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

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 .

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