SOL-72048621R00010 GDO Resident Hire USPSC Communications and Coordination Specialist.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA) Athenee Tower, 25th Floor, Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

SOLICITATION NUMBER : 72048621R00010

ISSUANCE DATE : July 14, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME : August 15, 2021 (11:59 PM Bangkok Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) – Communications and Coordination Specialist, GS-13

To All Interested Applicants:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. nationals interested in providing personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Submissions must be in accordance with the instructions in Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all materials for their records.

Email submissions must be sent to: RDMArecruitment@usaid.gov with the subject line “SOL-72048621R00010”.

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.

Any questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Avani Baluci, Supervisory Executive Officer/Contracting Officer, abaluci@usaid.gov Pasin Bua-on, Human Resources Assistant, pbuaon@usaid.gov

This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID and the U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Sincerely, Avani Baluci Supervisory Executive Officer/Contracting Officer

USAID/Reginal Development Mission for Asia Bangkok, Thailand

SOL- 72048621R00010

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72048621R00010

2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 14, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 15, 2021, at 11:59 PM

Bangkok Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Communications and Coordination Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-13 equivalent ($79,468 - $ 103,309 per annum)

Final compensation to be negotiated only within the market value of the position and 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: The base period of one year, estimated to start in November 2021 or immediately upon receipt of security and medical clearances. Based on Agency need, availability of funds and satisfactory performance, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods of up to four years as follows:

Base Period o/a November 2021 – October 2022 Option Period 1 o/a November 2022 – October 2023 Option Period 2 o/a November 2023 – October 2024 Option Period 3 o/a November 2024 – October 2025 Option Period 4 o/a November 2025 – October 2026

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand with possible travel as stated in the Statement of

Duties.

8. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:

● Eligible Family Members (USEFMs and EFMs with U.S. permanent residence status (Green Card Holders) of U.S. Mission in Thailand; or

● U.S.-Thai Dual Citizens;

● Demonstrated ability to obtain a FACILITY ACCESS level security clearance;

● Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access Clearance

10. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND:

USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) is located in Bangkok, Thailand. RDMA manages three operating units - one regional portfolio and non-presence country programming in Thailand and China. With a FY 2021 budget of $79 million, the Mission has an active portfolio throughout the Indo- Pacific totaling over $660 million. As a regional service platform, RDMA supports 12 client missions in

Asia, representing an annual combined budget of $1.4 billion, with a broad range of policy, technical, and operational support services. RDMA also manages the Asia Regional Training Center, the Agency’s largest such facility outside of Washington, DC, which trains 4,000 USAID employees and partners per year. The Mission is currently launching a new Regional Development Cooperation Strategy, focusing on programs that defend human rights, strengthen economic connectivity, strengthen environmental and energy systems, and improve the regional response to health threats.

RDMA’s General Development Office (GDO) focuses on building partnerships and capacities to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen democratic systems and improve access to rights and opportunities for vulnerable populations across southeast Asia.

With a staff of 18, GDO designs and manages a complex mix of human rights, counter trafficking in persons, conflict mitigation and economic growth (EG) activities in Thailand, China, and the Asia region.

GDO is also home to a team of engineers who provide project design and management support to infrastructure activities across Asia.

GDO also collaborates closely with USAID bilateral mission counterparts in the Asia region to share learning and coordinate program approaches to amplify development impact. Over the past two years GDO has also scaled up its technical advisory support to bilateral missions in the Asia region in close coordination with USAID/Washington, and also plans to scale up its efforts to convene bilateral missions and other regional stakeholders in regional learning and reflection events to enable RDMA and USAID operating units across the region to better reflect upon and adapt to address emerging democracy, rights and governance (DRG) and EG challenges across the region. Finally, GDO aims to further develop and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders in the region from other U.S. Government (USG) agencies, other donors, civil society organizations and the private sector to enhance our development effectiveness.

The Communications and Coordination Specialist will play a critical role in the achievement of GDO’s programmatic and operational goals by serving as the principal focal point for GDO’s internal and external communication and coordination processes related to its technical programming in Thailand, China, and the Southeast Asia region. The specialist will also play a principal role in GDO efforts to convene virtual and in-person learning, training, and coordination events for the Southeast Asia region.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications and Coordination Specialist serves as the principal focal point for GDO on internal and external outreach and communication in support of the GDO portfolio.

The incumbent will be tasked with managing and maintaining communications internal to USAID and the U.S. government (e.g. with USAID bilateral Missions and Embassies and other U.S. Government Agencies) as well as preparing communications and other materials in partnership with staff from GDO and the RDMA Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Team for external audiences. The incumbent will also be responsible for coordination with internal and external partners and stakeholders, including convening learning events and conferences. This position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, the ability to manage communications with a wide variety of organizations and individuals, and the ability to react quickly to tasks and work under exceptionally tight timelines while delivering consistently high-quality work products. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with only minimal strategic direction.

Internal USAID Communication and Coordination: (30%)

● Serve as the regional communications liaison between GDO and USAID bilateral Missions, US Embassies, and other USG agencies in the Asia region. Implement an effective communication plan for the office with all relevant bilateral and sub-regional Missions for regional activities.

● Establish points of contact at each bilateral Mission and maintain regular contact with bilateral Missions in the Asia region to ensure they are properly apprised of relevant GDO activities as well as services and events offered by GDO.

● Engage GDO AORs to produce and disseminate information and updates about GDO activities and events to USG stakeholders in Asia and Washington in close collaboration with the Mission’s DOC team.

● Support and advise GDO leadership to ensure messaging for all activities is consistent with the office’s strategic priorities.

● Support planning and logistics for press interviews, VIP visits, launches of project activities, or other events to ensure they run smoothly and meet USAID messaging goals.

● Write and/or edit briefing checklists, speeches, talking points, blogs, success stories, press releases, regional newsletters, and other communications materials as needed by GDO in support of USAID-sponsored public events.

● Ensure all communications products for program cycle planning and reporting, including Annual Reports, Portfolio Reviews, Performance Plan and Report, Congressional Budget Justifications, etc.

are well written and delivered on time.

● Ensure the quality of all communications products for high level audiences including the RDMA Front Office, Asia Bureau, Congress and others.

● Assist GDO staff to review implementing partner communication strategies and practices and advise on USAID branding and marking requirements and adherence as required by each award.

External USAID Communication and Coordination: (20%)

● Coordinate with GDO and the USAID/RDMA DOC to leverage local, regional, and international media relationships that will ensure events/stories are covered on a timely basis with appropriate content and that USAID and Embassy Bangkok staff are well informed of sector activities and events.

● Develop and maintain relationships with key USAID/RDMA stakeholders in the region from government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure proper information sharing that helps advance the effectiveness of GDO’s programming.

● Develop written materials, visual media, and social media for use by the DOC team for dissemination to external audiences across a variety of traditional and new media channels.

● Develop external communication materials for Agency-wide publications such as Medium, Exposure, case studies, success stories, and social media content.

● Design, implement, and/or coordinate relevant media and communications training to partners in collaboration with the DOC team.

● Compile, edit, and publish weekly updates for internal audiences, and work with the DOC to make information available for an external audience on an as-needed basis.

● Provide guidance, under the supervision of the technical lead, to implementing partners providing communications support to RDMA and bilateral missions.

● Ensure procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly adhered to and that USG interests are protected.

Convening and Training Management (30%)

● Lead event planning for GDO-sponsored regional learning, training and coordination events and conferences.

● Develop and maintain relationships with key USAID training committees and technical points of contact included but not limited to Asia Bureau’s Technical Services Office, the DRG Center, the Innovation, Technology and Research Hub, the Center on Environment, Energy and Infrastructure, the Private Sector Engagement Hub, and the Center for Economic and Market Development within the DDI Bureau to coordinate the provision of learning, training, and coordination events related to GDO’s portfolio.

● Facilitate GDO-sponsored virtual and in-person regional coordination, learning, and training events and conferences as needed.

● Support logistics for GDO conferences and training events.

● Organize and lead virtual coordination meetings with USAID bilateral Missions and/or implementing partners as needed.

Communications Management: (20%)

● Engage GDO AORs in assessing current communications products and developing a strategic communications plan in coordination with GDO and the USAID/RDMA DOC and support messaging to highlight the progress of GDO activities towards the achievement of their overall goals and USAID/RDMA objectives. Ensure that the GDO strategic communications plan supports USAID/RDMA objectives and is adjusted as necessary for changes in context as well as USG policy.

● Establish excellent working relationships and strategic engagement with a wide range of contacts related to communications, including communications officials in other USAID Missions, AID/Washington, the USAID/RDMA DOC team, the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Thailand, the bilateral and regional donor community, and sector partners throughout the Asia region.

● Maintain a comprehensive and current database with relevant communications contacts that are involved in the implementation of GDO activities (i.e. communications specialists and programmatic focal points from implementing partners, USAID Missions in Asia, AID/Washington, Embassy Bangkok agencies, other donors).

● Work with GDO AORs to develop and maintain a virtual repository of RDMA’s communications content, including publications, photos, fact-sheets and briefers, mentoring GDO staff in the development of communications content as needed. Design, develop, and manage a virtual portal of information to assist with bilateral communication and technical support. Regularly update the RDMA calendar of events with GDO inputs.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

i. Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The incumbent is expected to work independently with broad guidance and direction from the GDO Director. The incumbent is expected to resolve most communication and coordination issues independently and 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.

The incumbent must demonstrate ingenuity, diplomacy, and creativity to resolve communication challenges and achieve objectives.

ii. Supervisory Controls: The position is directly supervised by the GDO Director, who will provide guidance on USAID/RDMA strategic objectives and goals. The supervisor sets overall performance goals. The incumbent is expected to establish priorities with minimal guidance to independently plan, design, and carry out projects, studies, and programs. The incumbent is expected to develop a strategic communications plan and products in coordination with GDO and the USAID/RDMA DOC and support messaging to highlight the progress of sector activities towards the achievement of their overall goals and USAID/RDMA objectives. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self -directed.

iii. Guidelines for the required work, including reporting requirements: Guidelines on administrative and communication policies and precedents are applicable but are stated in general terms (i.e., agency policy). The incumbent is expected to use initiative and resourcefulness in deviating from traditional methods or and trends to develop new methods, criteria or proposed policies. The incumbent will report to the GDO Director and work closely with GDO and the USAID/RDMA DOC to ensure that the GDO strategic communications plan supports USAID/RDMA objectives and that it is is adjusted as necessary for changes in context as well as USG policy.

iv. Complexity of the work environment or its potential effect on the position’s responsibilities: The GDO portfolio is high-profile and involves continual coordination with various USG and external stakeholders. The incumbent must be able to engage diplomatically with various internal and external audiences both in the Asia region and in Washington, ensuring RDMA’s equities are adequately represented. The incumbent is expected to generate novel solutions to continually evolving and changing communication and coordination challenges. The incumbent is expected to lead GDO in designing a system to more effectively and efficiently share information in the Asia region to ensure the most efficient adoption of best practices to improve development outcomes.

v. Scope and effect of the work performed: The incumbent will play a critical role in the achievement of GDO’s programmatic and operational goals by serving as the principal focal point for GDO internal and external communication and coordination processes related to its technical programming in Thailand, China, and the Asia region. The incumbent develops communication plans, strategies, and materials for Agency-wide publications, designs and implements relevant media and communications training to GDO partners, and produces content for dissemination to external audiences. The specialist will also play a principal role in GDO efforts to convene virtual and in-person learning, training and coordination events for the Asia region. The work requires creativity and supporting the efforts of others.

vi. Level and purpose of contacts: To effectively function in this position, the incumbent will be required to establish and maintain effective working relationships and senior level contacts with internal and external stakeholders, including USAID and other USG officials (bilateral Missions in Asia, U.S. Embassy staff, USAID Washington, in particular the Asia Bureau and the Democracy, Development and Innovation Bureau, and Congressional staffers), senior managers and leaders of host government counterparts, regional institutions (e.g. ASEAN, ACMECS, Mekong-US Partnership, etc.), other international organizations and donors, media and NGOs. External contacts also include regional environment organizations, think tanks, both in Asia and worldwide, private sector, as well as other regional environment related organizations, such as universities. The purpose of contact includes influencing and motivating people through communication strategies and products. The incumbent must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information.

vii. Supervision or oversight the position has over others: The incumbent will not have supervisory responsibilities.

D. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Regional travel may be required up to 15% based on Mission requests for communications support.

E. SUPPORT ITEMS:

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND BASIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

● Education: Bachelor’s degree in the fields of public relations, journalism, political science, economics or a related international development and communication area is required.

● Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communication and outreach and/or international development or a related field. At least two (2) years of international experience or work on international issues.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The application 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:

Education: (15 points)

● Additional points will be awarded for educational degrees above the established minimum and for education in the field of public relations, journalism, political science, economics, or a related international development and communication area.

Professional Experience: (15 points)

● Previous work experience or familiarity with DRG or EG programming, interagency collaboration, and partnership development is desirable.

● Prior overseas work experience and working within or as a client service provider to the U.S. government or other international development organizations is preferred.

Technical Knowledge: (30 points):

● Demonstrated knowledge of the communications and outreach field and ability to craft effective communications.

● Demonstrated knowledge of democracy, conflict, human rights and/or economic growth issues (which could include conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, counter trafficking in persons, civil society and/or media strengthening, digital development, infrastructure development, economic policy reform, or related fields) and/or demonstrated knowledge of the development field.)

Skills & Abilities: (40 points):

● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

● Outstanding interpersonal skills and the proven ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders including USAID staff and managers, host country government officials, and representatives of civil society and the private sector.

● Excellent verbal communication skills and proven record of excellent writing and editing skills, especially the ability to convey technical information to general audiences.

● Demonstrated ability to design and create high quality, professional presentations, newsletters, and other communication products, including infographics and other visual aids using modern productivity software.

● Ability to design, implement and manage communications processes and systems in a complex implementation environment.

● Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate trainings and meetings.

● Ability to exercise independent judgment in resolving complex communications issues at a regional level.

Total Application Rating: 100 points Interview Performance: 100 points Writing Test: 50 points Total Possible Points: 250 points

IV. SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria and Minimum Qualifications will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation and Selection Factors. Those applications determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on writing test, interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

Applicants are should address the Evaluation and Selection Factors application package, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to the factors.

Failure to address the Evaluation and Selection Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. Samples could include presentations, press releases, speeches, short videos. A writing test will be administered to successful applicants.

The most qualified candidates may be invited to be interviewed, either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. USAID/RDMA will not pay for any expenses associated with interviews. Reference checks will then be conducted for most qualified candidates.

Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant. 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.

V. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested individuals must submit the following:

1. Fully completed and signed copy of an Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals Form (AID 309-2) at https://www.usaid.gov/ethiopia/work-with-us/careers/form-309-2. 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. Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. Samples could include presentations, press releases, speeches, short videos. A writing test will be administered to successful applicants.

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. For USEFMs of U.S. Mission in Thailand – A copy of sponsor’s orders showing your sponsor’s assignment in the U.S. Mission Thailand and/or approved OF-126 with a copy of U.S. Passport biographical page are required;

7. For EFMs with U.S. permanent residence status (Green Card Holder) of U.S. Mission in Thailand – A copy of sponsor’s orders showing your sponsor’s assignment in the U.S. Mission Thailand and/or approved OF- 126 with a copy of Green Card are required;

8. For U.S.-Thai Dual Citizens – A valid Thai ID card/Thai Passport and U.S. Passport biographical page are required.

NOTE: Submission of a resume/CV alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of all forms and supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials may result in your not being considered.

Late applications may not be considered. Please note all applications must be signed (hand-signed or digitally) – unsigned applications will NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in your email and any cover letter.

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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) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(5) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(6) Annual and Sick Leave

Note: U.S. Resident Hire PSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.

2. Taxes:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State 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.

Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

ITEM

NO

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(DESCRIPTION)

BASE

PERIOD

OPTION

PERIOD

OPTION

PERIOD

OPTION

PERIOD

OPTION

PERIOD

0001 Basic Salary

Award Type: Labor Hour Product Service Code:

R497 Accounting Info: TBD

$ TBD $ TBD $ TBD $ TBD $ TBD

0002 Civilian Personnel Benefits Award Type: Labor Hour Product Service Code:

R497 Accounting Info: TBD

$ TBD $ TBD $ TBD $ TBD $ TBD

(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

(5) PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information:

https://www.usaid.gov/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

- End of ATTACHMENT 2 -