Development Outrearch and Communication Advisor June 20-2012.pdf

I

POSITION ADVERTISEDPOSITION ADVERTISED PENDING NSDD-38 APPROVAL PENDING NSDD-38 APPROVAL

SOLICITATION NUMBER 668-12-03/PO

ISSUING DATE June 20, 2012

CLOSING DATE July 20, 2012

POSITION TITLE Development Outreach and Communications Advisor

NUMBER OF POSITION(S) One

MARKETING VALUE GS-14 ($84,697 – $110,104)

In addition, this post has 20% Post Differential and 30% Danger Pay

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION Juba, South Sudan

DIRECT SUPERVISOR Supervisory Program Officer

SUPERVISORY CONTROL Will be required to supervise at least one USAID/South Sudan Foreign Service National staff.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 13 months with possible extension.

SECURITY ACCESS SECRET Level

AREA OF CONSIDERATION U.S. Citizens.

EMAIL ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS jubahrpo03@usaid.gov

II

I.INTRODUCTION

The DOC works with the leadership and staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in South Sudan to formulate Mission-wide messages and implement development outreach and communications efforts to increase awareness of USAID humanitarian and economic assistance programs in South Sudan. S/he reports to the Supervisory Program Officer in the USAID/South Sudan Program Office but has extensive direct contacts with the Mission Director and Deputy Director. S/he leads the Program Office development outreach and communications team, which comprises a Foreign Service National (FSN) Development Outreach and Communications Specialist and at least two representatives from USAID/South Sudan’s technical offices.

The DOC liaises with the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other U.S.

Government (USG) colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The DOC also serves as the Mission’s primary liaison with USAID’s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.

II. BACKGROUND

The Republic of South Sudan (RSS) became the world’s newest nation on July 9, 2011, after southern Sudanese voted overwhelmingly for succession from the Sudan in a January 2011 referendum. This referendum was mandated by the historic 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, which ended more than two decades of civil war.

As South Sudan embarks on nationhood, USAID seeks to help make the new nation increasingly stable while helping the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) (a) deliver basic services to citizens; (b) provide effective, inclusive, and accountable governance; (c) diversify the economy; and (d) combat poverty. Improving stability in South Sudan will depend on a combination of strengthening core governance institutions and processes and making them more inclusive; responding to the expectations of the population for essential services and improved livelihoods; and containing conflicts and addressing the grievances behind them.

Despite the attainment of independence, South Sudan remains one of the most difficult development environments in the world, with pervasive insecurity, few passable roads or other infrastructure, near-total dependence on oil revenue, woefully inadequate education and health services, and limited human and institutional capacity. In 2011 and early 2012, post-independence conflict has grown significantly, both internally and with the neighboring Republic of Sudan.

RSS is one of USAID's five critical priority countries worldwide and the highest foreign policy priority for the USG in Africa. Until July 2011, USAID managed development assistance to southern Sudan from USAID/Sudan in Khartoum, through a regional field office based in Juba. USAID launched its Mission to the RSS the same day the country declared independence, underscoring the USG's commitment to the success of the new nation. USAID/South Sudan in Juba is now a fully functioning Mission managing approximately $445 million in Fiscal Year 2011 obligations, for programs in health, education, democracy & governance, economic growth and agriculture, conflict mitigation, disaster assistance, and food aid.

III

III. DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The DOC will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/South Sudan’s programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and South Sudan, in accordance with the Mission’s public strategy and evolving circumstances.

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

Coordinate with PAS, the U.S. Military, other USG agencies, and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S.

humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives in South Sudan, 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.

Arrange press conferences and media round-tables to keep the media abreast of

USAID/South Sudan’s programs.

Provide USAID/Washington, the Embassy, and other stakeholders with information on USAID/South Sudan 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 South Sudan 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 and under the guidance of PAS, advise the Mission

Director and USAID staff on press and media relations in collaboration. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

Coordinate with South Sudan Government public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with South Sudan 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.

In conjunction with PAS, the USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners, organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points;

IV

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; and provide on-site coordination of media. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events.

Serve as the primary Mission 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/South Sudan’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.

Coordinate USAID/South Sudan’s branding and marking efforts. Advise 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.

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

Maintain 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.

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

Collect, design, research, develop, 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, the USAID/South Sudan 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/South Sudan website, outreach folders, and the media.

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

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

Serve as the Mission’s primary point of contact for information requests about

USAID/South Sudan programs and projects.

Coordinate updates to the USAID/South Sudan website.

V

IV.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

A. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: The candidate must have at least a Bachelor’s degree with significant coursework in relevant fields. Relevant fields include – but are not limited to – journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies.

Work Experience: The candidate must have at least eight years of relevant experience in journalism, public relations, communications, and outreach. The candidate must have at least 3 years of experience working in a post-conflict, transition, or developing country.

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 in Section IV.A above will be considered unqualified for the position and will not be further assessed against the selection criteria below.

Other applications will be scored and then ranked based on the following selection criteria:

Technical Knowledge / Work Experience (45 points)

At least five years of progressively responsible experience as a DOC or 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 Sudanese/South Sudanese 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.

VI

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 Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies or a related field.

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.

Communication Skills / Group Dynamics (25 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.

Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, and experience managing web site content.

Past Performance / Professional Reference Checks (20 points)

Applicants must list at least three references and provide current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks on 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.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any of the areas related to the above selection criteria. The Selection Committee will assign an overall score to Past Performance based on feedback from references and taking into consideration any awards as described above.

Applicants are required to address the above selection criteria in a summary statement attached to 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

VII

announcement number at the top of each page. Failure to provide this summary statement may result in the applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

Total Possible Points: 100

Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on interview performance. These interviews may be conducted by telephone. A writing test and samples of past work will be required.

V.TERM OF PERFORMANCE / COMPENSATION

Within two weeks (no later than one month) 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 South Sudan, 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 contract may be extended subject to continued need for the position and satisfactory performance by the incumbent.

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.

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 USG agency. Details on how to obtain U.S. 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 USPSC 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

VIII

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

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Optional Form 612 which is available at the USAID websites, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf, or at Federal offices. Resumes may be attached to the OF-612 and applicants must include a brief summary statement (maximum two pages) that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria. Applications must include current contact information for three references.

All applications should be submitted electronically to the mail box:

jubahrpo03@usaid.gov . No application should be sent to any individuals.

All applications must be received by the closing date and time 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.

Point of Contact: Diane Moore, Sup. Executive Officer, USAID/South Sudan, dimoore@usaid.gov

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)**

IX

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