SOL-72048619R00005_Resident_Hire_USPSC_Writer_Editor.pdf

SOL- 72048619R00005

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72048618R00005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 22, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: May 22, 2019, at 4:00 PM

Bangkok Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Writer/Editor

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-12 equivalent ($64,490 - $83,840 per annum)

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.

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

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access Clearance

9. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia, located in Bangkok, is a regional office that implements programs and generates partnerships with government, civil society, private sector and regional institutions, engaging 24 Asian nations to address critical development challenges in sectors such as environment and natural resources management, disaster risk reduction, and infectious diseases that cross national borders. USAID Asia also works to protect and empower vulnerable populations and to strengthen regional institutions to ensure that economic growth in Asia brings with it greater food security, environmental protections and gender equality. USAID’s regional mission serves as a knowledge platform for best practices and training (including through its state-of-the-art Asia Regional Training Center), and supports implementation of Presidential Initiatives in Asia. USAID’s regional programs work to address transnational issues such as human and wildlife trafficking, infectious diseases and emerging pandemic threats, global climate change impacts and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and unsustainable fishing practices. In addition, USAID provides technical support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Lower Mekong Initiative, as part of USAID’s broader strategy to foster among its partners in Asia regional solutions for regional challenges.

The RDMA Mission includes the Office of Economic Growth and Vulnerable Populations, the Office of Public Health, and the Regional Environment Office. RDMA’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team informs overseas audiences about the “American aid” programs it supports.

The Writer/Editor’s primary role is to craft concise and appropriate information for external and internal audiences regarding USAID’s work, the impact of that work on the citizens it affects, and how these efforts support U.S. Government (USG) goals.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Basic functions of position:

The incumbent reports to the SRDOCS and collaborates closely with the technical teams and implementing partners to write and/or edit communications materials in support of the Mission’s overall communications strategy.

The incumbent will support USAID/RDMA in achieving its objectives by developing public information about RDMA activities that will help promote a better understanding of USAID programs. He/she is responsible for collecting, investigating and drafting information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in the region.

Major duties and Responsibilities:

The specific duties of the Writer/Editor will include but are not limited to the following:

1) Writing and Editorial Responsibilities (90%) Note: Allotment of time for each of these tasks will depend on current priorities in the Outreach and Communications Unit.

Writing and Editing:

• Drafts external and internal communications products by assisting technical offices and implementing partners in crafting and editing press releases, fact sheets, briefers, success stories, outreach-related memos, etc. that promote RDMA programs.

• Drafts pieces to highlight RDMA programs for USAID/Washington publications such as FrontLines, the Medium, Exposure and internal communications for the Mission, to the Asia Bureau and other USG audiences.

• Under guidance of the SRDOCS, prepares and updates a standard information package on USAID/RDMA for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, USAID/Washington, the U.S. Embassy, etc. As tailored to the recipient, materials may include scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors and general information about countries in the region.

• Provides editorial input for communications products, content, and visuals and upload these on the website.

Research and Fact Finding:

• Collects and edits public and internal USG information requests from Washington according to guidance from the Asia Bureau and ensure that systematic procedures are developed for this process.

• Remains current on USAID programs and trends and priorities in international development and specifically the Asia Region. Share relevant information with the DOC Team and other RDMA staff as appropriate. Store this information on an accessible Google Drive accessible to all staff.

• Consults online development resources from USAID and non-USAID information sources including the World Bank, United Nations, other donor organizations, the media and commercial databases to provide timely and relevant information for RDMA.

• Reviews and collects information from internal and external media aggregation services to identify publications and mentions of USAID and foreign assistance throughout the region and share these results with the DOC Team and other interested RDMA staff members.

• Performs short- and long-term research for internal and public information needs of RDMA.

• Maintains an accessible, systematic archive of the following: all public communications products, programmatic press clippings, photos and videos, updates from USAID/Washington on communications policy and procedures, and branding and marking guidance and updates.

Social Media:

• Generates social media content, including tweets, Facebook posts, and YouTube video scripts.

2) DOCS Coordination Duties (10%)

• In the absence of the SRDOCS, coordinates and secures appropriate clearances of responses to inquiries from the general public and the media on USAID programs, practices, and any other general external and internal information requests.

• In the absence of the SRDOCS, helps organize public and internal events for RDMA, such as inaugurations and project completions by coordinating with the DOC team, RDMA technical teams, Embassy staff and project representatives on preparation and dissemination of press releases and background information, protocol issues, site selection and preparation, staging and logistical issues, scheduling and maintaining contact with speakers, and notification of appropriate U.S. and local government officials and media, as well as on-site coordination of media.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

1) Supervision Received:

The Writer/Editor will be supervised by the SRDOCS at USAID/RDMA. The incumbent is expected to work independently under broad guidance. In collaboration with the incumbent, the supervisor will establish annual work objectives and review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies. The incumbent is expected to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed.

2) Available Guidelines:

The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of development news and trends that affect activities within the region and reach familiarity with USAID Branding and Marking regulations under the Agency’s Automated Directives System (ADS), especially ADS320 and AAPD 05-11 and General Notices/Mission Orders/Mission Notices.

3) Exercise of Judgment:

The incumbent will often be expected to use his/her own personal, well-informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID/RDMA office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

4) Authority to Make Commitments:

The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USAID/RDMA) funds of behalf of the U.S. Government.

D. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

Facility Access Clearance is required.

E. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Domestic and regional travel, estimated seven trips per year

F. SUPPORT ITEMS:

The PSC will be provided with the support services, equipment and supplies necessary to perform the work.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION

The incumbent must be able to work with a large degree of independence and creativity to develop documents and information products supporting RDMA’s large project portfolio. The incumbent must be competent and experienced in writing, editing or journalism. Public relations experience is an asset. S/he must have demonstrated experience working on multiple tasks and producing quality products under tight deadlines.

1) Education: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications or a related liberal arts field is required.

2) Experience: At least five years of experience in communications, public relations or journalism is required.

Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Proven experience in writing and editing is required. Previous work with the U.S. government or another international development organization is highly desirable. Public relations experience is an asset.

Basic Eligibility for the Position:

Applicants who do not meet all of the following factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

• Applicant is a U.S. Citizen;

• In possession of appropriate visa and/or permit to work in Thailand;

• Complete and hand-signed copy of an Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals form (AID 309-2) submitted;

• Supplemental document specifically addressing the Evaluation Factors submitted;

• Demonstrated ability to obtain a Facility Access level security clearance;

• Demonstrate ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance at the Class 1 Level or Class 2, with

Post-Specific Clearance for Thailand;

• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Application Rating System

The applicant rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Applicants must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:

1) Experience: 25 points

• At least five years of experience in communications, public relations or journalism is required.

• Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required.

• Proven experience in writing and editing is required.

• Previous work with the U.S. government or another international development organization is highly desirable.

• Public relations experience is an asset.

2) Knowledge: 25 points

• An eye for story-telling through photographs, and experience with photography, photo-editing and video editing is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of standard principles, methods and practices of communication and information management to design and implement public affairs events and outreach materials is preferred.

• Solid understanding of websites is required.

• Excellent knowledge of English grammar and American word usage and spelling is required.

• Familiarity with graphic design, printing and publishing processes desired.

• A broad understanding of issues related to international development is desired.

3) Skills and Abilities: 25 points

• Strong editing skills and attention to detail are required.

• Ability to craft information messages in various media formats, such as news releases, website stories and talking points/speeches, targeting a wide variety of audiences.

• Fluent, Native English (both written and oral) is required.

• Ability to communicate in Thai is advantageous.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including news and technical writing, editing and research skills are required.

• Strong organizational and project management skills within a multi-cultural work environment are a must.

• Ability to work independently, take the initiative once guidance is provided, manage several activities at once and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with Embassy and implementing counterparts, and exercise sound judgment.

• Excellent computer skills, including working use of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Google docs and sheets are required.

• Content management systems, basic web design, Acrobat, Publisher, Photoshop, Lightroom, and other page making software are highly desired.

• Skills in creating content on social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr, are highly desirable.

4) Writing Sample: 10 points Applicants must provide three writing samples with their application. Samples must be original writing (unedited by others); co-written articles are not accepted. These samples should be 500 to 1,000 words. It can be any public information, article, press release, brochure or fact sheet.

Total Application Rating: 85 points

Writing Test: 15 points

Interview Performance: 100 points

Total Possible Points: 200 points

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications and Basic Eligibility Criteria will be further evaluated in accordance with the Applicant Rating System. Applicants are required to address each factor of the Applicant Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each factor. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Applicant Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on writing test, interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. USAID/RDMA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews and writing test. Reference checks will be conducted for the finalists. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant.

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. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested individuals are required 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 III. 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.

5. Proof of required residency permit/visa.

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, A USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED

THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

1. Benefits:

(1) Employer's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Annual and Sick Leave

2. Federal Taxes:

USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes.

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

(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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations