SOL-72048618R00012_USPSC_SUPVY_DOCS.pdf

SOL- 72048618R00012

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-72048618R00012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 18, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: October 18, 2018, at 4:00

PM Bangkok Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Regional Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): $105,123 - $136,659 equivalent to GS-15

Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Bangkok, Thailand, housing, international travel, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start as soon as possible for a period of two (2) years plus three possible extensions of one year each depending on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and the needs of the USAID Mission.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand with extensive travel within the country and the region.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret Clearance Level

9. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

USAID/RDMA, which opened in Bangkok, Thailand in June 2003, manages regional programs across Asia and the Pacific, and country-specific programs in China, Laos, and Thailand. RDMA also serves as the regional hub for services including contracting, administration, and disaster response. The RDMA Mission portfolio includes a broad range of economic growth, democracy, health and environment activities. The RDMA’s Development Outreach Communications Strategy will inform future communications outreach activities.

As USAID/RDMA’s professional expert in development outreach communications, the Supervisory Regional Development Outreach Communications Specialist (SRDOCS) is an essential and indispensable member of the Program Development Office which is responsible for producing and disseminating public information about RDMA’s activities. A crucial objective, for not only RDMA, but for all its client countries, is to develop strategic information to educate and promote better understanding of USAID programs for audiences both in the region and the United States. Additionally, to more effectively achieve this objective the SRDOCS must interact and work closely with established USAID Missions in the region like the Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia, as well as Embassy Public Affairs Offices (PAOs) in all countries.

The SRDOCS sets up effective, collaborative relationships and systems with these USAID Missions and

Embassy PAOs to ensure that the RDMA understands and follows protocols required by those units. The SRDOCS analyzes, collects, manages, and distributes information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in the region. The SRDOCS is RDMA’s primary point of contact and liaison for all information requests on program activities and is in charge of a unit that includes a professional USPSC DOCS and an FSN DOCS.

The SRDOCS’ knowledge, leadership and expertise, have a major influence on RDMA’s and other Missions Senior Management Teams’ policies on development outreach. The SRDOCS also collaborates closely with RDMA and client countries technical offices and implementing partners, providing oversight, advice and guidance in developing and implementing the RDMA’s Development Outreach Communications (DOC) Strategy.

S/he maintains regular contact with and collaborates with U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) to ensure that Senior Embassy personnel are properly apprised of RDMA-managed public activities and projects and that policies and procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly adhered to and that USG interests are protected. S/he works with other USAID Missions in Asia and the Pacific, as well as US Embassy PAOs to ensure that the RDMA has an established protocol for preparing, clearing, and issuing public affairs materials and for outreach events. S/he also serves as principal liaison with the Agency’s Asia Bureau and Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington (USAID/LPA).

The SRDOCS is located in the Program Office and reports directly to the Program Development Office Director or his/her designee. The Program Development Office Director or his/her designee serves as the overarching policy advisor for the DOC. The DOCS’ recommendations on development outreach will assist the Mission management in making policy decisions. The SRDOCS also collaborates closely with the technical offices and implementing partners in developing and implementing the Mission’s overall Communication Strategy.

Travel to project sites in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma and other Asian countries may make up 25% of the incumbent’s time.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The specific duties of the Supervisory Regional Development Outreach Communications Specialist will include but are not limited to the following:

1) Regional Communication Strategies: 20%

a. The SRDOCS develops, reviews, and implements USAID's Regional Communications Strategy, in coordination and consultation with LPA and the USAID bilateral Missions’ outreach strategies. The goal is to promote USAID’s work in the region to external and internal audiences, facilitating information access and sharing amongst the bilateral Missions, and USAID/W, and strengthening the reporting functions of bilateral Missions. The Regional Communications Strategy should take into account the cost/benefits of particular inputs to outputs in order to optimize communications tools and distribution to the broadest audiences possible. Incumbent will manage and track DOC annual budget and performance monitoring.

b. The SRDOCS will be responsible for overseeing implementation of policies and procedures for

USAID regional communications including templates for various communications tools, standards for creating and finalizing DOC materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events. S/he will advise on the selection, targeting, and placement of potential DOC materials in keeping with USAID's Regional Communications Strategy.

c. The SRDOCS will serve in a liaison role and work closely with client mission DOCS, U.S. Embassy PAOs, Department of State media hubs and other interagency stakeholders in the region to provide USAID input to interagency efforts, and to communicate back to other USAID Missions and offices.

d. The SRDOCS must also take into account the need to identify and focus on key sectors that have a natural appeal to local interests as well as USG policies; the importance of ensuring that publicity material used will be non-controversial; and that the material is visually appealing, well-defined, and contains a human interest element.

2) Regional Liaison with USAID Mission DOCs: 15%

a. Responsible for coordinating with bilateral missions and aggregating outreach and communications efforts in the region. Provides thought leadership, innovative outreach, and state-of-the-art skills to other Asia DOCS. Coordination includes but is not limited to: tracking outreach and communications activities for USAID assistance in the region; synthesizing similar activities into a regional message of USAID assistance; providing thought leadership in innovative outreach and staff capacity building; assisting bilateral USAID Missions in planning and executing large scale outreach or communications activities; and reporting to USAID/W (Asia Bureau and LPA) on emerging trends and high profile activities. S/he serves as a technical advisor, resource and backstop for DOCs in USAID bilateral Missions.

b. S/he supports Agency training for Mission outreach and communications staff, and help design and conduct specialized training for Asia Bureau and Mission staff when appropriate.

c. S/he advises/assists USAID Field Missions in the Asia region with communications strategies and outreach activities and supports LPA in communicating new outreach initiatives and approaches to Missions.

3) Relations with the Media and Partners: 15%

a. The SRDOCS is responsible for communications on all RDMA activities and activities related to USAID’s work in the region as a whole, in coordination with the Asia Bureau and LPA, including reporting on the media, preparing summaries of significant articles and broadcasts, and monitoring media trends that affect the work of USAID overall in the region, including trends in USAID non-presence countries. S/he maintains close, frequent professional contact with regional and local media and media linkages with major universities, think tanks, research organizations, and international development research institutions across the region. To fulfill this requirement, close coordination with the Asia Bureau, LPA, USAID bilateral Missions, Embassy PAOs, and Department of State media hubs needs to be sustained.

b. Keeps abreast of events in the region to ensure that appropriate press coverage is provided, including

TV and radio. Helps RDMA team members define appropriate activities for coverage, and accompanies journalists and TV/radio crews to site locations for filming. S/he advises RDMA staff on all aspects of communication protocol; for example, if press coverage is not recommended because of cultural sensitivities.

c. Supervises the DOC team in planning, drafting, and/or editing press releases, fact sheets, and other publicity material for RDMA and in support of conveying the message of USAID’s work in the region overall. Coordinates with USAID technical offices, USAID bilateral Mission DOCs, the Asia Bureau, LPA and (as appropriate) with Embassy PAOs and Department of State media hubs to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written material for local and other media.

d. Advises and works with USAID bilateral Mission DOCs, Embassy PAOs and Department of State media hubs to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance.

e. Increases the sharing of lessons learned and best practices among regional bilateral and multilateral institutions on successful and culturally relevant development approaches to enhance the design, monitoring, and evaluation of USAID programs in the region.

4) Regional Media Programs: 10%

a. Designs regional media programs. This includes, but is not limited to, programs that build the communication skills of USAID partners and regional platforms (e.g., ASEAN), professionalism and capacity of local media, encourage diverse voices and perspectives, and strengthen regional media networks. Ultimately, these programs are designed to increase the accuracy of reporting concerning development.

b. Manages existing and new media programs, including monitoring and reporting on performance and addressing implementation challenges in coordination with partner organizations.

5) Public Events and Activities: 10%

a. The SRDOCS supervises the planning, scheduling, and implementation of activities to present RDMA programs to the public. This may include a range of communications tools and distribution to a variety of audiences, with particular field trips to specific events or activities, as well as outreach and media coverage for overall programming.

b. S/he will support planning and implementing events to increase the sharing of lessons learned, best practices, and USAID Forward success stories among USAID Missions in the region, and regional institutions on successful and culturally relevant development approaches to enhance the design, monitoring, and evaluation of USAID programs in the region.

c. S/he coordinates field travel and public affairs activities, as well as (when appropriate and in coordination with USAID bilateral Mission DOCs) those that may engage U.S. Ambassadors and other senior interagency officials for USAID events. Prepares schedules and briefings in collaboration with USAID staff and arranges for photo/video and media coverage as appropriate.

Incumbent serves as the primary USAID coordination point for public events regarding USAID’s role in non-presence countries where RDMA manages assistance.

d. For site visits or events that involve senior U.S. officials, ensures that all information related to the events (e.g., backgrounders/scene setters, schedules, talking points, speeches, etc.) has been prepared, meets quality standards and time requirements, and cleared as appropriate.

e. Organizes signing ceremonies, inaugurations, and/or dedications of RDMA projects in adherence to the coordination procedures outlined by RDMA for engaging with bilateral missions (e.g. RDMA activity held in Vietnam must be consistent with RDMA procedures). The SRDOC ensures that all related activities to the event follow RDMA procedures, e.g. press releases for placement in the USAID’s homepage, blogs, forums, and/or newsletters.

6) Publicity Material: 10%

a. The SRDOCS will develop the capacity of RDMA and USAID to disseminate information through a wide variety of visually appealing, well-defined modalities such as print materials, electronic channels, regional portals, and social networking tools.

b. The SRDOCS reviews proposed speeches, videotapes on project activities, brochures, booklets, handouts, signs, and other public relations materials to evaluate quality, propriety in terms of sensitivity to local culture, and accuracy of content.

c. The SRDOCS serves as the brand expert, and advises USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events. S/he designs and conducts workshops on the implementation of branding guidelines. S/he serves as technical point of contact on waivers to branding requirements in relationship to media.

d. Works with RDMA staff to develop briefing materials for handouts and other special needs.

Prepares VIP briefing and press packets for use during site visits or media events, and selects information to be included.

e. S/he manages the preparation and updating of regional and country profiles, which must be coordinated with RDMA staff, USAID bilateral Missions, the Asia Bureau and LPA. Develops a good database of information on where USAID is working in particular areas of the region to be available for site visits and reporting, as needed.

7) Editorial Quality Control: 10%

Contributes to editing of official reports, correspondence, and documents produced by RDMA including annual reports and yearly funding requests. S/he provides input to ensure that documents meet quality standards.

8) Maintenance of RDMA and Country External Websites: 10%

Oversees the maintenance of the RDMA, China, Laos, and Thailand external websites to ensure that content has optimal impact on providing information about USAID and its programs for a wide range of audiences. Supervises the DOC team in the selection of information displayed on the website, clears website content, and oversees content placement. In addition, the SRDOCS is responsible for devising a plan to optimize the website for more interactive usage.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision received: Supervision is exercised in a broad and general manner. Incumbent will report/consult directly to the Program Development Office Director or his/her designee on relevant policy issues. Incumbent is expected to take self–initiative in planning and carrying out his/her assignment.

Supervision exercised: The SRDOCS may supervise a USPSC DOC, FSN DOC, and EFM.

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

Exercise of judgment: Projects assigned to the incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment.

Authority to make commitments: None. Incumbents’ recommendations, though, will be the basis for making commitments and contribute to policy decisions made by the Mission management team.

Nature, level and purpose of contacts: Personal contacts are with local media, USAID and U.S. embassy personnel throughout the region, USAID/W, implementers and institutional contractors.

Time required to perform a full range of duties: The first six months of employment will be considered a probationary period and the incumbent will be expected to perform the full range of duties before the end of this period.

11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen

12. PHYSICAL DEMAND: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

13. POINT OF CONTACT: Victor Diaz de Leon, Supervisory Executive Officer, vdiaz@usaid.gov;

Thanaporn Hanwisai, Human Resources Assistant, thanwisai@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

This position requires a combination of leadership, expertise, analytical, technical, and managerial skills. The incumbent must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures. The incumbent must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment and with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental counterparts, and have experience with local, regional and international press. At minimum, the candidate must have the following qualifications to be eligible for further consideration;

1) Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

2) Experience: A minimum of eight years (or ten without a Master’s degree) of demonstrated successful experience in public relations or related field is preferred. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Experience working with local media and developing media contacts is highly desirable. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

Applicants will be tested, evaluated, and ranked on the extent and quality of their education, relevant work experience, technical knowledge, and professional presentation as they relate to this position against the following criteria:

1. EDUCATION (15 points): A Bachelor’s degree is required, but a Master’s degree is preferred.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE (35 points): A minimum of 8 years (ten years without a Master’s degree) of professional experience in public relations for an international organization, or related field is desired.

Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Demonstrated international experience is necessary. Previous experience with USAID is highly desired.

3. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE (30 points): The successful candidate must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, speeches, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. Good coordination, teamwork, and organizational skills within a multi-cultural work environment are required. Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure is a must, as is the ability to take initiative and be creative. Experience working with the press and solid knowledge of the different press outlets and influential organizations. Experience enabling the applicant to make judgments and provide advice on best press outlets available.

4. SKILLS (20 points): The successful candidate must demonstrate exceptional leadership, management, and supervisory skills. Excellent English writing, oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills are required. Knowledge of word processing and Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is required. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and website content development preferred. Excellent social media skills (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Impact Blog, etc.) is required. Photographic and graphic design skills are also a plus.

mailto:vdiaz@usaid.gov mailto:thanwisai@usaid.gov

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words), and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. Samples must be by the applicant; co-written articles are not accepted. A writing test may be administered to successful applicants.

Maximum Points Available: 100 Education: 15 points Relevant Experience: 35 points Technical Knowledge: 30 points Skills: 20 points Total: 100 points

The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check.

IV. SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications.

V. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A US citizen;

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a security clearance at the specified level. The successful applicant must be able to receive a USAID security clearance that involves an applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a medical clearance. The successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving at post. Details of how to obtain US Department of State medical clearance will be provided.

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

5. Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

6. Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

VI. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Interested individuals are requested to submit following:

1. Fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with

Individuals Form (AID 309-2) at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. 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, vehicle use, etc.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV);

3. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Section E: Evaluation and Selection Factors);

4. A minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including two references which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge.

NOTE: Submission of a resume/CV alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and 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.

This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time specified in this solicitation. Late applications will not be considered. Please note all applications must be signed – unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in your email and any cover letter.

- End of ATTACHMENT 1 -https://www.usaid.gov/forms

ATTACHMENT 2

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE

REQUIREMENTS OF OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE

FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

1. Benefits:

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for a family and $7,266 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500)

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for U.S. Government employees and USPSCs

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Annual and Sick Leave

(6) Family and Medical Leave Act (per AAPD 15-02)

(7) Reimbursement for Medevac insurance

(8) Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service for USPSC

Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes.

2. Allowances* (if Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

(1) Post Differential (Section 500)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220)

(5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(9) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Thailand in accord with the AIDAR, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, Rest & Recuperate (R&R), international shipment of personal effects, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children.

3. List of REQUIRED Forms for USPSCs:

Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the Contracting Officer will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

(1) Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)

(2) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86)

(3) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

(4) Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

4. USAID Regulations, Policies, and Contract Clauses Pertaining to PSCs:

(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 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

- End of ATTACHMENT 2 -https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations