USPSC_SDOC_Solicitation_SOL-519-15-000002.pdf

@~§_!!Q I EL SALVADOR

ISSUANCE DATE: February 5, 2015 CLOSING DATE: February 19, 2015 4:30p.m. local time (El Salvador)

SUBJECT: Solicitation No. SOL-519-15-000002 for a USPSC Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications Specialist in USAID/EI Salvador

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens to provide services as a Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (S/DOC) under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position will be San Salvador, El Salvador.

Submissions must be in accordance with the attached information, at the place and time specified. Incomplete, unsigned, or late applications will not be considered.

Applicants should retain, for their records, copies of all enclosures accompanying their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be accepted. USAID/El Salvador will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.

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

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

Sincerely, Sheila Samuels Regional Executive Officer

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SOL-519-15-000002

SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

USAJDIEL SALVADOR

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SO L-519-15-000002

ISSUANCE DATE:

CLOSING DATE:

POSITION TITLE:

MARKET VALUE:

February 5, 2015

February 19, 2015 (4:30 p.m. El Salvador time)

Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

GS-15 ($101,630 to $132,122). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's qualifications and salary history.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC will be for five (5) years, pending NSDD-38 approval and availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: San Salvador, El Salvador

8. CLEARANCES: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a security clearance at the "Secret" level and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer may be rescinded.

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

10. STATEMENT OF WORK:

A. BACKGROUND: USAID/El Salvador manages both a bilateral program and the Central America Mexico (CAM) Regional Program, and serves as a regional platform and training hub, providing legal, financial, acquisition and assistance, and administrative services to USAID missions in Mexico and Central America. In the last two decades following years of conflict and civil wars during the 1980s, the countries in Central America have made significant social and economic advances. Sound economic management has spurred economic growth, and greater access to education and innovative social programs have resulted in declining levels of poverty and a narrowing of income inequality. The region is highly susceptible to natural disasters and climate change continues to pose serious economic threats, specifically affecting marginalized populations.

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SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIAL/ST

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As one of four countries in the world supporting the Partnership for Growth (PfG) Presidential Initiative, U SAID/El Salvador's bilateral program ($31.3 million FY 2014) includes municipal-led crime prevention, education, support to at-risk youth, justice sector strengthening, improving the business enabling environment, higher workforce competencies, and increasing productivity of small and medium enterprises. The CAM (Central America and Mexico) Regional Program ($52.3 million FY 2014 - which includes $21 million for an HIV I AIDS Program managed from the USAID/Guatemala Mission) supports economic integration and harmonization, as well as citizen security, and advance the Presidential Initiatives of Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), Feed the Future (FtF), and Global Climate Change (GCC)

Duties and responsibilities: The S/DOC reports directly to the USAID/El Salvador Deputy Mission Director and works with all Mission leadership and staff to implement DOC efforts to increase awareness of USAID assistance programs in El Salvador and for the CAM Regional Program for a variety of audiences within and outside of El Salvador.

The S/DOC also works closely with DOC Specialists in other bilateral missions in the region and coordinates with public affairs officers in relevant embassies. S/he leads an independent Strategic Communications Unit in El Salvador, supervising a minimum of two Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs).

The S/DOC is an essential member of the Mission's senior management team and is responsible for producing and disseminating public information to educate and promote a better understanding of USAID/El Salvador and bilateral and regional programs. The incumbent is responsible for strategically planning, developing, implementing, and administering the DOC program to promote better awareness and understanding of U.S.

foreign assistance to El Salvador. S/he guides, coordinates, and oversees the mission's communication practices and outreach efforts, helping to ensure that they reflect the USG priorities and promote USAID's accomplishments to key audiences. S/he is also responsible for relaying related policies and achievements to key audiences of the host country, in the United States, and other countries. S/he also provides a critical function to ensure the quality control of various documents, strategies and reports developed by USAID/El Salvador. This position is extremely critical since the Mission implements several extremely high-profile Presidential initiatives (CARSI), FtF, and GCC. In addition to leading outreach on the PfG, the incumbent co-chairs the Communications Committee and directly engages with high level GOES officials on a security goal related to enhance national dialogue.

The S/DOC liaises with the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Office (PAO) to ensure consistency in U.S. Mission/El Salvador public messaging, and strong coordination between USAID and other USG agencies providing assistance to El Salvador. The S/DOC also explains complex USAID processes (e.g. budget, procurement, project design, etc.) to the broader interagency audience to ensure the intricacies of those processes are conveyed to the final recipient, whether it is a journalist, the U.S.

Ambassador to El Salvador, or a visiting Congressional Delegation. The S/DOC also

SUPERVJSORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNICATlONS SPECIAL/ST

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coordinates closely with the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), other interagency and implementing partners.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As lead actor of the Mission's Strategic Communications Unit, the S/DOC manages the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/El Salvador's programs and objectives and for those parts of the CAM Regional Program, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and countries in the region (as needed), in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances.

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

Supervisory and Coordination o Lead the Mission's Strategic Communications Unit comprised of three FSNs to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives.

o Coordinate closely with national and international media outlets in order to highlight USAID's programmatic results in El Salvador and throughout the Central America and Mexico region.

o Lead the development and implementation of the Mission's (both Bilateral and Regional) communications strategy and outreach plan; lead and coordinate Mission teams in the development and implementation of a strategic and focused outreach calendar.

o Represent the Mission at the senior level (both in El Salvador and at other Missions in Central America and Mexico) on all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the GOES, implementing partners, other donor nations, the UN, World Bank and other groups or institutions.

o Develop and implement a bilateral and regional outreach strategy for USAID/El Salvador, closely aligned with the approach of US Embassies in the respective countries.

o Train and guide USAID's technical staff in El Salvador in support of their public speaking and media outreach roles for both the El Salvador bilateral and Central America-Mexico regional programs. Ensure relevant staff in missions throughout the region, including DOCs and technical staff as appropriate, is well versed on media related talking points regarding regional programming. Oversee the integration of communications in the project design and implementation processes.

o Engage directly with high level GOES officials on outreach and communication as it pertains to the bilateral PfG Presidential Initiative. Establish and maintain contacts

SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNICATlONS SPECIAL/ST

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with donor representatives, implementing partners, and other USG agencies to collect information for reports.

o Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/El Salvador's activities and processes, as well as a keen awareness of political and policy issues.

o Advise USAID staff (both in El Salvador and in the Region) and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives.

o Serve as the resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency's Graphic Standards Manual.

o Oversee and provide regular trainings to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking; work closely with Contracting/Assistance Officer Representatives (C/AOR) to ensure adherence to branding in the field; and, seek guidance from LPA on any disputes or waiver requests.

o Coordinate with the US Embassy/San Salvador, other USG agencies, and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S.

development and humanitarian assistance efforts and initiatives in El Salvador, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID/El Salvador Mission Director.

o Develop weekly reports summarizing political trends and programmatic impact in El Salvador and throughout the Central America and Mexico regions.

Public Information and Publicity Materials o Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the

Mission (and in the Region as needed); with the Mission's offices, units and technical staff; and with all non-USG organizations.

o Oversee the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, newsletters, brochures, presentations, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID/El Salvador's activities - and for the activities of the CAM Regional Missions. These must be written in clear, concise English, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, power points, and web use.

o Oversee the preparation of submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including the Impact Blog, USAID Facebook, Twitter, Y ouTube and other new or emerging social media sites. Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital advocacy and outreach; develop a social media strategy to align with the broader communications

SUPERVJSORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUN/CA TIO NS SPECIALIST

USAlDIEL SALVADOR strategy. Oversee the content and posting of El Salvador specific English and Spanish-language materials on the USAID website to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date; works closely with LPA webmaster to ensure the El Salvador specific pages are creative and informative.

o Oversee the writing and distribution of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments. Follow up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Coordinate with technical offices, Embassy's PAO, and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international media.

o Develop strategic and innovative outreach platforms, regularly utilizing podcasts, biogs and other outreach means to reach target audiences.

o Conduct regular focus group interviews with a range of audiences to better target and tailor communications and outreach messages.

o Manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the USAID program in El Salvador (and for the CAM Regional Program) for briefings and for distribution to the public and media; including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about El Salvador and the Region.

o Play a critical role in Mission quality control to ensure language of documents and reports are clear, well written and appropriately tailored to target audience.

Media and Public Relations o Promote separate, pro-active, targeted, information and media outreach activities.

These activities are specifically designed to provide accurate information about USAID/El Salvador programs into local, regional and national markets, through the selective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, and traditional communications. This necessitates a close and transparent relationship with Mission implementing partners' communication and outreach staff.

o Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAO on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level foreign and local journalists from all media outlets.

o Advise and work with Embassy PAO to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/El Salvador programs, including TV, radio and other media, which may include arranging interviews, briefings, and media tours ofUSAID projects.

SUPERVJSORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNlCATIONS SPECIALIST

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o In collaboration with PAO, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

o Coordinate and maintain good relations with Government of El Salvador public relations offices.

o Coordinate with PAO to monitor local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy. Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming.

o As directed by the Mission Director, Deputy Director, and Supervisory Program Officer and in collaboration with PAO, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

Publicity Events o Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the

PAO, USAID Mission Director, USAID staff and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for media;

compile and disseminate press packets; deal with protocol issues, site selection, staging, and logistical issues; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BC Ls), Scene Setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or his/her deputies when participation in events is warranted; write or edit BCLs and Scene Setters for USAID's Front Office when participation in events is warranted; provide on-site coordination of media. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events.

Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website.

o Lead technical teams and SDO to coordinate and strategically plan all public outreach events, considering activities to maximize press and outreach opportunities.

o Review and edit press releases, speeches, and talking points drafted by implementing partners for USAID events; review and edit BCLs and Scene Setters drafted by implementing partners for USAID events. Submit all press releases and interview requests - in-house and those drafted by implementing partners - to PAO (and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval.

o Oversee the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/El Salvador (and the CAM Region), to Embassy stakeholders, and LP A in Washington.

SUPERVJSORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNlCATIONS SPECJALIST USAlD/EL SALVADOR o Photograph and/or shoot video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites and for USAID/El Salvador's archives (as well as for the CAM Regional Program).

o Serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities. Coordinate VIP site visits as necessary. Coordinate with Embassy on schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of CODEL, ST AFFDEL, and other high-level visitors to USAID/El Salvador, coordinating closely with partners in advance.

o Perform other duties/activities that the US Ambassador, USAID Mission Director, Deputy Director, USAID/Washington and circumstances may dictate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

(a) Technical knowledge/Work Experience

• At least eight to ten years of experience in related fields, such as public relations, journalism, or international development communications;

• Experience supervising staff and work flows, working as a team member, and providing leadership in the areas of his/her competencies;

• Demonstrated success in developing and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences and in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns targeted at specific audiences as well as the general public;

• Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences;

demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media;

• Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies; Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies;

• Extensive writing and editing experience;

• Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is desired.

(b) Communication Skills/Group Dynamics

• Effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team;

• Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations;

SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

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• Initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables;

• Ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines;

• Outstanding coordination and organizational skills.

(c) Writing Skills Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750-1,000 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 and lucidly communicate complex ideas to the public.

The samples must be written by the applicant, co-written articles are not accepted.

Language: English Level IV; Spanish S3/R3.

( d) Education/Training A Master's degree is required in journalism, communications, international relations, international development, English, marketing, public administration, development/area studies, social studies or a related field.

Training in one or more of the following areas: development outreach and communications, writing, journalism, web site content management, presentation skills, or other areas that are relevant to the detailed duties and responsibilities outlined in the solicitation is required.

Proficiency using ith Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel.

Familiarity with the Adobe Suite, particularly using Adobe Photoshop. Experience with Facebook, Twitter, Y ouTube, Linkedln, and RSS feeds. Familiarity using digital cameras and videotaping equipment.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

(a) Technical Knowledge/Work Experience (40 points)

(b) Skills and Abilities (30 points)

(c) Writing Skills (20 points)

(d) Education and Training (10 points)

Maximum Points Available: JOO

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks.

USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants. The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

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B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, pending NSDD-38 approval and availability of funds.

C. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE: The selected applicant must be able to obtain a USG security clearance at the "Secret" level and a Department of State medical clearance to work and/or live in El Salvador.

D. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

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 [including differentials and allowances), but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance.)

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) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) ( 6) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(7) Education Travel (Section 280)

(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(10) Danger Pay (Section 650)

*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA and Medicare.

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E. 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. These documents can be found at this website:

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

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

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

F. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

All of the following information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete:

1. A signed cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidate's qualifications meet the work requirements;

2. A Curriculum Vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements;

3. A completed and signed Application for Federal employment (OF-612), which can be found at the following website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/;

http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/OF6 l 2.pdf

4. Names, current and accurate phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant's abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. USAID reserves the right to contact all references;

5. A signed written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position;

6. All correspondence and attachments must reference the Solicitation Number;

7. Application packages must be submitted electronically to iescolan@usaid.gov no later than 4:30 p.m. on February 19, 2015 (El Salvador/Local Time).

USAID/El Salvador expects to award a personal services contract for a US Citizen commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is El Salvador.

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