SOL- 72047221R00005 - USPSC DOCO (1).pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Rua Sergio Viera de Melo, Lighthouse Area, Farol, Dili, Timor-Leste Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72047221R00005

ISSUANCE DATE: 05-12-2021

CLOSING DATE: 06-02-2021

5:00 p.m. Timor-Leste Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Officer, Program Office, USAID/Timor-Leste

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking an application from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in the attachment.

Offers must be in accordance with the Attachment 1, Sections I through VI of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.

Any questions and email submissions must be directed in writing to diliusaidrecruitment@usaid.gov with a copy to Ms. Avani Baluci, Contracting Officer, at abaluci@usaid.gov. To ensure delivery by the due date it is recommended that applications be sent in as email attachments. Applications that are received without a signature or incomplete applications will not be considered for the position. E-sign is acceptable.

Sincerely, Avani Baluci Contracting Officer

USAID/RDMA, Bangkok, Thailand

Mailing Address:

8250 Dili Place Washington, DC 20521-8250 or

USAID/Timor-Leste 4 Travessa Sergio Vieira de Melo, Farol Dili, Timor-Leste mailto:diliusaidrecruitment@usaid.gov mailto:abaluci@usaid.gov

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72047221R00005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 05-12-2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 06-02-2021 at

5:00 p.m. Timor-Leste time.

4. POSITION TITLE: U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Officer, Program Office, USAID/Timor-Leste

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-13 equivalent ($79,468 - $103,309). 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 12 months from the date of award with the possibility of extensions depending on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance and the needs of the USAID Mission.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dili, Timor-Leste

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED/ACCESS: Secret

9. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Located between Indonesia and Australia, Timor-Leste is one of the world's newest countries, gaining independence in 2002 and emerging from decades of conflict. Its population is among the world's poorest, but Timor-Leste is committed to establishing strong democratic institutions in pursuit of its development goals.

Despite its significant development challenges, Timor-Leste plays an important role in the region and around the world, helping to lead the way to more effective engagement between developed and developing countries. USAID work in Timor-Leste aligns with the principles of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the goals of the g7+ Group of Fragile and Conflict-Affected States to increase Timor-Leste's capacity for development. USAID supports Timor-Leste in its efforts to build a more prosperous, healthy and democratic country through programs that foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, especially in the agriculture sector; improve the health of the Timorese people, particularly women and children; and strengthen the foundations of good governance.

The DOC plays a central role in defining USAID-supported programs and explaining them to Timorese, American, and international audiences. S/he is responsible for collecting, researching, managing, and distributing information related to USAID-supported programs in Timor-Leste and serves as the point of contact and liaison for all public information requests regarding the Timor- Leste program. The DOC’s recommendations on development outreach will assist USAID senior leadership in making strategic program and policy decisions.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

The incumbent collaborates closely with the Mission’s technical teams and numerous implementing partners, including institutional contractors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to develop and implement USAID/Timor-Leste's overall development outreach and communications strategy. S/he works with the U.S. Embassy/Dili's Public Affairs Officer (PAO) to ensure a unified U.S. Government approach to public information and outreach. S/he also serves as USAID/Timor-Leste’s principal point of contact with the Agency’s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs located in Washington, DC.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The specific duties of the Development Outreach and Communications Officer will include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop best methods for extending USAID/Timor-Leste efforts and results to reach target audiences through use of appropriate media forms, including newsprint, radio, television and Internet.

• Collaborate and cooperate closely with U.S. Embassy/Dili’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of the U.S. contribution to Timor-Leste’s socio-economic development, response to disasters requiring rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance, and other emerging USAID-funded development assistance activities.

• Develop and implement a communication and outreach strategy that promotes a good understanding of and support for USAID programs to external audiences, ensures public awareness of programs and activities being funded by USAID and share information with USAID/W, the U.S. Embassy, and others as necessary.

• Serve as the coordinator and technical point of contact for implementation of Agency branding efforts in Timor-Leste. Ensure that USAID mission staff is familiar with the requirements of program/activity branding; as needed, work with Agency partners and implementers on ensuring compliance with Agency branding guidance.

• Organize and coordinate with the USAID/Timor-Leste technical teams and PAO all aspects of public events for USAID such as program/activity inaugurations and program assistance completions, including 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.

• Serve as a key point of contact for site visits by official visitors from the Embassy, USAID/W, etc. In consultation with technical offices, assist in drafting site visit schedules, preparing briefing materials and scene setters, coordinating meetings and briefings with partners, constituents, other donors and Timorese officials. Manage logistics related to visits and accompany visitors as required.

• Prepare and maintain a standard information package on the USAID/Timor-Leste program (including updates based on the new Country Development Cooperation Strategy) for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, USAID/W, and the U.S. Embassy. Materials include scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, and information about other donors’ programs.

• In close collaboration with the PAO, review drafts of press releases on program successes and lessons learned, program activity inaugurations, and significant developments. Follow up with

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216 media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Participate in field trips, as necessary.

• Serve as the principal USAID/Timor-Leste contact for representatives of the local and international media to promote story ideas and feature articles on USAID programs.

• Facilitate contacts among members of the media and USAID implementing partners and institutional contractors to encourage coverage of USAID programs in the local and international press.

• Prepare draft presentations, speeches, briefers, and talking points in response to requests for information and taskers, and for preparation of reports regarding Timor-Leste program activities. Write, update and maintain success stories, ensuring each technical office is well-represented; ensure success stories are available for staff and public in general.

• Contribute to and manage media strategy, including driving content and timeline communications. Build media relations; cultivate media contacts - television, radio, newspaper etc. in Timor-Leste. Manage media inquiries and create media opportunities to get favorable stories in the press. Maintain records on press mentions in all media forms (radio, TV, print, web, reviews, etc.).

• Train technical staff on Agency’s communication standards, outreach methods, branding policy, taking photos, writing, editing, and public speaking as requested or needed.

• Coordinate web updates with technical offices and the USAID/ Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) webmaster to maintain updated program descriptions, keep online press room up to date, rotate and create new features as needed, maintain brand identity and clarity of homepage.

• Manage USAID/Timor-Leste social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter.

• Work with printers and graphic designers as needed, to ensure smooth production, including managing printing to budget, specifications, and orders.

• Photograph USAID/Timor-Leste program activities, events and impact, providing USAID with digital and other media to document and communicate USAID success and lessons learned.

Coordinate photo files online and in CD format, ensure compliance with copy rights regulations and photo releases, and oversee use of photos and video.

• Monitor local opinion concerning USAID/Timor-Leste programs for the purpose of gauging the effect of the information dissemination strategy and provide feedback to inform decisions on ongoing activities and future programming.

• Assist USAID/Timor-Leste staff and contractors with developing appropriate public information programs. Provide guidance to USAID/Timor-Leste staff and implementing partners in their direct contacts with the media and ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all of the USAID staff and partners.

• Maintain a calendar of USAID/Timor-Leste program events in close coordination with implementing partners and the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representatives (CORs/AORs).

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

• Coordinate with USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs office to provide USAID/Timor-Leste specific stories, blogs, and other requested information for Washington-based print and online publications. Ensure Mission compliance with LPA-issued guidance related to outreach and communications activities.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

a) Supervision Received: The Incumbent will report to the USAID/Timor-Leste Program Officer.

Supervision will be exercised in a broad and general manner. Incumbent is expected to display self-initiative in planning and carrying out his/her assignments

b) Supervision Exercised: Incumbent will supervise one Locally Employed Staff Development

Outreach and Communications Specialist

D. GUIDELINES: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices.

E. COMPLEXITY: This position requires a combination of analytical, technical and managerial skills. The incumbent must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures. The DOC 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. The successful applicant shall have the following qualifications, training and skills. Note that in order to be considered those marked “required” must be met.

F. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: Activities assigned to the incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment. In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the incumbent will use her/his 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/Timor- Leste personnel, as well as representatives from other organizations, including the Government of Timor-Leste, 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 the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

G. NATURE, LEVEL, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Personal contacts are with local and international media, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/W, implementers and institutional contractors and governmental and non-governmental authorities.

H. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position requires a combination of analytical, technical and managerial skills. The incumbent must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures. The DOC 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. The successful applicant shall have the following qualifications, training and skills. Note that in order to be considered those marked “required” must be met.

I. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: None Incumbents’ recommendations will form basis for making commitments and contribute to informing policy decisions made by the USAID/Timor-Leste management team. The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) (USAID/Timor-Leste) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

J. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: In possession of, or able to obtain, a secret level security clearance. 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.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. Citizens.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work request does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA:

The applicants must address each Evaluation Factors listed below. When addressing the Evaluation Factors below, demonstrate how your experience relates to the duties and responsibilities. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following evaluation criteria:

1. Education: (pass/fail): A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field is required.

2. Prior Work Experience: At least five years demonstrated successful experience in media relations, public relations, graphic design, journalism, editing and writing for different platforms is required. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences, including illiterate audiences, is required and work experience on health with an international development agency or on international development programs is required. Documented experience in analyzing problems, working with teams to develop solutions, writing analytic reports, and using empirical data to improve the effectiveness of the work product is required.

3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A demonstrated ability to craft informational messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, web-site, brochures, briefers, success stories, talking points etc.) targeting a variety of audiences is required. Firm understanding of the logistics of outreach related event planning and coordination is required. Knowledge related to communications and outreach strategy development and implementation is required. Familiarity with Federal Government branding regulations is desirable.

Excellent written and oral communications skills in English are absolutely critical. Strong interpersonal skills and the proven ability to multi-task and work on diverse technical teams are required. Proven coordination and organizational skills within a fast-paced, multi-cultural work environment are required. Skills related to word processing are required and familiarity/training in databases, electronic mail, website development/web software, including HTML, Photoshop, and other publishing software is preferred. Fluency in English is required. Language skills in Portuguese, Tetum or Bahasa Indonesian are desirable

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: (35 points)

• At least five years of relevant work experience in media relations, public relations, graphic design, journalism, editing and writing for different platforms is required and/or governance

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216 programs with an international development agency or on international development programs is required.

• Documented experience in analyzing problems, working with teams to develop solutions, writing analytic reports, and using empirical data to improve the effectiveness of the work product is required.

2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (35 points)

• Demonstrated ability to analyze development issues and work with teams to resolve them.

• Excellent writing and speaking abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to organize work, develop schedules, and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office and Google Share computer applications.

• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced development principles, program/project/activity development, budgeting, management, and analytical skills to assess activity feasibility.

3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: (30 points)

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work in diverse, multicultural teams, including an ability to build consensus, provide leadership, and effectively coordinate with internal and external stakeholders while supporting a culture of inquiry and engaging in continuous critical reflection of USAID’s assistance and emerging issues.

• Demonstrated ability to produce written communication in a clear, concise manner.

• Demonstrated experience leading and facilitating groups with differing views.

Total Application Rating: 100 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/Timor-Leste 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

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216 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 requested to submit following:

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

Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2) at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID-302-3 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. Personal Information: full name, mailing address, email address, day and evening phone numbers, and country of citizenship.

4. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Section III. Evaluation and Selection Factors).

5. 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.

6. Information on current or prior U.S. Government security or employment authorization clearance and current or prior U.S. Government/employment medical clearances.

NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or 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 hand-signed or e-signed. Applications can be scanned and sent as an email attachment.

Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

● Base Salary

● Employer’s FICA and Medicare Contribution*

● Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

● Pay Comparability and Adjustment

● Annual Salary Increase

● Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation (USPSC only)

● Annual & Sick Leave

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

2. ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

• Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

• Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

• Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

• Post Allowance (Section 220)

• 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 Allowance (Section 650)

3. FEDERAL TAXES:

USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal income taxes. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

4. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE:

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

• Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

• Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

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

• Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

5. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) AND ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE

POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS:

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contract. Those documents can be found at this website:

http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/

Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D can be found at:

http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Timor-Leste provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Timor-Leste also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations.

The EEO complaint procedure is available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

- End of solicitation -http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/ http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf