SOL-482-17-000005.pdf

ATTACHMENT I

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-482-17-000005

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 21, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME

FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 17, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. Burma Local Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC Specialist)

5. MARKET VALUE: Position is classified at GS-14 with annual salary range of $88,136 - $114,578 per annum (hourly rate $42.23- $54.9) . Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed range based on the candidates past salary history, and work history.

6. PERFORMANCE PERIOD: Period of Five Year

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar)

8. SECURITY LEVEL: Secret

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

A. INTRODUCTION

The Senior Development Outreach Communications (DOC) Specialist in Burma supports the USAID Mission in the achievement of its objectives by producing and disseminating public information about the Mission’s activities in the region in order to educate and promote better understanding of USAID programs for both regional and American audiences. The DOC is responsible for collecting, investigating, managing and distributing information associated with the USAID development assistance program in Burma. The DOC serves as the Mission’s primary point of contact and liaison for information requests.

The DOC is located in the Program Office and reports directly to the USAID Mission Supervisory Program Officer. The USAID Mission Director serves as the longer-term policy advisor for the DOC. The DOC’s recommendations on development outreach will assist the Mission management in making policy decisions. The DOC also collaborates closely with the technical offices and implementing partners in developing and implementing the Mission’s overall Communication Strategy. S/he maintains regular contact with and collaborates with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer (PAO) in Burma to ensure that Embassy personnel are properly apprised of USAID activities and projects and related public affairs issues. S/he also serves as principal liaison with the Agency’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington (USAID/W).

Solicitation No. SOL-482-17-000005

Attachment I - 2

B. BACKGROUND

In light of the transition underway in Burma, USAID sees a need and an opportunity to engage directly with Burmese organizations and institutions to support political reforms, foster ethnic reconciliation, and strengthen the capacity of reform-minded individuals and institutions. As part of this renewed engagement, USAID is re-establishing an in-country mission, allowing us to partner more robustly with the Burmese people to address critical needs. This engagement will build on the already strong U.S. commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of the people in Burma.

Since 2008, USAID has managed a program focused on humanitarian assistance along the Thai- Burma border, in the Irrawaddy delta, and in Central Burma. USAID has also provided assistance to U.S. and international organizations supporting human rights and independent media in the country.

C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

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

• Collaborates and cooperates closely with the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of the U.S. humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives. Works in concert with the PAO in developing activities designed to highlight U.S. assistance contributions as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director. Develops and implements a communications and outreach strategy that promotes a better understanding of and support for USAID programs to external audiences, ensures public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and provides information to USAID/W and the U.S. Embassy. The Mission Communication Strategy and Plan for Burma will be based upon the Results Framework and include a performance monitoring plan (PMP), event calendar and budget.

• Implements the Mission Communication Strategy and Plan and provides the vision for the Mission’s communications efforts and events. Monitors and evaluates progress toward communication objectives as outlined in the Communication Strategy

• Monitors local and donor opinion concerning USAID programs for the purpose of gauging the effect of the information dissemination strategy and provides feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming.

• In collaboration with the PAO, the DOC serves as the principal USAID contact for representatives of the local and international media to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs. In addition, the incumbent advises the Mission Director and the USAID staff on press and media relations, coordinates with the Mission Director, technical officers and the PAO to promote press and media coverage of Mission activities, and facilitates contacts among members of the media and USAID implementers to encourage coverage of USAID programs in the local and international press.

• Manages the DOC budget for communication inputs and facilitates related procurements.

Attachment I - 3

• Establishes and maintains contact with representatives of donors and other USG agencies to collect information for reports.

• Assists USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information programs, provides guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media and ensures a targeted, coherent and consistent message from all of the USAID staff and partners.

• Organizes and coordinates with the PAO and project representatives on all aspects of public events for USAID, 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.

• Serves as the primary Mission point of contact for site visits by official visitors from the US Embassy, USAID/W, etc. In consultation with USAID project managers, drafts site visit schedules, prepares briefing materials and scene setters, coordinates meetings and briefings with partners, constituents, other donors and officials. S/he manages all logistics related to visits and accompanies visitors as required.

• Maintains a calendar of USAID program events in close coordination with implementing partners and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR).

• Responds to inquiries from the general public and the media on USAID programs, practices and any other general information requests as directed by the Mission Director, and in collaboration with the PAO.

• Prepares and updates a standard information package on the USAID program for briefings and for distribution to the public, the media, USAID/W, the U.S. Embassy, etc. Materials include scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors and general information about countries in the region. Reviews drafts of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments and provides drafts to the PAO for dissemination. Follows up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Participates in field trips, as necessary.

• Photographs and/or videos USAID events for use on a variety of communications mediums to include web, social media platforms, Mission archives, and media dissemination.

• Maintains USAID Mission website in coordination with the Agency’s Asia and LPA Bureaus, and updates USAID Mission briefing materials.

Attachment I - 4

• Serves as the coordinator and technical point of contact for implementation of Agency project-branding efforts. Ensures that all of the USAID mission staff are familiar with the requirements of project branding; as needed, works with Agency partners and implementers on ensuring compliance with Agency project branding guidance.

D. SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Incumbent will report to the USAID Mission Supervisory Program Officer. Supervision is exercised in a broad and general manner. Incumbent is expected to take self–initiative in planning and carrying out his/her assignment.

E. SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The USAID Mission communications team includes one Foreign Service National (FSN) staff. The Senior DOC will exercise direct supervision of the FSN.

F. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES:

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

G. EXECISE OF JUDGMENT:

Projects assigned to the incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment.

H. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS:

None. Incumbents’ recommendations, though, will be the basis for making commitments and contribute to policy decisions made by the Mission management team.

I. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS:

Personal contacts are with local media, U.S. embassy personnel, USAID/W, implementers and institutional contractors.

J. TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM A FULL RANGE OF DUTIES:

The first six months of employment will be considered a probationary period and the incumbent will be expected to perform the full range of duties before the end of this period.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR POSITION & EVALUATION FACTORS

A. QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a combination of leadership, expertise, analytical, technical, and managerial skills. The incumbent must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures. The incumbent must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment

Attachment I - 5 and with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental counterparts, and have experience with local, regional and international press.

1. Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in the field of public relations, communications, or a related development area, a Master’s degree is preferred/desired.

2. Experience: A minimum of ten years (or eight with a Master’s degree) of demonstrated successful experience in public relations or related field is preferred. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Experience working with local media and developing media contacts is highly desirable. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable. Incumbents who have local media contacts with whom he/she can interact with regularly (24 hours per day if/when necessary), and have proven skills that will help the Mission meet deadlines or make changes necessary in an immediate fashion prior to items going to press are desirable.

3. Knowledge and Abilities: The successful candidate must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, website content, cables, Facebook postings, tweets, blogs, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. Good coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments are required. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in a time-sensitive environment, and demonstrate knowledge and expertise regarding planning, strategy, and adherence to policies and procedures regarding all development outreach communications activities such as branding and markings.

Knowledge of how the press operates to facilitate troubleshooting and ability to advise the Mission on the best press outlets to use for given purposes is essential.

4. Skills: Native level fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. Effective written and oral communications are absolutely critical to perform successfully in this position.

Some knowledge of the Burmese language is a plus. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Knowledge of word processing is required. Incumbents must have a familiarity with data bases, drafting and updating website content, and use of a Content Management System (CMS). Excellent social media skills are required.

B. SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applicants will be tested, evaluated, and ranked on the extent and quality of their education, relevant work experience, technical knowledge, and professional presentation as they relate to this position against the following criteria:

1. EDUCATION (15 points): A Bachelor’s degree is required, but a Master’s degree is preferred, preferably in the field of public relations, communications or a related development area.

2. WORK EXPERIENCE (35 points): A minimum of ten years (eight years with a Master’s degree) of professional experience in public relations for an international organization, or related field is required. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Demonstrated international experience is necessary.

3. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE (30 points): The successful candidate must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, speeches, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. Good coordination, teamwork, and organizational skills within a multi-cultural work environment are required. Ability to manage several tasks

Attachment I - 6 simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure is a must, as is the ability to take initiative and be creative. Experience working with the press and solid knowledge of the different press outlets and influential organizations. Experience enabling the applicant to make judgments and provide advice on best press outlets available.

4. SKILLS (20 points): Excellent English writing and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills are required. Knowledge of word processing and Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint is required. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and website content development is preferred.

Photographic and graphic design skills are also desirable. Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should be 350 to 1,000 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words), and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public. Samples must be authored solely by the applicant; co-written articles are not accepted. A writing test may be administered to successful applicants. Examples of the applicant’s original professional work are encouraged to be included with their submission to include; copies of photos, videos, and social media engagement products among other works which represent the applicants outreach communication skills. Submitted materials will not be returned to the applicants. Electronic submission of these professional works is encouraged if they are to be included in the application.

Maximum Points Available: 100

The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check.

Other Requirements:

In addition, the incumbent must also be:

a. A US citizen

b. Able to obtain US Government medical clearance and security clearance at a secret level;

c. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary;

and

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

Selection Process:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required 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. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

Attachment I - 7

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Applications should include the following:

1. Cover letter or written statement that addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation;

2. Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

3. Contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) for at least three references with knowledge of the applicant's prior work skills; and

4. Signed application form AID-302-3. The form can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3

5. Information on current or prior U.S. Government security clearance and current or prior U.S.

Government/employment medical clearances.

Applications shall be submitted electronically via email to burmaoaa@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above. Late applications will not be considered.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the application submission.

Scanned copies are accepted by e-mail. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their application.

[END OF ATTACHMENT I]

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3 mailto:burmaoaa@usaid.gov

Attachment II - 1

ATTACHMENT II

I. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

Once the CO informs the successful applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful applicant 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), or

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

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

II. ALLOWANCES

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

REQUIREMENTS OF OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE

FOLLOWING BENEFITS.

Individuals meeting the definition of resident hire will only receive the standard compensation package that includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.

1. Benefits

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,399 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 USG employees and USPSCs

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave

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 (Section 600)

(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(9) Danger Pay (Section 650)

Attachment II - 2

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)

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

III. TAXES:

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

IV. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC 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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

AAPD 16-03

(PDF 305 KB)

AAPD 16-03

(Word 90 KB)

EXPANDED INCENTIVE AWARDS FOR PERSONAL

SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS

ISSUED: JUNE 15, 2016

AAPD 15-02

(PDF 150 kb)

AAPD 15-02

(Word 117 kb)

AUTHORIZATION OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

FOR U.S. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS

(USPSCS)

AAPD 10-03

Amendment 1 (PDF 92 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING BENEFITS FOR

SAME-SEX DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 08/22/11

AAPD 10-03

(PDF 69 kb)

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING BENEFITS FOR

SAME-SEX DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 04/12/10

AAPD 10-01

(PDF 47 kb)

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS -- CHANGES IN USG

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS – 01/08/10

AAPD 06-10

(PDF 80 kb)

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY –

OCTOBER 30, 2006

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-16-03 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-16-03 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-16-03-w https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-16-03-w https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-15-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-15-02 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-15-02-w https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-15-02-w https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03-amendment1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03-amendment1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03-amendment1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-10-03 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

Attachment II - 3

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

[END OF ATTACHMENT II]

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Attachment III - 1

ATTACHMENT III

USAID/General Notice

POLICY-REMINDER SEC

05/16/2002

Subject: Dual Citizenship Policy

1. The purpose of this notice is to explain existing national and USAID policy for all employees and to inform potential applicants for Civil Service, Foreign Service and USAID contract positions of the possible effects of dual citizenship on security clearance determinations.

Dual citizenship can present a security issue in whether to permit access to classified information, thereby affecting recruitment, employment and assignments. The general information herein may also be found in State 54446, dated March 21, 2002 which outlines Department of State and Diplomatic Security policy as it concerns dual citizenship in personnel security matters.

2. USAID security clearance evaluations and determinations are the responsibility of the USAID Office of Security (SEC). SEC is required to consider dual citizenship in conducting personnel security investigations and making security clearance evaluations/determinations in accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) 10450, E.O.

12968, and the March 24, 1997 Adjudicative Guidelines.

3. Security clearance evaluations/determinations must ensure that access to classified information for a specific individual is "clearly consistent with the interests of national security." Under the adjudicative guidelines, "any doubt as to whether access to classified information is clearly consistent with national security will be resolved in favor of the national security." When making such a determination, SEC must consider all available information, both positive and negative. This is the "whole person" concept. Dual nationality is a relevant element in some cases. While U.S. citizenship is a basic eligibility requirement to be considered for access to classified information, it does not automatically confer the right to a security clearance. Dual citizenship must be considered in context of other circumstances in an individual's background.

4. USAID has not implemented, and does not intend to implement, a "blanket rule" regarding dual citizenship. In making security clearance determinations, SEC will continue to evaluate dual citizenship issues on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be required to complete a Dual Citizenship Questionnaire as part of their application and may answer questions about these issues during a subject interview. Current employees will not generally be questioned about any foreign citizenship until the regularly scheduled periodic reinvestigation when they will also be required to complete a Dual Citizenship Questionnaire. Should an event trigger a review of an employee's access

Attachment III - 2 eligibility before their routine update, any foreign citizenship will be addressed at that time.

5. Facts about any subject's conduct and behavior developed through required background investigation is weighed against criteria in the adjudicative guidelines. SEC must be able to determine that granting access to classified information is clearly in the national security interest. A fundamental adjudicative principle is that the mere absence of derogatory information is not sufficient grounds to grant a security clearance. The government must, through an appropriate investigation and evaluation, establish a personal and professional history that positively affirms the individual's judgment, reliability, trustworthiness and loyalty to the United States. If there is any doubt about unquestioned preference for and allegiance to the United States, unencumbered by any undue foreign influence, SEC must render a determination in favor of the national security and determine the individual ineligible for access. These same adjudicative principles are used in all federal personnel security programs.

6. The evaluation element presented by dual citizenship is that it could raise an issue of possible divided loyalty to the United States. Title 32 C.F.R. 174.5, Adjudicative Guideline C, Foreign Preference, provides:

(a) The concern: When an individual acts in such a way as to indicate a preference for a foreign country over the United States, then he or she may be prone to provide information or make decisions that are harmful to the interests of the United States.

(b) Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include:

(1) The exercise of dual citizenship

(2) Possession and/or use of a foreign passport

(3) Military service or a willingness to bear arms for a foreign country

(4) Accepting educational, medical or other benefits, such as retirement and social welfare, from a foreign country

(5) Residence in a foreign country to meet citizenship requirements

(6) Using foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests in another country;

(7) Seeking or holding political office in the foreign country;

(8) Voting in foreign elections

(9) Performing or attempting to perform duties, or otherwise acting, so as to serve the interests of another government in preference to the interests of the United States. (c)

Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

(1) Dual-citizenship is based solely on parents' citizenship or birth in a foreign country;

(2) Indicators of possible foreign preference (e.g., foreign military service) Occurred before obtaining United States citizenship;

(3) Activity is sanctioned by the United States;

(4) Individual has expressed a willingness to renounce dual citizenship.

7. To illustrate the SEC evaluation process regarding dual citizenship, some examples that have arisen recently are provided below. SEC's goal is to maintain consistency in its

Attachment III - 3 determinations. There may appear to be many similarities between cases, however, individual circumstances vary greatly and may not be known to the hiring entity. While not all inclusive, the following examples give an indication of how such factors are evaluated and determinations made: Example A: A subject derived foreign citizenship from his or her parents. In this case, SEC would examine whether or not the subject has exercised the foreign citizenship: by accepting educational, medical or social welfare benefits for himself/herself or family; possessing and using the foreign passport; serving in the foreign military; working for the foreign government; etc. In the absence of the subject's exercising foreign citizenship, and if subject's current and past actions consistently demonstrated preference for and allegiance to the United States, then dual citizenship would not preclude a security clearance. Example B: A subject only recently became a naturalized U.S. citizen through marriage and has no previous ties to the United States. In this case, SEC could not likely grant an immediate security clearance, since the demonstrated loyalty requirement could not be satisfied immediately. Eligibility for access could be reconsidered after a passage of time during which the subject would have the opportunity to clearly demonstrate preference for and unquestioned allegiance to the United States, and in the absence of any undue conflicting influence, as required by the referenced guidelines. Example C: A subject was born in the U.S. as the child of foreign visitors. The subject left the U.S. in infancy, never returned and has no ties or history which indicate a preference for and allegiance to the United States. SEC would not have the background information required to grant a security clearance. Example D: A subject is a naturalized U.S. citizen and dual national who is willing to relinquish his foreign passport but is not/not willing to renounce foreign citizenship of birth.

The subject explains that the reason for this position is:

(1) So that children can continue to enjoy free foreign education benefits;

(2) For possible future employment opportunities; and

(3) For foreign inheritance purposes: SEC would not be able to clearly determine the individual's preference for the United States, sufficient to grant a security clearance.

8. SEC will continue adjudicating security clearances pursuant to the "whole person" concept. The fact that a person holds citizenship with another country, as well as citizenship with the United States, does not automatically result in a security clearance denial. Conversely, the simple renunciation of foreign citizenship would not necessarily result in granting a clearance. An individual must demonstrate unquestioned allegiance to the United States, preference for the United States over any other country and also be free from any undue foreign influence. If this cannot be established, a security clearance cannot be granted. Where a newly naturalized citizen is seeking USAID employment, SEC may be unable to adequately investigate the person's background in the country of origin or elsewhere to make this determination. When SEC is unable to clear a new entrant, SEC will so inform HR, and HR will take steps to withdraw the offer.

9. Should SEC make an unfavorable determination on a security clearance, E.O. 12968 guarantees appeal rights to applicants and employees alike. In cases of appeal, the Agency's final clearance determination is rendered by a panel consisting of the Director of Security (D/SEC), the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Human Resources

Attachment III - 4

(DAA/M/HR) and the Assistant General Counsel for Ethics and Administration (GC/EA). Information on the Agency's appeal process can be found in ADS 566.3.12.2.

10. Dual citizenship also presents an issue in the assignment of staff to overseas posts. For example, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations does not provide diplomatic privileges and immunities for dual nationals; most countries do not unilaterally grant such privileges and immunities. ADS 566.3.12.1 also describes the potential for exclusion from assignments due to conflicts of interest related to an individual's foreign connections.

11. Human Resources and appropriate Mission staff should ensure that these policies are made known to potential applicants at the earliest possible stage of the recruitment process.

Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Jeff Denale, Branch Chief, SEC/PIDS/PS, (202) 712-1264.

Notice 0535

[END OF ATTACHMENT III]