SOL-521-14-000048_DOC_Officer.doc

SOL 521-14-000048

ISSUANCE DATE: 08-01-2014

CLOSING DATE: 09-01-2014

Ladies/Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: SOL-521-14-000048

Development and Outreach Communication Officer The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from U.S. Citizens and TCN interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:

Elénita Lahens

USAID/HAITI

Blvd. 15 Octobre

Tabarre 41

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 011-509-2 229-8000

FAX NUMBER: 011-509-2 229- 8066

E-MAIL ADDRESS: elahens@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All application and the required documents should be submitted to:

elahens@usaid.gov or sneptune@usaid.gov Sincerely, Diane Moore

Supervisory Executive Officer

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL 521-14-000048

ISSUANCE DATE: 08-01-2014

CLOSING DATE/TIME 09-01-2014 AT 12:00PM

POSITION TITTLE: Development and Outreach Communication

MARKET VALUE: GS 14

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: ONE YEAR (renewable)

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI

SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens/TCN

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR:

Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist, GS-14

A. BACKGROUND:

The United States Agency for International Development Mission to Haiti, (USAID/Haiti) requires an experienced Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist to provide senior-level technical expertise to the development and implementation of a communication strategy designed to educate diverse audiences on the work USAID/Haiti is performing to benefit the people of Haiti.

Haiti, officially called the Republic of Haiti, is a Caribbean country located on the island of Hispaniola. Known as the “Pearl of the Antilles” because of its stark beauty, Haiti has a population of approximately 10.4 million inhabitants. French and Haitian Creole are the official languages.

On January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced its most powerful earthquake in two hundred years, and was the worst humanitarian and economic disaster recorded in the Western Hemisphere. It killed more than 230,000 people, injured at least 300,000 more, and destroyed the homes, livelihoods, and families of a million other Haitians. For a country on the cusp of meaningful economic progress, the earthquake was a devastating setback.

This tragic event presented yet another serious challenge to the development of this country, which has experienced an inspiring yet challenging history. Before the earthquake, a wave of economic opportunity was cresting on Haiti’s horizon. With the partnership of the international community and other stakeholders, that economic opportunity, and the social and human development it can bring, can and should once again be Haiti’s future. A dynamic and fast moving country by all accounts, Haiti is positioning itself for progress.

The United States Government (USG) is one of the largest donor countries in Haiti and USAID implements the largest program in the Western Hemisphere, managing a $2.2 billion portfolio under a USG Post-earthquake strategy. The Mission has made a fundamental shift from humanitarian assistance to longer-term sustainable development, and works to strengthen Haitian Government entities, as well as local organizations-- recognizing the leading role they must play in the country’s development.

USAID/Haiti’s senior leadership team includes a Director and two Deputy Directors. These senior-level officers are supported by a leadership team composed of Office Directors (both technical and support offices) and administrative support staff. The USAID Mission Director reports to the U.S. Ambassador in Haiti and to the Latin American and Caribbean Bureau in Washington. USAID/Haiti is the featured Agency for the implementation of USG foreign assistance programs under a “whole of government” strategy.

Office Directors provide leadership, guidance and oversight to four technical offices referred to as ”Pillars”, including Pillar A) Infrastructure and Energy; Pillar B) Food and Economic Security; Pillar C) Health and other Basic Services (education); and Pillar D) Democracy and Governance. The USAID program is implemented in three geographical areas —commonly referred to as “Corridors”, including, the St-Marc Corridor; the Cul-de-Sac Corridor; and the Northern Corridor.

Additionally, the Mission has four major support offices, including, (1) the Executive Office (2) the Office of Acquisitions and Assistance (3) the Office of Financial Management; and (4) the Policy Coordination and Program Support Office.

This position:

There are two main purposes for establishing the DOC Specialist position. (1) To apply strategic planning to the promotion and education of the Haitian population on how a partnership with the United States (via USAID/Haiti programs and activities) is providing better health and education for their families; increasing their economy’s competitiveness; expanding economic opportunities to more Haitians; strengthening democratic institutions; and helping to rebuild areas of the Haiti devastated by the January 2010 Earthquake. And, (2) to assure the Government of Haiti at its highest levels of the US commitment to educate and promote a partnership of development at all levels.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Development Outreach and Communication Strategy:

The Specialist counsels the USAID Mission Director and senior USAID Mission Staff on all communication and outreach efforts. Develops and manages a comprehensive Development Outreach and Communication Strategy that promotes USAID/Haiti and all USG programs to internal and external audiences, ensuring public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and other USG Agencies, facilitating information access and sharing within the entire US Mission to Haiti; and, strengthening Mission reporting functions to USAID/Washington, the Department of State, and the US Congress. The USAID/Haiti Development Outreach and Communication Strategy defines the role and objectives of USAID and USG assistance, and how information will be used to highlight the impact of USAID and USG assistance to Haiti. The Specialist leads USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information programs, oversees all USAID/Haiti branding, provides guidance to USAID staff and partners in their direct contacts with the media, and ensures a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and partners. The intention is to substantially increase the effective use of multimedia to enhance the message of development throughout Haiti, through written and visual means. Additionally, as a senior official of USAID/Haiti, the Specialist serves as the lead for all official USAID/Haiti visitors, from the US Embassy, USAID/Washington, VIPs, etc. The Specialist manages and maintains site visit schedules, prepares briefing materials and scene setters, coordinates meetings and briefings with Implementing Partners (IPs), constituents, other donors, and officials; and, handles all logistics related to visits. It is fully expected that the materials developed by the Specialist will be used in US coverage of events in Haiti, and therefore geared toward a broad and experienced audience.

2. USG Coordination:

The Specialist assists the Embassy Office of Public Affairs (PAO), USAID/Haiti, and partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID and USG humanitarian and development assistance efforts and initiatives; develops, designs, and implements the development communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID/Haiti programs to external target audiences. The Specialist manages all development outreach and communications-related contracts for the implementation of the strategy – including the oversight and execution of the approved outreach campaigns; produces media-savvy clips and campaign slogans to ensure target audience awareness of programs/projects/activities funded by USAID/Haiti throughout the country; provides USAID/Washington and the Embassy with information on programs; advises Mission management and other USAID/Haiti staff on press and media relations; and, ensures a broadcasted, targeted, coherent, and consistent message comes from all USAID/Haiti staff and IPs.

3. Development Outreach and Media Activities:

The Specialist directs the preparation and maintenance of information packages on the USAID and USG programs in Haiti – with standard basic packages for differing purposes (media, the public, educational institutions, the Government of Haiti and district and local level governments, etc.), for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and, for USAID/Washington, the US Embassy, etc. The Specialist oversees the drafting of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments, and provides drafts to the PAO for dissemination, as appropriate; follows up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events; works with staff from throughout the Mission to develop and maintain public relations materials, to the extent possible in English, French and Creole, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations, websites, and other visual displays on USAID programs/projects/activities and their objectives; distributes reports on field trips and assessments conducted by USAID staff; and, participates in field trips as necessary.

The Specialist represents USAID and the US Mission at a senior level in all matters pertaining to Development Outreach and Communication activities with the Government of Haiti, other donors, the UN, domestic and international media, and other groups and institutions; and, as appropriate, assists the Government of Haiti to build their capacity to manage public affairs and outreach activities. The Specialist is a creative agent for dissemination of important information through Government of Haiti intermediaries.

The Specialist manages, in coordination with staff, an ongoing multi-media outreach campaign that targets and informs specific portions of the Haiti public, including assisting in the design of Scopes of Work (SOW) to be used in Requests for Proposals (RFP); may include participation in the evaluation and selection of parties to execute campaigns; and may include assistance in-kind to the Government of Haiti’s contractors executing promotional campaigns.

3. Press and Media Coordination:

The Specialist monitors local and international press coverage for awareness of, and attitudes toward, USAID/Haiti and USG programs/projects/activities; provides feedback to inform USAID staff on ongoing activities and future programming; serves as lead for USAID/Haiti in contacting representatives of local and international media in Haiti, in order to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs/projects; organizes media tours and facilitates contacts among members of the media and USAID/Haiti IPs, in order to encourage in-depth coverage of USAID/Haiti programs/projects/activities in the local and international media; organizes and coordinates press events for USAID/Haiti programs/projects/activities, such as inaugurations, ribbon-cuttings, and project completions, including writing press releases, organizing background briefings for the media, compiling and disseminating press packets, dealing with protocol issues, site selection, staging and logistical issues, identifying and scheduling speakers, providing liaison with US and local government officials, and on-site coordination of media; and, assists the media to ensure coverage of public events. With Government of Haiti partners, the Specialist travels to the field for familiarization with programs/projects/ activities, to capture success stories for dissemination through the website, outreach folders, and the media, and to coordinate media coverage. The Specialist responds to general inquiries from the public and media about USAID/Haiti and USG programs/projects/activities, practices, and other general information requests; and, maintains an archive of USAID press and media exposure articles for analysis and historical documentation, in an easily accessible database.

Performs other duties as assigned or required.

C. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

1. Reporting Responsibilities

The incumbent will report to the Senior Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Haiti.

2. Physical Demands

Work in the office is expected to be office structured, but travel outside Port-au-Prince is a part of the assignment and always requires USG Regional Security Officer (RSO) approval. Travel to the field is physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads and rudimentary conditions. While interacting with community members and local leaders, it is expected that local culture, customs and traditions are respected.

3. Supervisory requirements

The Specialist supervises two staff currently working on the Communication Team. On occasion the Specialist will supervise other Mission staff tasked to support important outreach efforts for VIP’s, Government of Haiti visits, and embassy-generated outreach efforts.

D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the Selection Criteria, also listed below. Applicants are required to address each of the Selection Criteria on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page.

1. Minimum Qualifications:

This is an important position in the USAID/Haiti Mission that requires the successful candidate to act as a mentor to the Foreign Service National and USDH staff. The Specialist may be required to occasionally take on more responsibility during periods when superiors are absent or preoccupied, on leave, or out of the country on TDY. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong ability to work with a team and build capacities as needed.

a. Education: A minimum of a Master’s Degree in a field related to communications or public relations is preferred. A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Experience with overseas aid programs is considered desirable. Additional degrees or related study is highly desirable.

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

c. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, stories, etc.), and targeting a variety of audiences. Furthermore, candidates will demonstrate outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure; and, have demonstrated initiative and creativity. Candidates will be expected to show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction. Experience with international aid projects is desirable. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences, etc.

d. Communication proficiency and other: The successful candidate will be native English speaker, with a high level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a closely knit team environment. Working knowledge of French and/or Haitian Creole is a plus. The candidate will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software, one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop.

E. EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (maximum of 100 points):

a.

Education (20 Points):

A minimum requirement for the position is a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a field related to communications or public relations. Additional related degrees or related study is highly desirable and will be taken into consideration.

b.

Work Experience (30 Points):

A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in public relations, preferably in an international setting, which would include work in an international organization, a corporation, for a foreign government, or an NGO is required. Overseas experience in a less developed or developing country for longer time periods is desirable, preferably in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance activities. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required, as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public. Prior experience disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is not required, but is desirable.

c.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (25 Points):

At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to craft information messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences; displayed outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments; demonstrated the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure; and, exercised considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments. The candidate must show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, through samples of prior work or through a narrative description of earlier communication strategies developed and/or implemented. The candidate must demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences, etc.

d.

Communication Proficiency (25 Points):

The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with a high level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work with a team. The Specialist will be expected to demonstrate computer skills and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications, use desktop publishing software and one or more website development applications, and use Adobe Photoshop. Knowledge of both French and Haitian Creole is a plus.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

For USPSC’s, a U.S. Government Standard form 171 or Optional 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices);

For CCNs and TCNs , a resume and/or Mission specified forms.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

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. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS

Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurements/pcs_solicit/

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)**

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)

(SF-86), or**

4. Questionnaire for non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).**

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).**

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to the website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire Employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)

BENEFITS:

Employee’s FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

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) Educational Allowance (Section 270)

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)

*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

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