SOL-519-13-000001_Outreach_ _Comm_Officer.pdf

@~T~~~P~ I EL SALVADOR

ISSUANCE DATE: October 12, 2012 CLOSING DATE: October 26, 2012 at 4:30PM San Salvador, El Salvador Local Time

Ladies and Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation No. SOL-S19-13-000001 for Services of a Deputy Director Program Office/Strategic Outreach and Communications Officer in USAIDlEl Salvador.

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified and interested U.S.

Citizens to provide services as a Deputy Director Program Office/Strategic Outreach and Communications Officer under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Resumes may be attached to the OF-61 2 and applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the OF-61 2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.

Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the OF -612.

Applications that are incomplete or are received without a handwritten signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants are responsible for submitting materials that are in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. There will be no exceptions. Applicants should retain, for their records, copies of all enclosures which accompany their application.

Any questions as well as submission of proposals in response to this solicitation must be directed to:

Irma de Escolan Executive Office, USAID/EI Salvador Telephone: (503) 2501-3428 Fax: (503 ) 2298-0885 E-mail : iescolan@usaid.gov

Executive Officer

SOL-519-13-000001

SOLICITATION FOR U.S. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (USPSC)

Deputy Director Program Office/Strategic Outreach and Communications Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-519-13-000001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 12, 2012

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: October 26, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. (San Salvador, El Salvador, Local Time)

4. POSITION TITLE: Deputy Director Program Office/Strategic Outreach and Communications Officer

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ($99,628 to $129,517). 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 receive post differential approved for San Salvador, El Salvador, (currently set at the rate 15% of base pay), housing, international travel, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances. If the selected candidate is a resident hire under USAID regulations (a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hiring as a PSC, resides in El Salvador), then s/he will not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance and life insurance), allowances or differentials (AIDAR, Appendix D).

This position has been classified at the GS-15 level. Salary will be negotiated within the GS-15 level based on prior salary history.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year with the possibility of four (4) one-year extensions, depending on the need for continuation of such services, ability of funding, requisite approvals and satisfactory performance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: El Salvador

8. CLEARANCES: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a Secret-level security clearance and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only

10. STATEMENT OF WORK

A. INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Strategic Development Office (SDO), USAID/El Salvador, San Salvador, an office that reports to the Deputy Mission Director. The incumbent will serve as the Deputy Director Program Office/Strategic Outreach and Communications Officer within USAID El Salvador’s Strategic Development Office.

The incumbent will have close contact with other U.S. Government agencies and external stakeholders, including the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office, (PAO), Government of El Salvador Communications staff, and the private sector. The incumbent will have an indirect reporting relationship with the other teams in SDO. S/he will maintain a close working relationship with the other SDO team leaders and will be versed in their activities and ready to provide coverage in their absence. The incumbent serves as the Acting SDO Director in the absence of the SDO Director.

Under the general guidance of the SDO Director, the incumbent will develop and implement a proactive Strategic Outreach and Communications strategy which increases the effectiveness and scope of USAID El Salvador’s public and private sector outreach and messaging to both internal and external audiences, facilitates information access and sharing within the Mission, and strengthens the Mission’s outreach and reporting to USAID/Washington, the U.S. Congress, the American public, Salvadoran and Central American audiences. This will be accomplished through a variety of day-to-day activities as well as the development of a clear and consistent long-term messaging strategy which promotes U.S. foreign policy interests and USAID programs. This strategy will provide more effective time management for Senior Management’s outreach activities and will also provide growth opportunities for other staff members in the areas of public outreach and communications.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

Strategic Outreach and Communications (60% of Time)

Lead USAID El Salvador’s public outreach and communications activities.

Develop and implement a clear, consistent, proactive public information and messaging strategy that promotes the USAID Mission program to both internal and external audiences, facilitates information access and sharing within the Mission, and strengthens the Mission’s reporting to USAID/Washington, Congressional committees and the GAO.

Develop handouts and publications in English and oversee the development of materials to be translated into Spanish. Ensure that the Mission’s website is up-to-date with high interest materials.

Provide guidance and direction to the SDO team in conjunction with the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office respecting daily press events and press outreach visits to project sites.

Edit and clear on prepared project profiles and background information for local media in conjunction with Public Diplomacy press releases and publicity events, and success stories for Washington use.

Coordinate with all Technical Office directors, team leaders and activity managers to develop press and media plans for coverage of their activities.

Give presentations and briefings to public groups, NGOs, other donors, government institutions, the private sector and student delegations and orientation for new employees.

Provide input to, edit and write speeches for the Mission Director, Ambassador, DCM and other officers as required.

Prepare required performance reports in coordination with the technical offices.

Enhance the use of technology tools (GPS mapping, digital photography, video production, and computer graphics) to enhance impact and reach a broader audience with information on the contributions of USAID El Salvador and the Mission as a whole to the progress in El Salvador.

Make frequent field visits to learn more about USAID activities and to keep information products current and impactful. Advise USAID offices, contractors and grantees on opportunities for media coverage for USAID-funded activities.

During field visits, confirm that USAID is credited with funding activities implemented by contractors and grantees that signs are posted and beneficiaries are aware of USAID’s role.

Arrange for community and town officials, GOES ministries, NGOs, local universities, and other donors to receive current information about USAID, its programs and successes, to encourage greater coordination and synergy between programs and geographic areas.

Maintain good working relationship with LPA and LAC staff to assure a flow of accurate and interesting materials on Mission programs. Prepare briefing materials for Washington and for visitors including CODELs using USAID standard formats and styles.

Program Officer (40% of Time)

As the Deputy Director-alter ego to the SDO Office Director, and Acting Director in the absence of the Office Director, the Incumbent has the responsibility to understand and keep abreast of all of the current issues of all SDO areas and must be ready to provide coverage for the entire SDO office as needed.

Perform full range of Program Officer tasks, including: analyzing and assessing host country development potential; identifying development constraints (political, cultural and economic); coordinating USG assistance with other donors;

leading country development strategy formulation (including proposals for macro resource needs); building capacity of host country and regional entities; serving as liaison to host country and regional entities in developing/negotiating USAID assistance agreements; managing and guiding the planning, design, and development of assistance projects; providing support functions to the project managers in technical offices; undertake the planning, design, development, negotiation and implementation of projects as needed. Providing regional program office support to other Missions as needed.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS:

1. Degree of responsibility for decision-making: While the incumbent must clear recommendations through the Office Director when dealing with politically sensitive issues, s/he is permitted to and should be able to make sound, independent judgments with little supervision once given the general framework within which to work. Incumbent will have no authority to make commitments but independently plans, develops and discusses activities and changes to activities up to the point of final approval by the SDO U.S. Direct Hire or other U.S. Direct Hire as appropriate.

2. Level of complexity of work assignments: The incumbent’s duties/responsibilities will involve the full range of consultative, advisory, monitoring, management, data collection and analysis, and evaluative aspects for USAID/El Salvador and for the broader U.S. Embassy community and will include regional outreach programs as appropriate.

There is a high level of complexity in the host government’s organizational structure. There will be considerable interaction with high level representatives of the Government of El Salvador, NGOs, USAID Implementing Partners, the local media and other donors. Incumbent must work closely with the Mission’s technical offices, other U.S. Government agencies and external stakeholders, including the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office (PAO), Government of El Salvador Communications staff, and the private sector.

3. Knowledge level required: Incumbent must have knowledge and understanding of host-country historic, economic, social, cultural, and political characteristics and an understanding of the general level of development in the region is required.

This position requires a thorough knowledge of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation; and the objectives, methodology, and status of the projects assigned. Knowledge of the objectives and operations of the U.S. Government and the program activities of other international donor organizations is highly desirable. Incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of Program Office duties and responsibilities and USAID public relations policies and regulations.

Superior journalism skills in both English and Spanish are required. Must have superior organizational skills and the ability to positively and professionally represent the USAID Mission. Must be able to understand and describe USAID-supported development programs, to coordinate well with other United States Government (USG) Agencies and other USAID staff, to coordinate with the PAO and establish and maintain contacts with different entities including Government of El Salvador (GOES) officials. Incumbent must have excellent computer skills.

It is expected that the incumbent will have broad experience in the job requirements and will not need further training in any aspect of Public Relations.

On the job training will include aspects specific to USAID El Salvador and Embassy communications policies, regulations and procedures. Other technical training in GLAAS, E2, ECC, will be provided as needed.

4. Supervisory Controls (How are assignments made and how much review/control will be provided by the supervisor.): The incumbent will report directly to the Director of the Strategic Development Office and will collaborate closely with personnel in all USAID/El Salvador offices. The incumbent will serve as the Deputy Director Program Office/Strategic Outreach and Communications Officer within USAID El Salvador’s Strategic Development Office. While the incumbent must clear recommendations through the Office Director when dealing with politically sensitive issues, s/he is permitted to and should be able to make sound, independent judgments with little supervision once given the general framework within which to work.

5. Guidelines (availability of them for required work). A high degree of discretion and sound judgment is required in the interpretation and application of USAID regulations, including the USAID Graphic Standards Manual; USAID Automated Directives System (ADS); Mission Operations Manual (MOM); Foreign Assistance Act, as amended; USAID Branding and Marking Guidance.

6. Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position’s responsibilities:

USAID/El Salvador has a complex portfolio of bilateral, unilateral and regional programs. Incumbent must exercise sound high level professional judgment in responding to issues as they arise. The position requires a very high level of independence in developing and managing the USAID/El Salvador Strategic Outreach programs and in working with the technical offices on the same.

The incumbent provides policy guidance to Senior Management and the mission as a whole. A high level of judgment is required when doing outreach as he/she will serve as the USAID spokesperson and must balance answers given to requests for information.

7. Scope and effect of the work performed: The work requires leading the Strategic Outreach and Communications Team within USAID/El Salvador’s Strategic Development Office, acting as Director during the absence of same, guiding and coordinating the work of other professional or technical staff. The incumbent is recognized as an expert in the area of Outreach and Communications. Decisions taken by the incumbent will have a broad effect, not only on the USAID Mission, but also the Embassy and the Salvadoran community.

8. Level and purpose of contacts: Contacts are in person, by phone or written communications with USAID staff, U.S. and El Salvador government officials, private sector representatives, and other foreign donor institutions on important issues such as disseminating evaluation findings for utilization in decision making about strategies, program priorities, and project design; as well as, routine administrative functions or coordination activities such as collecting, obtaining, and verifying information pertaining to programs or projects and public information events. These contacts may involve sensitive program and project management matters. S/he will serve as USAID’s point of contact for all public affairs and will interact on a regular basis with USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs office.

9. Supervision/oversight over others (address level of subordinates and degree of supervisory responsibility, if any.): The Deputy Director directly supervises two team members in the Strategic Outreach and Communications team and has an indirect supervisory relationship with the three Senior FSN team leaders. Will assume the role of Acting Director, SDO in the absence of the SDO Office Director and as such will have a direct supervisory relationship with the other SDO team members.

10. Travel: A significant portion of the incumbent’s time will require travel within the Region.

D. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Education (10 points)

A Master’s Degree in a field relevant to public relations, such as journalism, strategic communications, or a closely related field is required.

2. Prior Work Experience & Knowledge (35 points)

A minimum of ten years of professional level experience in public relations, journalism or strategic communications of which at least five years must have been in Central America.

Ability to work successfully in a team environment, with proven organizational and administrative skills is required.

Additional experience as a journalist, including English language journalism, is highly desired.

3. Interpersonal, Team Management, and Communication Skills (15 points)

A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required. Must be able to compile and present a great deal of detailed information in a concise and fully professional manner.

Capable of directing, coordinating and supervising the various elements of a complex outreach program with support staff of varying nationalities and technical expertise.

Maintain an effective working relationship with American personnel in USAID and other U.S. Government agencies at post.

Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills to include a genuine interest in supporting the USAID/El Salvador Mission staff.

High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in representing the USG are essential elements of the position.

4. Job Knowledge and Skills (35 points)

Superior journalism skills in both English and Spanish are required.

Must have superior organizational skills and the ability to positively and professionally represent the USAID Mission.

Must be able to understand and describe USAID supported development programs, to coordinate well with other United States Government (USG) Agencies and other USAID staff, to coordinate with the PAO and establish and maintain contacts with different entities including Government of El Salvador (GOES) officials.

Incumbent must have excellent computer skills.

5. Language (5 points)

Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing is required.

Level IV (fluent) Spanish language proficiency, speaking and writing is required.

Maximum Points Available: 100

E. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

One (1) year with the possibility of four (4) one-year extensions, depending on the need for continuation of such services, ability of funding, requisite approvals and satisfactory performance.

1. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE:

The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance. The selected applicant, and any eligible family members who will accompany the applicant to post, shall be required to obtain a Department of State Medical clearance to work and/or live in El Salvador as a precondition for employment and/or residence in El Salvador.

2. BENEFITS:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S.

Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]

BENEFITS:

(1) FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & life insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Annual & Sick Leave

(6) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service as per post policy

ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(8) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Education Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES:

PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income under the foreign earned income exclusion.

3. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) AND CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING

TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC):

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract:

http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc

Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at:

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

4. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

a) List of required forms for personal services contractors:

For initial consideration:

1. Cover letter

2. Application Form OF-612

3. Curriculum Vitae

Upon advice by the Contracting Officer, the finalist candidate will complete and submit the following forms:

4. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

5. Medical Clearance Form (DS 6561)

6. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86)

7. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

b) Application Process:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit an application stating their interest along with updated OF-612 (Application for Federal Employment), a current resume, and a cover letter including experience, salary history and references no later than October 26, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. (San Salvador, El Salvador Local Time). Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references (names and contact information) must be submitted by E-mail.

Please send your application package to: iescolan@usaid.gov. The candidate must sign the completed OF-612, the resume, and the cover letter, and scan and send them to the above-mentioned e-mail account. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

USAID/El Salvador expects to award a personal services contract for a US Citizen one

(1) year with the possibility of four (4) one-year extensions, depending on the need for continuation of such services, ability of funding, requisite approvals and satisfactory performance. The contract shall commence as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is El Salvador.

5. PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

Irma de Escolán Acquisition Specialist Executive Office USAID/El Salvador Telephone: (503) 2501-3428 Fax: (503) 2298-0885 E-mail: iescolan@usaid.gov

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