SOL - 72061724R00012 _SDOC GS-15 .pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-72061724R00012

ISSUANCE DATE: September 30, 2024

CLOSING DATE/TIME: October 29, 2024, 16:45 PM Kampala Time

Subject: Solicitation for US Personal Service Contractor

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 - (IV) Submitting an Offer of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1 at:

kampalausaidjobs@usaid.gov

Sincerely, Donald Brady

Supervisory Executive Officer mailto:kampalausaidjobs@usaid.gov

Solicitation 72061724R00012

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-72061724R00012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 30, 2024

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 29, 2024, 16:45 PM

Kampala Time

4. POINT OF CONTACT: EXO and HR Specialist at: kampalausaidjobs@usaid.gov or 0414-306-

5. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Development Outreach & Communications (S/DOC)

Specialist

6. MARKET VALUE: $123,041 - $159,950, equivalent to GS-15.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kampala, Uganda. The contractor may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. Possible domestic travel of up to 50 percent as stated in the Statement of Duties.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three additional one-year extensions pending approval, need, performance, and funding. Not to exceed five years.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: United States (U.S.) citizen – offshore or resident in Uganda.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret: The final selected candidates must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

General Statement of the Purpose of the Contract

The S/DOC position is part of the Program Office at USAID/Uganda. The S/DOC reports directly to the USAID/Uganda Supervisory Program Officer. USAID Uganda is one of Africa Bureau's largest missions, with a multi-year portfolio valued at $1.5 billion. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the

Mission's program budget stood at $458 million including emergency assistance. USAID Uganda implements a Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) with the goal of partnership with the Ugandan people to put Uganda on a path to achieve its Vision 2040. Uganda is a priority country for USAID across all global health initiatives, as well as Feed the Future and Power Africa.

USAID implements programs to boost agricultural productivity, increase access to electricity, support financial inclusion, protect Uganda’s threatened biodiversity and wildlife, and bolster educational outcomes and democratic governance. USAID Uganda directs most of its programs through cooperative agreements and contracts to a wide range of international and local non-governmental organizations.

The United States Government (USG) has a complicated relationship with Uganda. As a major contributor to peacekeeping operations on the continent, Uganda is a key security partner. However, the country's ability to play a positive regional role is eroding due to deteriorating democratic and civic space, worsening human rights violations, declining economic growth, and increasing debt fueled by corruption. The Government of Uganda exhibits an increasingly restrictive posture towards civil society and aversion to foreign influence, although it relies heavily on foreign assistance.

The human rights environment declined precipitously in 2023, with increasing anti-LGBTQI+ fervor across Uganda fueled by hateful narratives about recruitment of primary school children into homosexuality propagated by political and religious leaders. In late May, Parliament passed and the

President signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA). Immediately there was a significant uptick in human rights violations against the LGBTQI+ community including attacks, arrests, and forced evictions.

Exceptional efforts to communicate USAID and USG objectives and impact are vital to USAID

Uganda’s ability to be successful in achieving its foreign policy and development objectives in the region. The Mission seeks to improve the quality and availability of information about U.S. foreign assistance and its benefits in the region to a broader audience. Strong communications and outreach policies and strategies, and forward-leaning implementation is essential to USAID’s and the USG’s ability to build foreign relations in support of U.S. national interests.

For these purposes, USAID established the Senior Development Outreach and Communications

(S/DOC) position, an off-shore U.S. Personal Services Contract position. This position will be located in the Program Office of USAID Uganda and reports directly to Program Office leadership.

USAID Uganda’s Program Office (PRO) provides guidance, analysis, and leadership in the formulation and management of USAID Uganda’s overall development assistance program across all technical offices. The Program Office facilitates and supports other offices in strategy and project/activity design, development, and implementation; strategic partnerships and Agency initiatives; monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL); public communications; programmatic budgeting; and a wide range of reporting to USAID Washington. The office manages a $46 million

MEL contract.

The Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications Officer (S/DOC) works closely with

USAID Uganda’s technical offices and implementing partners to develop and implement the

Mission’s overall communication strategy. The S/DOC serves as the Mission’s primary liaison with the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) to ensure coordination and collaboration on

USAID public activities and projects. S/he will also serve as the USAID Uganda’s principal liaison with USAID’s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs in Washington.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

The S/DOC Specialist (hereafter referred to as “S/DOC”) will service the needs of USAID Uganda, per the requirements below.

A. Strategic Communications (35%):

The S/DOC is the expert authority on all communication and outreach strategies, policies, tools, and approaches for the USAID Uganda portfolios. This expert authority extends to all technical and program staff (approximately 220 staff), thereby affecting a large number of technical staff and having a direct effect on the scope, manner and effectiveness with which USAID translates high level decisions, initiatives, programs and activities into clear and direct messaging.

The S/DOC develops and manages comprehensive Development Outreach and Communication

Strategies. This sets communication policy for the USAID Uganda Mission, and is designed to promote

USAID and all USG programs to both internal and external audiences. The primary responsibility is to ensure public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and, where applicable, other

USG Agencies. The S/DOC also helps to facilitate information access and sharing within the entire

Mission; and, strengthening Mission reporting functions to USAID Washington, the Department of State, and the U.S. Congress. The Development Outreach and Communication strategies should innovatively translate the role, objectives, and achievements of USAID and USG assistance into clear messaging, and should define how this information will be used to highlight the impact of USAID and USG assistance in

Uganda. The policies, communications strategies, and outreach plans will include developing and testing new hypotheses and theories for opening new channels of communication and sustainably improving the flow of information on development activities to local audiences.

The S/DOC manages all outsourced development outreach and communications-related services, as applicable or as needed. S/he supervises a team to utilize a broad range of innovative, effective and widely disseminated publicity tools to ensure target audience awareness of the scale and impact of

USAID and U.S. generosity throughout Uganda, ensuring a targeted, coherent, and consistent message.

As a senior official of USAID, the S/DOC also serves as the lead for all official communication needs of

USAID Uganda visitors from the U.S. Embassies, USAID Washington, VIPs, etc. The S/DOC is

USAID’s communications point of contact for such visits and events, responsible for managing all aspects of outreach and communication related to USAID programming. This can include working closely with the designated control officer to maintain site visit schedules, reviewing and clearing briefing materials, and coordinating meetings and briefings with implementing partners, constituents, other donors, and officials.

Additionally and relatedly, the S/DOC:

● Counsels and advises the USAID Uganda Mission Director and frequently directs USAID staff on all communication and outreach efforts;

● Leads the Mission’s development, outreach and communications team, ensuring overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives covering the entire

USAID Uganda area of responsibility;

● Guides all USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information programs, oversees all USAID branding, provides guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media, and ensures a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and partners;

● Substantially increases the effective and creative use of multimedia to enhance the message of development throughout Uganda through written and visual means; and

● Oversees all internal communications functions, including quality assurance of annual required and ad-hoc reports and communications with internal USAID and USG stakeholders.

B. Development Outreach and Media Activities (35%):

To ensure appropriate, consistent and accurate messaging and communication of USG and USAID program objectives and achievements in support of U.S. foreign policy, the S/DOC organizes, coordinates and implements press events for USAID activities in conjunction with the PDS, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, implementing partners, regional and/or local governments, and private sector counterparts. S/he directs DOC and Technical Staff in the preparation and maintenance of information packages on the USAID and USG programs in Uganda – with standard basic packages for differing purposes (media, the public, educational institutions, the Government of Uganda, and district and local level governments, etc.), for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and, for

USAID Washington, the US Embassy, etc. The S/DOC monitors local and international press coverage for awareness of, and attitudes toward USAID and USG writ large, and provides continuous feedback to inform USAID staff on ongoing activities and future programming.

For media events, the S/DOC and his or her team are responsible for:

● Drafting of speeches, talking points, and background briefings for media engagements, including the development of materials and preparation of speakers for radio, video and television sessions;

● Compilation and dissemination of press packets, handling of protocol issues, site selection, staging, and on-site coordination of all media issues;

● Identification and scheduling of speakers and liaising with U.S. and local government officials as needed;

● Writing and/or editing of USAID programmatic and strategic fact sheets and briefing materials for public consumption;

● Writing and/or editing of Briefing Checklists (BCLs), scene setters, briefing materials and memoranda for the Ambassador, the USAID Mission Director or his/her designees when their participation in events is warranted; and

● Coordination of updates to USAID websites.

The S/DOC oversees the drafting of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments, and provides drafts to the PDS for dissemination, as appropriate; follows up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events; works with staff from throughout the

Mission to develop and maintain public relations materials, to the extent possible in both the English and the country’s official language, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations, websites, and other visual displays on USAID programs and their objectives; distributes reports on field trips and assessments conducted by USAID staff; and, participates in field trips as necessary.

C. Coordination of Communication Strategies and Activities (30%):

As the expert authority on outreach and communication, the S/DOC may be called upon to provide high-level, sophisticated support and guidance to the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda and the USAID Mission

Director for Uganda. With continual changes in geo-political climate, multi-sector programmatic needs, shifting political bilateral and multilateral relations between the U.S. and other government entities, and several Presidential Initiatives, the S/DOC’s duties include extensive analysis of complex issues. The

S/DOC must continuously access and interpret often-nuanced information as it is made available or accessible. He or she must use expert judgment to create or adjust policy statements and messages for use by various levels of the U.S. Mission in Uganda.

The S/DOC coordinates with the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) in Kampala; directs USAID staff on such coordination efforts; develops and oversees implementation of communication strategies, branding and marking plans of all partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID and USG humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives; and designs and implements the development communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID’s programs to external target audiences. S/he serves as USAID’s point of contact for all press relations, both international and local media and works closely with the PDS on press relations while maintaining contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets. S/he exercises independent judgment and leadership to coordinate with the PDS, U.S. military, other USG agencies (e.g.

Treasury, Commerce, Agriculture), other donors, and USAID implementing partners to maximize exposure and accurate understanding of U.S. humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives in Uganda.

The S/DOC represents USAID and the U.S. Mission at a senior level in all matters pertaining to

Development Outreach and Communication activities with the Ugandan Governments, other donors and development partners, domestic and international media, regional African organizations, and other groups and institutions; and, as appropriate, helps to build their capacity to manage public affairs and outreach activities. The S/DOC is a creative agent for dissemination of important information through government intermediaries.

POSITION ELEMENTS

Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USG-specific procedures, regulations, and methods. Appropriate training courses including E-training will be offered, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds. The S/DOC shall annually complete

Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450 form). The S/DOC shall attend mandatory annual Ethics training conducted at USAID/Uganda by the Regional Legal Advisor. The S/DOC may also be required to attend and successfully complete the mandatory Contracting/Agreement Officer

Representative (COR/AOR) training, other USAID Acquisition and Assistance, project management, and implementation training as needed.

Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Regulations (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, and Mission Notices. Judgment and ingenuity are required of the S/DOC to interpret the intent of policies, directives, and guidelines in the field of expertise, and the S/DOC should have the ability and experience to develop applications and guidelines.

Exercise of Judgment: The S/DOC has wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to accomplish work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility. Substantial reliance is placed on the S/DOC’s use of judgment concerning priority and effectiveness of public relations documentation and activities. Judgment and ingenuity are required not only to interpret the intent of guidance and to develop application/guidelines but also to make quick decisions in settings that require immediate development outreach communication action with crucial implications on

U.S. interest and no U.S. senior officials present to consult. The S/DOC must react to and interpret changing circumstances in the local and international media and their effects on his/her work schedule and direct colleagues and subordinates to use effective means and skills on rescheduled work.

Authority to Make Commitments: None. S/DOC’s recommendations will lay the basis for making commitments and contribute to policy decisions made by the Mission management team.

The S/DOC will, however, be required to head activities with no senior officials present that will require expertise and leadership in such events as planning and coordinating partner workshops, donor conferences, project/program Press briefings, and conferences.

Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal senior level contacts are with the Mission

Director, USAID officials, local professional and international media, U.S. Embassy personnel including the Ambassador, USAID/W Bureaus, staff of implementers and institutional contractors’ Chief of Party, local community leaders, as well as key host country officials and counterparts. Through effective development outreach communication actions, the S/DOC must be skillful in determining the appropriate approach in working with senior professional contacts for the purposes of negotiating, persuading, and gaining favorable impressions for USG activities, as well as acquiring support and rapport for U.S. projects and progress.

Information Systems and Information Security: The S/DOC is responsible for operating

USAID information systems and information security to a level of “Individual Accountability”, “Need to Know” and “Separation of Duties as defined in ADS 545.6 and also below:

Individual Accountability - The principle requiring that individual users be held accountable for their actions, after being notified of the Rules of Behavior in the use of the system, and the penalties associated with violations of those rules. (Source: NIST SP 800-18) (Chapter 545)

Need to Know - The need for specific information not normally available without justification and authorization prior to the release of the information in question. (Chapter 545).

Separation of Duties - A requirement that two or more individuals are needed to complete a process. This ensures that no single individual has complete control over process execution.

(Chapter 545).

This compartmentalizes; the independent actions and decreases an individual’s ability to perform multiple actions or to complete the entire process, which may result in a security breach.

Sunday Pay: Sunday pay is not authorized under this contract.

Support Items: The Senior Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Specialist will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.

Travel Requirements: Must be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested. Occasional travel internationally may be necessary.

Supervisory Relationship: The incumbent will report to the Program Office leadership with a dotted line to the USAID Front Office, who will provide administrative direction with assignments broadly defined.

The S/DOC is expected to plan, design and carry out duties independently. Review of work will be based on fulfillment of Communication Strategies objectives, effectiveness and influence of media and outreach campaigns and overall ability to serve foreign policy priorities.

Supervision exercised: The incumbent will supervise a Personal Services Contract Deputy Development

Outreach and Communications Officer, and two Foreign Service National DOC team members as needed or assigned. The S/DOC will regularly advise, guide and mentor technical office communications advisors. On occasion the Advisor will direct other Mission staff tasked to support important outreach efforts for VIPs, visits by government officials, and embassy-generated outreach efforts.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve unusual physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To ensure compliance with the entire set of this solicitation instructions (please see pages 10 to 14 -

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS and IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER sections), the offer package must be complete and signed–where indicated - and offerors must include in their offers information to demonstrate that they:

(1) have attained the required education level; and

(2) meet the experience requirements, etc.

USAID/Uganda expects to award a personal services contract for a United States (U.S.) Citizen or

Resident Alien – offshore or resident in Uganda for a two-year base period. Based on Agency need, the

Contracting Officer may exercise three one-year contract extension periods.

The successful Offeror must be capable of securing a U.S. Government Secret Clearance.

In order to be considered for the position, an offeror must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors.

Offerors meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on the information/ documentation presented in the offer.

Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested only from the top scoring offerors.

Please note that not all offerors will be interviewed or contacted.

USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the highest-ranked offerors and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

Reference checks will be conducted on those Offerors selected for the interview. The Offeror’s references must be able to provide substantive information about the Offeror’s past performance, skills, and abilities.

USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers and other sources - in addition to the ones provided by the offeror - relevant information concerning the Offeror’s past performance, technical knowledge, required skills, including teamwork and team-building experience and may consider such information in its evaluation.

If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror.

USAID will not pay or reimburse for any expenses associated with the application, evaluation process

(e.g., interviews, writing samples, writing tests) unless expenses are pre-authorized.

The required professional qualifications include the following and offerors must address all the elements as part of their offer in response to this PSC solicitation.

A. EDUCATION

A Master’s degree is required, preferably in the field of journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies, public relations or a related area.

B. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, preferably in an international setting, is required (work performed internationally would ideally be in an international organization, corporation, donor, foreign government, or NGO). Experience managing a team of communicators is required. Overseas experience in a less developed/developing country for longer time periods is desirable, preferably in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance activities. Proven experience in innovatively disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required, as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public.

Experience in disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is desirable.

C. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to develop and establish communication policies and strategies, and to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, stories, etc.), and targeting a variety of audiences.

D. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The candidates must have demonstrated outstanding coordination, management and organizational skills within multicultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure; and, have demonstrated initiative and creativity. Candidates will be expected to show past experience in performing and managing teams successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and direction. Experience with international aid projects is desirable. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences, etc.

At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated skills and success in:

• developing innovative, multi-pronged communication and outreach policies and strategies;

• media campaigns, special programs, press conferences;

• analyzing complex programmatic information;

• understanding USG national interests and diplomatic priorities in order to craft information messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences to meet numerous objectives simultaneously;

• outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multicultural work environments;

• the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure;

• considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments; and

• initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed upon timetables.

E. LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION, PROFICIENCY:

The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with the highest level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a member of a closely knit multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. The S/DOC must demonstrate the ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. S/he must also be proficient in computer skills, sophisticated media and multimedia tools (including online platforms and social media) and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications and Google Suite, use desktop publishing software and one or more website development applications. The candidate will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite and Google

Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software, one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words. They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly, lucidly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be written exclusively by the applicant. Co-written articles are not accepted. Final applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-

1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR

52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

Offers will be initially screened for compliance with the solicitation instructions and eligibility in accordance with the selection criteria below.

To ensure compliance with the entire set of this solicitation instructions (please see page 12 to 14 -

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER section), the offer package must be complete and signed (hand or electronic signature) –where indicated - and offerors must include in their offers information to demonstrate that they have attained the required education level and meet the experience requirements, etc.

Offerors will be evaluated and ranked based on the information provided for the four Quality

Ranking Factors (QRFs) that must be addressed as required in the supplemental document – Item

IV – Submitting an Offer 1 (D).

Offerors must, therefore, address each of the four Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) in their offer.

Top- ranked Offerors who meet the minimum qualification will be invited for an interview and given a written evaluation.

Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.

The four Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) that must be addressed as required in the supplemental document – Item IV – Submitting an Offer 1 (D) are:

1. SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (40 points):

The candidates must have demonstrated outstanding coordination, management and organizational skills within multicultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure; and, have demonstrated initiative and creativity. Candidates will be expected to show past experience in performing and managing teams successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and direction.

Experience with international aid projects is desirable. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences, etc.

http://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated skills and success in:

• developing innovative, multi-pronged communication and outreach policies and strategies;

• media campaigns, special programs, press conferences;

• analyzing complex programmatic information;

• understanding USG national interests and diplomatic priorities in order to craft information messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences to meet numerous objectives simultaneously;

• outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multicultural work environments;

• the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure;

• considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments; and

• initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed upon timetables.

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

2. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE (30 points):

A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, preferably in an international setting, is required (work performed internationally would ideally be in an international organization, corporation, donor, foreign government, or NGO).

Experience managing a team of communicators is required.

Overseas experience in a less developed/developing country for longer time periods is desirable, preferably in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance activities.

Proven experience in innovatively disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required, as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public.

Experience in disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is desirable.

3. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE (15 points):

The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to develop and establish communication policies and strategies, and to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, stories, etc.), and targeting a variety of audiences.

4. LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION, PROFICIENCY (15 points):

The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with the highest level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a member of a closely knit multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. The S/DOC must demonstrate the ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. S/he must also be proficient in computer skills, sophisticated media and multimedia tools (including online platforms and social media) and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications and Google Suite, use desktop publishing software and one or more website development applications. The candidate will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite and Google

Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software, one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words. They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly, lucidly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be written exclusively by the applicant. Co-written articles are not accepted. Final applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test.

5. EDUCATION (Pass/Fail)

A Master’s degree is required, preferably in the field of journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies, public relations or a related area.

Total Possible Points: 100

Skills and abilities: 40 points

Prior Work Experience: 30 points

Technical Knowledge: 15 points

Language and Communication proficiency: 15 points

Education – Pass/Fail

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

Total Possible Points: 100

Evaluation Factor Total – 100 points, and Pass for Education and Reference Checks

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:

A. A signed (hand or electronic signature) offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal

Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

B. Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying.

C. Curriculum vitae/resume specifically which MUST include:

(i) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year) and hours worked per week for each position;

--Dates (month/year) and locations for all international field experience must also be detailed;

--Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), location, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(ii) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(iii) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).

(iv) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/forms job- related honors, awards, or accomplishments.

D. Supplemental [separate] document specifically addressing each QRF as outlined in the solicitation.

E. United States (U.S.) citizens and Resident Alien (currently resident in Uganda) must attach a copy of a valid work permit.

F. Offers should be in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). No other file types will be accepted. All documents should be scanned into one (1) document (one (1) ATTACHMENT) which should not exceed

10MB.

Documents should be arranged and scanned in this order:

(i) Signed (hand or electronic signature) offer form AID 309-2

(ii) Cover Letter

(iii) Completed Curriculum vitae/resume

(iv) Supplemental documents

(v) Valid work permit – if applicable

G. Submitted offers and documents become the property of USAID and will not be returned.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted by email to EXO and HR Specialist at: kampalausaidjobs@usaid.gov Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

No other form of submission will be permitted (e.g., courier, fax, or hand delivery). The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications may not be accepted. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic submission. USAID will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mails.

The Offeror assumes all risk related to an electronic submission. Late offers or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

For this position, the subject line of the email must read:

SOL NUMBER TITLE OF POSITION, LAST, FIRST CANDIDATE NAME

Example: 72061724R00012 SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH &

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST(S/DOC), Smith Jose

4. The offer should include all relevant academic qualifications and experience. Offerors will not be disqualified for having more than required qualifications/experience.

5. USAID/Uganda does not require any form of payment from offerors during the solicitation process. Please reach out to the email listed in this solicitation document if you are in doubt at any point in this process.

6. USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy at ADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

SELF CERTIFICATION

Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification [See Tab 1]to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award.

For the Apparently Successful Offeror:

● If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor (RLO) or

General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror.

● Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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 forms relating to:

1. Security Eligibility/U.S. Government Secret Clearance

2. Medical Clearances and Certifications

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

a) Employer's FICA Contribution

b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) if applicable

e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government

Civilians Foreign Areas), available at:

https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

c) Post Allowance (Section 220) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gBo1axfk8HdtHYV03Q1XhcbTnhZwkyibDQ5iX0olCeo/edit

d) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

g) Education Travel (Section 280)

h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO

PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing PSC awards are available at these sources:

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/ads/policy/300/aidar

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:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT

PRIC

E (E)

AMOUNT

(F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

Accounting Info:

- APPRO: 72-1924/251031

- BBFY/FUND: GH-C-AIDS/2024/2025

- EOCC: 11300008

- OBLIGATION: 617-DO3-SYS-24-PO.2-02-AO

1 LOT USD

TBD

USD TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT USD

TBD

USD TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT USD

TBD

USD TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT USD

TBD

USD TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

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 .

AAPD/CIB

No. Title/Issued Date

Subject

Category

AAPD 21-05

(PDF 422K)

REVISED AND EXPANDED FRINGE BENEFITS

FOR USPSCs (AIDAR Dev. No. M-OAA-DEV-

AIDAR-22-1c) – November 23, 2021)

USPSC Paid Parental Leave Timekeeping/Payroll

Process [41K PDF]

Personal

Services

Contracts

AAPD 21-04

Revision 3

(PDF 382K)

AAPD No. 21-04, ATTACHMENT 4 - Letter for contracts with performance requiring physical access to USAID domestic facilities. [165K PDF]

AAPD No. 21-04, ATTACHMENT 5 - Letter to

Individuals with Personal Services

Contracts [166K PDF]

AAPD 21-04 ATTACHMENT 6: Overview of

Applicability of FAR 52.223-99 [200K PDF]

Acquisition

Management, PSCs

AAPD 21-01

(PDF 221K)

Applicability of FAR 4.21 to USAID personal services contracts with individuals under the AIDAR

Appendices D and J – March 26, 2021 Acquisition

Management

AAPD 18-02

Revision 2

(PDF 77K)

This AAPD is to update the Medevac clause for U.S.

personal services contractors (USPSCs) performing abroad, and USPSCs who are on official travel status abroad on temporary duty or training. The purpose of this Revision 2 is to reflect an extension to the class deviation, resulting in a new AAPD expiration date. –

February 16, 2022

Personal

Services

Contracts

AAPD 10-01

(PDF 47 kb)

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS --

CHANGES IN USG REIMBURSEMENT

AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE AND

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS – 01/08/10

Personal

Services

Contracts

AAPD 06-10

(PDF 80 kb)

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT

RESPONSIBILITY – October 30, 2006

Personal

Services

Contracts

AAPD 06-08

(PDF 35 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: USING THE

OPTIONAL SCHEDULE TO INCREMENTALLY

FUND CONTRACTS – JUNE 23, 2006

Personal

Services

Contracts

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-05 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-05 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-05 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-05 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USPSC-PPL-TimekeepingPayrollProcess.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USPSC-PPL-TimekeepingPayrollProcess.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd21-04-revision3 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd21-04-revision3 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd21-04-revision3 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd21-04-revision3 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd21-04-revision3 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD-21-04-Attachment4-Letter-ISCs.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD-21-04-Attachment4-Letter-ISCs.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD-21-04-Attachment4-Letter-ISCs.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD-21-04-Attachment5-Letter-PSCs.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD-21-04-Attachment5-Letter-PSCs.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD-21-04-Attachment5-Letter-PSCs.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD21-04-Flowchart_revised.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/AAPD21-04-Flowchart_revised.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-21-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02Rev2 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02Rev2 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02Rev2 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02Rev2 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapd-cibs/aapd-18-02Rev2 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-01 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-10 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-10 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-10 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-10 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 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/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

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

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference.

52.204-27

Prohibition of ByteDance covered application

NOV 2023

[END SOLICITATION]

http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov mailto:PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov