Solicitation_-_(DOC)_Specialist_position_-_final.doc

SOLICITATION NO:

72066919R00001

ISSUANCE DATE:

October 11, 2018

CLOSING DATE:

November 12, 2018, 5:30 pm

LOCAL TIME

SUBJECT:

Solicitation for Personal Service Contractor (PSC) for

Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (DOC), USAID/Liberia To All Interested Applicants

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (ADS 309-2) from qualified United States (US) citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency) to provide services as a Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (DOC) under a Personal Services Contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position is Monrovia, Liberia.

Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the attached information, at the place and time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to amangou@usaid.gov and sbrowne@usaid.gov. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be considered. USAID/Liberia will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.

Any questions or comments regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@usaid.gov. Applicant should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted.

Sincerely, Robert W. Appiah Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Liberia USAID/Liberia Mailing Address:

8800 Monrovia Pl

Dulles, VA 20189

Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

Development Outreach Communication Specialist, USAID/Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

1. SOLICITATION NO.:

72066919R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE:

October 11, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME:

November 12, 2018, 5:30 pm Local Time

4. POSITION TITLE:

Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE: The position is the equivalent of a GS-14 ranging from $89,370 to $116,181 per annum. Final compensation will be based on the individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background, within the above salary range. This does not include cost of living allowance (COLA), post differential or other allowances. Liberia currently provides a 30% COLA and 30% post differential in addition to base salary.

6. EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation will be based on a 100-point Scale:

Job Knowledge (40 Points), Technical Skills and abilities

(40 points), Prior Work Experience (10 points) and Education (10 Points).

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: A base of one (1) year with four one-year option periods up to a maximum of five years depending on a continuing need for services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States (US) citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency)

10. SECURITY ACCESS: (USPSCs) DOS Facility access in lieu of Secret clearance is acceptable

SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.

POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The Contractor will report to the Supervisory Program Officer PHYSICAL & SECURITY CLEARANCE: The selected candidate must be able to obtain required medical and security clearances prior to the execution of the contract

11. STATEMENT OF WORK:

I. POSITION DESCRIPTION

A. BACKGROUND

A decade after its brutal civil war, Liberia is at peace and is transitioning from recovery to development. Despite the progress being made, Liberia is still near the bottom of the rankings on almost all comparative measures of development. Corruption is rampant; instances of violence are still reported; illiteracy rates remain high; the justice sector is weak and ineffective; and the maternal mortality ratio is among the highest in the world.

With a country budget averaging approximately $150 million per year, USAID is the largest bilateral donor in the country and maintains close relationships with a range of Government of Liberia (GOL) counterparts. Its development program focuses resources in four technical areas: Democracy and Governance, Economic Growth, Health, and Education. USAID/Liberia spearheads several USAID initiatives: Feed-the-Future (FtF), the Global Health Initiative, and the President's Malaria Initiative. The Mission is at the forefront of USAID/Forward, an ambitious reform effort aimed at changing the way the Agency does business by focusing on the strengthening of host country systems and, where appropriate, using those systems to implement USAID-funded development programs.

USAID works closely with the interagency team at the U.S. Embassy and is a critical component to our work in Liberia.

B. DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

C. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The DOC serves as a ‘translator’ of complex USAID processes (e.g. budget, procurement, project design, etc.) to the broader interagency audience to ensure the intricacies of those processes are conveyed to the final recipient whether it’s a journalist, the Ambassador, GoL or high level USG visitors. S/he coordinates with the USAID Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) in Washington, as well as other interagency and implementing partners. The DOC also liaises with the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other USG colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervisory and Coordination 50%

· Lead the Mission’s DOC team comprised of one FSN to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives.

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

· Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the Government of Liberia, implementing partners, other donor nations, the UN, World Bank and other donors and stakeholders.

· Coordinate the Mission’s broad efforts to develop local capacity in key areas. In particular: (1) Coordinate along with the Mission’s Economic Growth Office initiative to design and launch a graduate course in Development Policy Studies at the University of Liberia; and (2) serve along with the Director of the Economic Growth Office as the coordinator of the course and principal Mission’s liaison to the University of Liberia.

· Lead the Mission’s efforts to stimulate informed public debate about Liberia’s development challenges and how to engender Liberian owned solutions to those challenges. In particular: (1) Coordinate planning and organization of annual two-day Development Conference, bringing together Liberians and development stakeholders for discussion of specific development challenges and their possible solutions, and work along with IP to select theme for conference, select authors of analytical papers; organize panels discussion; and coordinate final editing and publication in an anthology of papers presented at conference; (2) Coordinate and supervise planning of a Development Awards program designed to encourage Liberians to take charge of their journey to self-reliance by celebrating and recognizing Liberians whose life stories and work provide compelling examples of Liberia’s development potential; (3) supervise and coordinate production of the Development Matters Television/Radio program that provides a public forum for Liberians to publicly debate specific development challenges and how they can be solved; (4) will be responsible for overall content of program and finding talents to appear on program and will liaise with national broadcasting station as well as independent commercial and community television/radio stations to broadcast programs as a public service.

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

Public Information and Publicity Materials 20%

· Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission’s offices, units and technical staff.

· Oversee the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID/Liberia’s activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, power points, and web use. Oversee the production and publication of high quality quarterly “Development Matters Magazine” that uses pictures and well written articles to highlight the accomplishments of each of the Mission’s four technical offices which are distributed to Embassy, State and Agency, and Host Government audiences.

Media and Public Relations 15%

· Promote separate, pro-active, targeted, information and media outreach activities. These activities are specifically designed to push accurate information about USAID programs deep into local, regional and national markets, through the selective use of radio, newspapers, public service announcements, and other communications methods. Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets.

· Advise and work with Embassy PAO to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/Liberia programs, including TV, radio and other media. This may include arranging interview, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc.

Publicity Events 15%

· Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the PAO, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. 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 US and local government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BCLs). Scene setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or her deputies with 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 coverage. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events. Manage the posting of all event information and materials on the Mission\Embassy website.

· 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 PAO (and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval.

12. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE:

a. Education: 10% It is preferred, but not required, that the candidate hold 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.

Prior Work Experience: 10% At least eight to 10 years’ experience as a journalist, in public affairs or international relations is required. Relevant experience is defined as work in journalism, documentary and television production, public relations, communications, social media platforms, and/or outreach. The candidate must have at least five years’ relevant experience in a developing country.

b. Post Entry Training: NA

c. Language Proficiency: The applicant must be fluent in both spoken and written English (Level III in both)

d. Job Knowledge: 40%

· Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of radio programs; television programs, and video/documentary production, including script writing, narrating, and directing .

· Strong knowledge of and familiarity with Liberian history and culture and workings of the Liberian political process.

· Willingness to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed.

· Strong, working knowledge of Microsoft Work, Excel, Power Point, and internet applications.

· Familiarity using a digital camera and videotaping equipment.

· Experience in event planning

e. Skills and Abilities: 40%

· Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment.

· Public speaking and speech writing skills.

· Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy to understand narrative.

· Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively

· Maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult environment.

· Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques.

· Ability to interface with high level public officials.

13. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

A base of one (1) year with four one-year option periods up to a maximum of five years depending on a continuing need for services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

14. Salary:

This position is classified at the General Schedule Grade 14 equivalent range. The actual salary will depend on past salary history and experience of the successful candidate.

15. SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS:

Applicants who do not meet the required minimum qualifications will be considered unqualified for the position.

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. 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.

16. APPLYING:

TERM OF PERFORMANCE:

The base term of the contract will be for one year, which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-14 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. 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.

1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits.

1. ALLOWANCES: as applicable:

· Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

· Living quarters allowance (Section 130) or government furnished housing.

· Post Allowance (Section 220).

· Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

· Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

· Education allowance (Section 270).

· Educational Travel (Section 280).

· Post differential (Chapter 500).

· Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600), and

2. BENEFITS:

· Employee's FICA Contribution

· Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

· Pay Comparability Adjustment

· Annual Increase

· Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

· Annual & Sick Leave

· Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service

Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes.

3. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) Pertaining to PSCs.

97- 16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Completion for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less

97-11 (Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts

97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

97-3

New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination

96-23

Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract

96-19

U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) – Leave

96-11

PSC’s Annual Health Insurance Costs

96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14

94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)

93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)

List of Required Forms for PSCs

1. Standard Form 171

**2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).

**3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

**4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

**5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

Note: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.

*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

**The forms listed 2 thru 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

All Applicants must address how they meet the Minimum Qualifications, as described below:

a. Submit a fully completed and hand-signed copy of Form (ADS-309-2), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates your education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Forms are available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices).

b. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) V.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications packages are to be submitted to:

Sylvester Browne

Human Resource Specialist

USAID/Liberia

Email: sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@usaid.gov

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.

All of the above information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete.

VI.

CLOSING DATE

Applications must be submitted no later than November 12, 2018, 5:300 pm Local Time.

PAGE