Solicitation DOC Advisor Senegal GS-14.pdf

American Embassy | Route des Almadies | Dakar, Senegal | www.usaid.gov/senegal

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068522R00004

ISSUANCE DATE: March 21, 2022 CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 11, 2022 - 11:59 p.m. (GMT)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor (GS-14) for USAID/Senegal

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from U.S. citizens qualified to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through VIII of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Rodney Stubina, PhD A/Supervisory Regional Executive Officer

USPSC DOC Advisor – Solicitation 72068522R00004

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068522R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 21, 2022

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 11, 2022 - 11:59 p.m. (GMT)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Recruitment team, usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($95,973 – $124,764 per annum) (Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.)

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Immediate upon receipt of security/medical clearances. The base period will be for one year, estimated to start on o/a April 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise four (4) additional option periods of one (1) year for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a April 2022 to March 2023 Option Period 1: o/a April 2023 to March 2024 Option Period 2: o/a April 2024 to March 2025 Option Period 3: o/a April 2025 to March 2026 Option Period 4: o/a April 2026 to March 2027

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dakar, Senegal with possible travel as stated in the Statement of

Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Basic Function of the Position

Senegal is a strong regional leader and important U.S. ally in a troubled region. While it is politically stable, gains made since the 2012 presidential election seem increasingly fragile, and there is an increasing concentration of power in the executive branch. Civil society largely lacks the technical capacity and leadership to constructively engage with the Government of Senegal (GOS) and provide oversight. Media generally has broad freedom, however, media outlets usually have a strong bias toward a particular political view and there is little independent coverage of major events. Finally, growing insecurity fed by violent extremism in bordering countries, coupled with a still-simmering, low level conflict in the southern Casamance region continues to be of concern.

The GOS has placed the goal of reaching “emerging market” status by 2035 at the heart of its Plan Sénégal Emergent. Continued growth in the agriculture and food sector, including agro-processing, has the potential to underpin sustained growth, potentially with contributions from oil and gas reserves. However, a combination of social, political, economic, and environmental challenges to inclusive and sustained development remain.

Senegal’s demographics present a mixed picture, with a growing urban population, huge youth bulge, and sharp divide between the rich and the poor. Despite strong economic growth in recent years, poverty reduction and job creation has been limited, with the COVID-19 pandemic responsible for a decline in growth from pre-pandemic projections. Even before the pandemic, World Bank projections indicated that a third of the population was living in absolute poverty (i.e., less than $1.90 a day). More than two thirds of the population is under the age of 29, which presents both challenges and opportunities.

In this context, USAID/Senegal manages one of the Agency’s largest development assistance portfolios in the world, tackling some of the most pervasive, complex and intractable development challenges on the continent. The Mission manages multiple Presidential Initiatives, including Feed the Future (FtF), the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), Power Africa, the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and the Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI). USAID/Senegal’s 2020-2025 Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) addresses development challenges in the areas of economic growth, human capital, and democracy and governance at the institutional and local levels. The CDCS supports the Plan Sénégal Emergent and U.S. government (USG) priorities in the country.

Because of the strategic importance of this region and Dakar’s status as a regional hub and leader, USAID/Senegal is a high-profile environment, frequently visited by high-level visitors, including visits made in recent years by the Secretary of State, the Director of Foreign Assistance, the USAID Administrator, and Congressional delegations.

For the U.S. to achieve its important foreign policy and development objectives in Senegal and in the region, it is critical that USAID effectively communicate its objectives, its impact, and the Mission’s enduring partnership with the people of Senegal. Toward that end, the Mission seeks to improve the quality and availability of information about U.S. foreign assistance and the benefits of this assistance to a broader audience in Senegal and beyond. Stronger communication efforts and more strategic outreach are essential to leverage USAID’s work more effectively in building foreign relations that better support U.S. national interests.

With this in mind, USAID established a U.S. Personal Services Contract position of Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor. This position will be located in the Program Office of USAID/Senegal and the incumbent will report directly to the Program Office Director of USAID/Senegal.

Duties and responsibilities

The DOC Advisor (hereafter referred to as “DOC”) will service the needs of USAID/Senegal and its area of responsibility, per the requirements below.

A. Strategic Communications (35%):

The DOC is the expert authority on all communication and outreach strategies, policies, tools, and approaches for the USAID/Senegal portfolio. This expert authority extends to all technical and program staff (approximately 70 staff dedicated to the Senegal program), thereby affecting a large number of technical staff and having a direct effect on the scope, manner and effectiveness with which USAID translates high level decisions, initiatives, programs and activities into clear and direct messaging. The DOC is delegated this expert authority in concert with the Bureau for Legislative and Policy Affairs to act on their behalf within the region on outreach and communications related to several Presidential, joint State-USAID and USAID Initiatives, as well as activities implemented within the region, but managed from USAID/Washington.

The DOC develops and manages comprehensive Development Outreach and Communication campaigns, plans and strategies, setting communication policy for USAID/Senegal that promotes USAID and all USG programs to internal and external audiences, ensuring public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and other USG agencies collaborating with USAID.

S/he facilitates information access and sharing within the entire Mission; and strengthens Mission reporting functions to USAID/Washington, the Department of State, and the U.S. Congress. The Development Outreach and Communication campaigns, plans and strategies will innovatively translate the role and objectives of USAID and USG assistance into clear messaging, and define how information will be used to highlight the impact of USAID and USG assistance in Senegal.

The policies, communications strategies and outreach plans will include developing and testing new hypotheses and theories for opening new channels of communication and sustainably improving the flow of information on development activities to local audiences.

The DOC manages all outsourced development outreach and communications-related services, as needed. S/he supervises a team to utilize a broad range of innovative, effective and widely disseminated publicity tools to ensure target audience awareness of the scale and impact of USAID and U.S. generosity throughout Senegal, ensuring a targeted, coherent, and consistent message.

As a senior official of USAID, the DOC also serves as the lead for all official communication needs of USAID/Senegal visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, VIPs, etc. The DOC is USAID’s sole point of contact for such visits and events, responsible for managing all aspects of outreach and communication related to USAID programming. S/he maintains site visit schedules;

drafts, reviews and clears briefing materials and scene setters; coordinates meetings and briefings with implementing partners, constituents, other donors, and officials; and, oversees all logistics related to visits. It is fully expected that the materials developed by the DOC will be used in U.S. media coverage of events in Senegal, and therefore geared toward a broad and experienced audience.

Additionally and relatedly, the DOC:

● Counsels and advises the USAID/Senegal Mission Director and frequently directs USAID staff on all communication and outreach efforts;

● Leads the Mission’s development, outreach and communications team, ensuring overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives covering Senegal;

● Guides all USAID staff and contractors in developing appropriate public information programs, overseeing all USAID branding. S/he also 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;

● Substantially increases the effective and creative use of multimedia to enhance the message of development throughout Senegal, through written and visual means; and

● Oversees all internal communications functions, including quality assurance of annual required and ad-hoc reports and communications with internal USAID and USG stakeholders.

B. Development Outreach and Media Activities (35%):

To ensure appropriate, consistent and accurate messaging and communication of USG and USAID program objectives and achievements in support of U.S. foreign policy, the DOC organizes, coordinates and implements press events for USAID activities in conjunction with the U.S.

Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS), the USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical offices, implementing partners, regional and/or local governments, and private sector counterparts. S/he directs the DOC team, Program Office and Technical Staff in the preparation and maintenance of information packages on the USAID and USG programs in Senegal – with standard basic packages for differing purposes (media, the public, educational institutions, the Governments of Senegal and district and local level governments, etc.), for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and, for USAID/Washington, the U.S. Embassy, etc. The DOC monitors local and international press coverage for awareness of, and attitudes toward USAID and USG writ large, and provides continuous feedback to inform USAID staff on ongoing activities and future programming.

For media events, the DOC and his or her team are responsible for:

● Drafting of speeches, talking points, and background briefings for media engagements, including the development of materials and preparation of speakers for radio, video and television sessions;

● Compilation and dissemination of press packets, handling of protocol issues, site selection, staging, and on-site coordination of all media issues;

● Identification and scheduling of speakers and liaising with U.S. and local government officials as needed;

● Writing and/or editing of USAID programmatic and strategic fact sheets and briefing materials for public consumption;

● Writing and/or editing of Briefing Checklists (BCLs), scene setters, briefing materials and memoranda for the Ambassador, the USAID Mission Director or his/her designees when their participation in events is warranted; and

● Coordination of updates to USAID websites.

The DOC oversees the drafting of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, and significant developments, and provides drafts to the PAS for comment and 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 both English and French, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations, websites, and other visual displays on USAID programs and their objectives; and participates in field trips as necessary.

C. Coordination of Communication Strategies and Activities (30%):

As the expert authority on outreach and communication, the DOC may be called upon to provide high-level, sophisticated support and guidance to the U.S. Ambassador to Senegal, the USAID Mission Director for Senegal, and other U.S. Ambassadors and USAID Mission staff in the area of responsibility. With continual changes in geo-political climate, multi-sector programmatic needs, shifting political relations between the U.S. and other government and multilateral entities, and several Presidential Initiatives, the DOC’s duties include extensive analysis of complex issues and relationships. The DOC must continuously access and interpret often-nuanced information as it is made available or accessible. He or she must use expert judgment to create or adjust policy statements and messages for use by various levels of the U.S. Mission in Senegal.

The DOC coordinates with the PAS in Senegal; which is responsible for the U.S. Embassy’s public affairs strategy, directs USAID staff on such coordination efforts; develops and oversees implementation of communication strategies, branding and marking plans of all partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID and USG foreign assistance efforts and initiatives; and designs and implements the development communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID’s programs to external target audiences. S/he serves as USAID’s point of contact for all press relations, both international and local media and works closely with PAS on press relations while maintaining contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets. S/he exercises independent judgment and leadership to coordinate with the PAS, the U.S. military, other USG agencies (e.g. Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)), other donors, and USAID implementing partners to maximize exposure and accurate understanding of U.S. foreign assistance efforts and initiatives in Senegal.

The DOC represents USAID and the U.S. Mission at a senior level in all matters pertaining to Development Outreach and Communication activities with the Senegalese Government, donors and development partners, domestic and international media, U.S. and Senegalese businesses operating in Senegal; and other groups and institutions; and, as appropriate, helps to build their capacity to manage public affairs and outreach activities. The DOC is a creative agent for dissemination of important information through a diverse array of intermediaries.

Position Elements

Supervisory Relationship: The incumbent will report to the Program Office Director, who will provide administrative direction with assignments broadly defined. The DOC is expected to plan, design and carry out duties independently. Review of work will be based on fulfillment of the objectives of communication strategies, the effectiveness and influence of media and outreach campaigns, and the overall ability to serve foreign policy priorities.

Supervisory Control: The incumbent will supervise a full-time, locally-engaged Personal Services Contract (PSC) Development Outreach and Communications Specialist, and a part-time, local-hire PSC Development Outreach and Communications Coordinator. S/he will also provide supervisory input on work performed by personnel who provide communications services as members of technical offices. On occasion the DOC will supervise other Mission staff tasked to support important outreach efforts for VIPs, visits by government officials, and embassy-generated outreach efforts.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

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 Evaluation and Selection Factors, listed in Section III below.

a. Education: A Master’s degree is required, preferably in the field of journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies, public relations or a related area.

b. Work Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, in an international setting, is required (work performed internationally would ideally be in an international organization, corporation, donor, foreign government, or NGO).

Overseas experience in a less developed/developing country for longer time periods, in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance activities. Proven experience in innovatively 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 required.

c. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to develop and establish communication policies and strategies, and 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 direction. Experience with international aid projects, especially in priority countries, is required. 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 must have native English proficiency, with a high level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a closely knit, multi-cultural team environment. The candidate will be expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software, and Adobe Creative Cloud or similar applications.

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Selection Process

After the closing date for receipt of application, a Selection Committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Incomplete applications from applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Required reference checks will be conducted only for shortlisted applicants who meet the specified requirements. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her performance and abilities.

Applicants meeting the required minimum qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated based on the criteria listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education that is relevant to each factor. Applicants must include his/her name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (maximum of 100 points). A selection committee will determine candidate scores through review of the written submission and, for candidates in the competitive range, an oral interview.

Evaluation factors

Education (10 points) Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in the field of journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies, public relations or a related area.

Work Experience (40 points) A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive professional experience is required in public relations, preferably in an international setting, which would include work in an international organization, with donors or a corporation, for a foreign government, or an NGO. 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (35 points) At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated success in:

● developing innovative, multi-pronged communication and outreach policies and strategies;

● media campaigns, special programs, press conferences;

● analyzing complex programmatic information;

● understanding USG national interests and diplomatic priorities in order to craft information messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences to meet numerous objectives simultaneously;

● outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments;

● the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure;

● considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments; and

● initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed upon timetables.

Communication Proficiency (15 Points):

The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with the highest level of written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. The DOC must demonstrate the ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. S/he must also demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, sophisticated media and multimedia tools (including online platforms and social media) and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications and Google Suite, use desktop publishing software and be familiar with Adobe Creative Cloud or similar applications. Knowledge of French is a plus.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 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, lucidly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be written exclusively by the applicant. Co-written articles are not accepted. Final applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to: usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov with the Solicitation number in the application submission. Note that applications from non-U.S. citizens cannot be considered.

Qualified applicants are required to submit:

1. A Cover letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV) attached. The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

2. Applicants are required to provide a minimum of five (5) references within the last ten (10) years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

3. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Offerors are required to complete and sign the AID 309-2 form.

PLEASE NOTE THAT INCOMPLETE AND/OR UNSIGNED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT

BE CONSIDERED.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award.

1. Medical History and Examination form (DS-6561)

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

4. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

A. BENEFITS:

a. Employer's FICA Contribution

b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment

d. Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

f. Annual and Sick Leave

B. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. 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.

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.

5. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to participate in the oral interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Our aim is to ensure that all employees can achieve their fullest potential and applicants for employment can compete on an equitable basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or transgender status), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, marital or parental status, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, political affiliation, or involvement in protected equal employment opportunity (EEO) activity.

END OF SOLICITATION