Solicitation Info Mgm. Specialist May 2011.docx

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Thirteen Months with possible extension PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

Program Office

I. Introduction The Information Management Specialist is an integral member of USAID/Iraq’s Program Office, assists and links both the development, outreach and communication (DOC) team and the Monitoring and Evaluation team. S/he works in collaboration with all other team members. The DOCs team consists of a US/TCN Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Senior Development, Outreach and Communication (DOC) specialist, the US/TCN PSC Information Officer, US/TCN PSC Information Management Specialist and one Foreign Service National person, an Information Media Specialist. The DOCs team is part of the Monitoring and Evaluation and Outreach team which falls under the supervision of Program Office Deputy Director

The primary responsibility of the Information Management Specialist is management of the Iraq information systems and methodology including but not limited to the USAID/Iraq website and the Impact Management system. S/he serves as the Mission’s primary point of contact for requests in relation to the systems and methodologies identified above from USAID staff, members of other US Government Agencies, USAID’s implementing partners, the Press, and other entities. S/he is also the Mission’s primary point of contact and advisor for USAID’s branding and marking efforts, the Project Information Index and the USG/Iraq Knowledge Management system. S/he must be comfortable working independently, managing several activities at once, and working under pressure to meet very short deadlines.

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 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 building Iraq’s capacity to reconstruct itself and improving Iraq’s ability to govern itself effectively. Our efforts will assist Iraq to build and sustain a healthy economy, provide essential human services to its population, and achieve full utilization of its natural resources.

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

III. Detailed Duties and Responsibilities A. Branding 25% Serve as the primary contact and advisor for USAID/Iraq’s branding and marking efforts. Provide guidance to the Information Officer, USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events. Design and conduct workshops on the implementation of branding guidelines. Serve as technical point of contact on waivers to branding requirements in relationship to media.

B. USAID/ Iraq Website 25% Management of the USAID/Iraq website including:

· Updating the USAID/Iraq website to ensure information is current;

· Uploading stories, press releases, photos and programmatic content;

· Formatting and editing the website content;

· Serving as the primary contact for all matters pertaining to the USAID/Iraq website with the Middle East Iraq (ME/IR) office in Washington, the Legislative and Public Affairs office, and the office of Chief Information Officer in Washington.

C. Impact Management System 15% USAID/Iraq is currently developing a Mission-based impact management system (IMS) to capture and report on the full array of development program achievements and their impact on Iraqi citizens. The incumbent in this position will be responsible for:

· Management and maintenance of the web-accessible database;

· Quality Management of database content;

· Interfacing with implementing partners with regards to data submissions; and

· Development and updating of on-line IMS guides for maintenance and operation by Mission.

D. Information Dissemination 15%

· Collect, update, and disseminate 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, photo essays, videos, and public service announcement campaigns for broadcast and print media.

· Assist the Information Officer in preparing outreach documents including but not limited to: Quarterly fact sheets, Brochures, Flyers, etc.

· Serve as the point of contact for the Mission’s Project Information Index. Responsible for updating the Index, periodically reviewing the Index to ensure information is current.

E. Visual Media and Knowledge Management Catalog 15% USAID/Iraq uses photographic material in the majority of it publications. The Information/Media Specialist will be responsible for

· Updating, managing, organizing and maintaining a USAID/Iraq photo and video library.

· Photographing and/or shooting video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites and for USAID/Iraq’s archives. This may require the incumbent to work weekends and attend functions in the Red Zone.

· Editing, filing, transmitting, and using photographic imagery to maximize USAID/Iraq project awareness.

· Editing, revising, storing, and presenting photographic imagery through knowledge of PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, and additional layout and design formats.

· Developing, reviewing, and/or revising proposed outreach material for the inclusion of visual media.

· The incumbent will be responsible for managing USAID’s component of the US Embassy’s Knowledge Management Catalog.

F. Miscellaneous 5%

· Cover for info office and docs when necessary.

· Ensures the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events in close coordination with PAS, implementing partners, Contracting Officer’s Technical Representatives, Agreement Officer’s Technical Representatives, and Activity Managers.

· Responding to adhoc Embassy and Washington requests for information.

IV. Required Qualifications Education - (10 points)

· A Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing and advertising, business administration, graphics art, political science, computer science or a related field is required. Master’s Degree is preferred.

Work Experience /Technical Knowledge/Abilities – (30 points)

· Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in related fields is required, At least three years of experience must include preparing written documents for public distribution.

· Must have strong writing/editorial skills in English.

· The candidate must have previous developing maintaining the content of websites and/or databases.

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

· Outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments.

· Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.

· Have demonstrated initiative and creativity.

· Past experience of performing at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction.

· Previous work experience with USG or another international development organization is desirable.

Language Proficiency - (20 points)

· The candidate must be fluent, Level IV, in spoken and written English. Fluency in Arabic is a plus.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills – (20 points)

· Demonstrated ability to communicate well with people at all levels, from U.S. the Ambassador to program beneficiaries.

· Demonstrated ability to work with third world government press offices.

· The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with outside contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG.

· Evidence of the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate complex concepts to different audiences and across different demographic groups is required.

Computer Skills – (20 points) Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint, Access, Oracle, Drupal, Adobe Photoshop and the ability to use internet search engines to facilitate information gathering and research.

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-12 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-12 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-12 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-12 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 Ext 4656 or Mr. Francisco Santos, Human Resources Specialist, phone (in Iraq) (+1) 202 216 6276 Ext 4659 / Email: iraquspscjobs@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