Solicitation Senior DOC Specialist.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

267-11-000005

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 30, 2011

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

April 20, 2011 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Senior Development Outreach and Communication Specialist

MARKET VALUE:

GS-14 ($ 84,697 to $ 110,104) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Thirteen Months with possible extension PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: N/A

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

US/Third Country National (TCN) Personal

Services Contractor (PSC)

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Senior Development Outreach and Communication Specialist, USAID/Iraq Program Office

I. INTRODUCTION

The Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (SDOCS) works with USAID/Iraq leadership and staff to formulate Mission-wide messages and implement development, outreach and communications efforts to increase awareness of USAID humanitarian and economic assistance programs in Iraq. S/he reports to the Deputy Director in the USAID/Iraq Program Office but has extensive contact with the Program Office Director, the Deputy Mission Director and the Mission Director. S/he leads the Program Office’s development, outreach and communications team, which comprises a US/TCN PSC Information Officer, and one Foreign Service National (FSN) staff, and an information media specialist.

The SDOCS liaises with the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other USG colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The SDOCS also serves as the Mission’s primary liaison with USAID/s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.

II. BACKGROUND

Since 2003, USAID has been a major contributor to the U.S. Government (USG) reconstruction effort in Iraq. Collaborating with other USG agencies, USAID works closely with the Government of Iraq; provincial and local governments; international institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank; and a network of partners from non-governmental organizations, local community groups, and Iraqi citizens.

U.S. assistance to Iraq has changed substantially over the past years and will change even more dramatically in 2011. From 2003 to 2006, USAID focused on restoring essential services such as in health, education, water and electricity, improving economic opportunities, building the foundation of democracy and governance, and managing conflict. In 2007, the focus shifted to strengthening the effectiveness of government and civil society, expanding private sector opportunities, supporting focused stabilization activities, and providing humanitarian assistance and support for internally displaced persons. These types of activities continued until 2009 when USG assistance began shifting from reconstruction to enhancing Iraq’s capacity to rebuild itself and improving Iraq’s ability to govern itself effectively. Our efforts today are helping Iraq to build and sustain a healthy economy, provide essential human services, and achieve full utilization of its natural resources.

The USAID Mission currently consists of three technical offices and four support offices. This position will be located in the Program Office, one of the Mission’s support offices.

III. DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead the Mission’s development, outreach and communications team, ensuring overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives.

· Coordinate with the PAS, U.S. Military, other USG agencies (e.g. Treasury, Commerce, Agriculture), and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives in Iraq, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director.

· Lead the development and implementation of the Mission’s communications strategy and outreach plan.

· Serve as the USAID Mission’s point of contact for all press relations, both international and local media. Work closely with PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets.

· Work with the PAS to arrange press conferences and media round-table conferences to keep the media abreast of USAID/Iraq’s programs.

· Provide USAID/Washington, the Embassy, and other stakeholders with information on USAID/Iraq programs and activities.

· In collaboration with and under the guidance of PAS, serve as the principal USAID contact for representatives of the local and international media in Iraq to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs. As appropriate, organize media tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media and USAID implementers to encourage in-depth coverage of USAID programs in the local and international media.

· In collaboration with PAS, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

· Coordinate with Iraqi Government public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with Iraqi and international media.

· Monitor local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy. Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming.

· Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the PAS, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for media; compile and disseminate press packets; deal with protocol issues, site selection, staging, and logistical issues; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BCLs), scene setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or his/her deputies when participation in events is warranted; write or edit BCLs and Scene Setters for USAID’s Front Office when participation in events is warranted; provide on-site coordination of media. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events.

· Review and edit press releases, speeches, and talking points drafted by implementing partners for USAID events; review and edit BCLs and Scene Setters drafted by implementing partners for USAID events.

· Submit all press releases and interview requests – in-house and those drafted by implementing partners – to PAS for review and approval.

· Photograph and/or shoot video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites and for USAID/Iraq’s archives.

· Serve as the Mission’s primary point of contact for 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 USAID/Iraq’s Embassy Liaison Officer on schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits.

· Oversee USAID/Iraq’s branding and marking efforts. Provide guidance as required to the Information Management Officer in advising USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events.

· Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives and other USG agencies to collect information for reports.

· Ensure the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/Iraq, to Embassy stakeholders, to the Office of Middle East/Iraq (ME/IR) and the Bureau of Legal and Public Affairs (LPA) in Washington.

· Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives.

· Oversee the collection, design, research, development, editing, updating, and dissemination of outreach materials to promote USAID programs to target audiences and the media. These materials include outreach folders, brochures, flyers, quarterly program and provincial fact sheets, newsletters, the USAID/Iraq website, photo essays, videos, and public service announcement campaigns for broadcast and print media.

· Travel to the field to capture success stories for dissemination through the USAID/Iraq website, outreach folders, and the media.

· As directed by the Mission Director, Deputy Director, or the Director or Deputy Director of the Program Office, and in collaboration with PAS, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

· Other duties as assigned by the Director or Deputy Director of the Program Office.

IV. MINIMUM REQIREMENTS

A. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Education: The candidate must have at least a Master’s degree with significant coursework in relevant fields. Relevant fields include – but are not limited to – journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies. At least five years’ experience as a DOCS or in a similar position in international development can substitute for the degree. At least 10 years’ experience as a journalist, in public affairs or international relations is required if the candidate has less than five years’ experience as a DOCS or in a similar capacity.

Work Experience: The candidate must have at least five years’ relevant experience in a developing country. Relevant experience is defined as work in journalism, public relations, communications, and/or outreach.

Language Proficiency: The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English.

B. SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS

Applicants who do not meet the required minimum qualifications will be considered unqualified for the position and will not be assessed using the additional selection criteria below.

All other applicants will be scored, and then ranked based on the following selection criteria:

Technical Knowledge / Work Experience (60 points)

· At least five years of progressively responsible experience as a DOCS or in a similar position in international development. At least 10 years’ experience in related fields, such as public relations or journalism.

· Demonstrated success in developing 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 plan and execute media campaigns and programs.

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

· Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies.

· Extensive writing and editing experience.

· Knowledge of Middle Eastern political, economic, and social environments.

· 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.

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

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

· Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is highly desirable.

Education and Training (10 points)

· A Master’s degree, preferably in journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies or a related field. An undergraduate degree in similar disciplines with additional work experience.

· Training in one or more of the following areas: development outreach and communications, writing, journalism, web site content management, presentation skills, or other areas that are relevant to the detailed duties and responsibilities outlined in Section III of the solicitation.

· Extensive experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, database research, and content management systems such as Drupal. Familiarity with the Adobe Suite, particularly using Adobe Photoshop. Experience with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and RSS feeds.

Communication Skills / Group Dynamics (10 points)

The application package (including the required summary statement) must provide evidence and examples of:

· 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.

· Ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines.

· Evidence of outstanding coordination and organizational skills.

Writing Skills – (20 points)

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750-1,000 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. Applicants should be prepared to take a written test.

Total Possible Points: 100

The highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed by telephone.

Past Performance / Professional Reference Checks

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks of all applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications. References will be asked to complete a questionnaire that assesses the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above specific criteria. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria.

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 the Washington, D.C. area for mandatory pre-deployment training and orientation, and then directly to Baghdad, Iraq, where s/he shall promptly commence performance of the duties specified above. The term of the contract will be for approximately thirteen months (including the mandatory training period in Washington, D.C.), with a period of service of one year at post.

The position has been classified at a GS-14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-14 pay band, 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-14 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-14 pay band.

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. Illustratively, these may include 35% Post Differential, 35% Danger Pay, 5% Sunday Differential, and a Separate Maintenance Allowance, if applicable (Iraq is a no-dependent post).

The employees serving in Iraq are authorized three short regional rest breaks and two Rest and Recuperation (R&R) breaks per year, or, alternatively, three R&R breaks and no regional rest breaks. Twenty days of administrative leave are provided per year in addition to annual leave and may be taken during these rest breaks.

USAID will provide furnished housing and three meals per day within the guarded and fortified International Zone in Baghdad.

VI.

MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES

The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical clearance. 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/TCN 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

Pay Comparability Adjustment

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 and TCNPSC green card holders are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

VIII. APPLYING

Interested applicants MUST submit the following materials:

- Most current Curriculum vitae or resume

- Completed and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). The OF-612 can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/.

- Three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephones and e-mail contacts

- Brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria shown in the solicitation

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

iraquspscjobs@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.

Points of Contact

Ms. Maka Beradze, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1013; Email: mberadzetdy@usaid.gov or Francisco Santos, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1298; Email: frsantos@usaid.gov

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/

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 ach**

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)

AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

PAGE