USPSC Development Outreach Communication Specialist

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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

This position of Development Communications Outreach Specialist (DOCS) is located within the Program Development Office (PDO), USAID/Vietnam Mission. PDO provides strategic, programmatic, evaluation and budgeting guidance to the Mission to implement a portfolio of programs of more than $115 million annually. PDO also manages external communications and relations with partners, donors, host country institutions, Washington, and the general public. Details about the Mission's portfolio may be found at http://vietnam.usaid.gov.

One essential function of PDO is to lead the Mission's external outreach and communications efforts. Given the history of U.S.-Vietnam relations and the particular sensitivity of a number of program areas in which we work, the DOCS plays a central role in defining our programs and explaining them to Vietnamese, American, and international audiences.

The DOCS is responsible for collecting, researching, managing, and distributing information associated with the USAID 's programs in Vietnam and serves as the point of contact and liaison for all public information requests. The DOCS's recommendations on development outreach will assist USAID senior leadership in making strategic decisions, related to communications, messaging, and press relations. The incumbent collaborates closely with USAID/Vietnam technical teams (Economic Growth and Governance; Health; Environment and Social Development; and Higher Education) and numerous implementing partners to develop and implement USAID/Vietnam's overall development outreach communications strategy. S/he collaborates with the U.S. Embassy/Hanoi's Public Affairs Officer (PAO) to ensure that Embassy personnel are properly apprised of USAID program activities, achievements, and public events. The Vietnam DOCS will coordinate Mission efforts and liaise with the Agency's Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington (USAID/W).

The primary duty of this DOCS position is to implement USAID/Vietnam's communications strategy. As one of several DOCS positions in south-east Asia, it is important that the incumbent work with DOCS in neighboring missions and share information that will help tell the story effectively of USAID's programs throughout the region. As part of the DOCS duties, close collaboration with USAID's Regional Development Mission Asia (RDMA) and USAID/Washington is essential.
Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely,

Ken Seifert
Contracting Officer

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