RFP_SOL-472-16-000002_US_PSC_Development_Outreach_and_Communications_(DOC)_Specialist.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1:

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP no. SOL-472-16-000002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 23, 2016

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 19, 2016 at 4.00 pm

Bangkok Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Offshore-Hire USPSC Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist, Program Office, USAID/Timor-Leste

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-13 equivalent ($73,846 - $96,004) 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.

If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Dili, Timor-Leste, housing, international travel, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start as soon as possible for a period of two (2) years 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 ACCESS: Secret Clearance Level

9. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

10. JOB DESCRIPTION:

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.

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 Specialist 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 communications 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 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).

• 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. 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.

D. 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

E. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES:

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

F. NATURE, LEVEL AND 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.

G. 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.

H. SUPERVISION/OVERSIGHT OVER OTHERS:

Incumbent will supervise one Locally Employed Staff Development Outreach and Communications Specialist.

I. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A US citizen;

2. 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.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a medical clearance. The successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Timor-Leste. Details of how to obtain US Department of State medical clearance will be provided.

4. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required/necessary

5. Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested

J. SELECTION CRITERIA:

The following factors will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. In addition to the forms required, applicants should provide a cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vitae (CV) addressing how they meet the requirements of each criterion. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

1. Education: (15 points)

A Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field is required.

2. Relevant Experience: (25 points)

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.

Previous experience in Timor-Leste is strongly desired, but not required.

3. Technical Knowledge: (30 points)

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.

4. Skills: (30 points)

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.

K. 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 form

AID-302-3 at http://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. A minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including two references which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge.

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

6. Copies of required work and/or residency permits.

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

L. Selection Process:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accord with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms

ATTACHMENT 2:

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE

REQUIREMENTS OF OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING

BENEFITS:

1. Benefits

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for a family and $7,266 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500)

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for U.S. Government employees and USPSCs

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave

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

2. Allowances* (if Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

(1) Post Differential (Section 500)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220)

(5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

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

(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(9) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside the country in accord with the AIDAR, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, Rest & Recuperate (R&R), international shipment of personal effects, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children.

3. List of REQUIRED Forms for USPSCs

a. Standard Form AID-302-3 (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

Forms (b) through (e) shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

b. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843).

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

d. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

e. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

4. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs.) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) Pertaining to PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts.

Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html to determine which CIBS and AAPDs apply to this contract.

- End of ATTACHMENT 2 -http://www.usaid.gov/forms

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: