Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066924R00001 2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 8, 2024 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 7, 2024, 5:30 pm Local Time, Monrovia, Liberia 4. POINT OF CONTACT: Pheta Morris, HR Specialist, email at LiberiaHR@usaid.gov 5. POSITION TITLE: Development Outreach and Communications Specialist. 6. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 ($88,520 - $115,079) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: For two years, with three - additional one-year options for a total of five years, estimated to start on 03/01/2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for a period for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows: The base period will be two years, estimated to start on 03/01/2024. Base Period: 03/01/2024 - 03/01/2026 Option Period 1: 03/01/2026 - 03/01/2027 Option Period 2: 03/01/2027 - 03/01/2028 Option Period 3: 03/01/2028 - 03/01/2029 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Monrovia, Liberia 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: A. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION The Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist reports directly to the USAID/Liberia Mission Director and works with Mission and Embassy leadership and staff to implement development, outreach, and communications efforts to increase awareness of USAID assistance programs in Liberia. S/he leads the development, outreach, and communications team in Monrovia. The DOC Specialist liaises with the U.S. Embassy's Public DiplomacySection (PDS) to foreign assistance umbrella. ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other USG colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The DOC Specialist also serve as a - translator of 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's a journalist, the Ambassador, or visiting Congressional Delegation. The position will coordinate with the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), as well as other interagency and implementing partners. B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The DOC Specialist is responsible for collecting, investigating, managing, and distributing information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in Liberia, and serves as a primary Mission point of contact and liaison for information requests. The DOC Specialist will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Liberia's programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both Liberia and the US, in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances. Supervisory and Coordination 50% Lead the Mission's DOC team consisting of one Cooperating Country National (CCN) to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives. Lead the development and implementation of the Mission's communications strategy and outreach plan. Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the Government of Liberia, and other donors and stakeholders. implementing partners, other donor nations, the UN, World Bank and other donors and stakeholders. Train USAID's staff in Monrovia in support of their public speaking and media outreach roles. Oversee the integration of communications in the project design and implementation processes. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/Liberia activities and processes, as well as a keen awareness of political and policy issues. Serve as a resident expert of 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. Oversee and provide regular trainings to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking; work closely with C/AORs to ensure adherence to branding in the field; and seek guidance from LPA on any disputes or waiver requests. Coordinate with other USG agencies, and USAID implementing partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development and humanitarian assistance efforts and initiatives in Liberia, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director. Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives, implementing partners, and other USG agencies to collect information for reports. Public Information and Publicity Materials 20% Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission's offices, units, and technical staff. Plan and execute social media strategies, creating and publishing content to a variety of platforms, and interacting with their communities and audiences. Measure results by tracking metrics and insights on each platform. 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/Liberia's activities. 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. Oversee the production and publication of high quality published materials that use pictures and well written articles to highlight the accomplishments of each of the Mission four technical offices which are distributed to Embassy, State and Agency, and Host Government audiences. The DOC Specialist will manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the USAID program in Liberia for briefings and for distribution to the public and media; and for USAID/W, LPA, State Department, Congress, etc.; including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about Liberia. Media and Public Relations 15% Promote separate, proactive, targeted, information and media outreach activities. These activities are specifically designed to push accurate information about USAID programs deep into local, regional, and national markets, through the selective use of radio, newspapers, public service announcements, and other communications methods. Oversee all international and local media, including TV, radio, and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc. Work closely with PDS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets. Advise and work with Embassy PDS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/Liberia programs including TV, radio, and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc. Supervise the monitoring of the 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. As directed by the Mission Director, Deputy Director and in collaboration with PDS, respond to inquiries from the public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects. Publicity Events 15% Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the PDS, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, 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 US and local government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BCLs). Scene setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or his/her deputies with 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 the media to ensure coverage of public events. Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website. 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 PDS (and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval. Oversee the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/Liberia, and to Embassy and USAID/W stakeholders. Photograph and/or shoot video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites for USAID/Liberia's archives. Supervision Relationship: The DOC Specialist will work under the general supervision of the USAID/Liberia Mission Director. The Mission Director, with input from the Deputy Mission Director and Supervisory Program Officer, will assist the DOC Specialist to 1) establish a 6-month schedule with appropriate objectives and performance measures; 2) review work outputs and deliverables to ensure compliance with Agency policies, and implementation of best practices; and 3) assess the incumbent's performance seeking input from appropriate USAID/Liberia team members and external stakeholders. As the incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence, s/he must be able to establish priorities, adhere to and meet deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will supervise the work of one CCN communications assistant/specialist. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION a) Education: A Bachelor of Arts Degree b) Work Experience: The candidate must have at least five years relevant experience in an international setting. Relevant experience is defined as work in journalism, public relations, communications, and/or outreach. c) Language Proficiency: The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English (Level IV). d) Visas, Security and Medical Clearances: The ability to obtain the required visas and security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification. 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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. EVALUATION FACTORS Applicants who clearly meet the minimum Education and Prior Work Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factors listed below. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. FACTOR #1: Education (15 points) A Bachelor of Arts Degree FACTOR #2: Work Experience (30 points) The candidate must have at least five years relevant experience in an international setting. . Relevant experience is defined as work in journalism, public relations, communications, and/or outreach. FACTOR #3: Technical Knowledge (30 points) Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of radio programs, television programs, and video/documentary production, including script writing, narrating, and directing. Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques. Maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult environment. Strong working knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and internet applications. Strong knowledge of social media, including, but not limited to: Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. Knowledge of using a digital camera and videotaping equipment, and photo and video editing. Familiarity with basic principles of economics and formulation, implementation, and monitoring of development policies. FACTOR #4: Skills and Abilities (25 points) Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment. Demonstrated ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public using text, photos, videos, and graphic design based on samples provided (see #6 below, Submitting an Offer). Superior analytical, writing, and oral presentation skills, preparation of contractual scopes of work and technical reports. Demonstrated ability to interact with a broad range and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team environment. Excellent organization and critical thinking skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy-to-understand narrative. Superior project management skills and the ability to take initiative working with the direction of management; must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively problem solve and solve and see through to completion. Maximum Points Available: 100 Education 15 points Work Experience 30 points Technical Knowledge 30 points Skills and Abilities 25 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) SELECTION PROCESS: 1. After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. 2. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. 3. As part of the selection process, the most qualified candidates will be interviewed. 4. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter. USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant's concurrence. IV. SUBMITTING OFFER 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, - Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. 2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I. 3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents. 4. A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, not to exceed 3 pages. 5. A minimum of three (3) professional references with telephone and e-mail contacts, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference provided should be a current or former supervisor. 6. Three samples of communications products. The samples should demonstrate the applicant's ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. Co-written/co-designed samples will not be accepted - the applicant must be the sole author/designer. The samples should include: a. A writing sample of 750 to 1,000 words. This can be excerpts from longer articles or papers and does not have to be specifically written for this application. b. A social media post combining text and a photo. This could be an existing post, or one created for this application. c. A video, infographic, or other graphic design products. This could be an existing product, or one created for this application. 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. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2) 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. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)* Forms listed above can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ and https://www.opm.gov/forms/standard-forms/ *The above listed forms (2-5) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. 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 2. 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. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) C. Post Allowance (Section 220) D. Post Differential (Chapter 500) E. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) F. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) G. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) H. Education Allowance (Section 270) I. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) J. Education Travel (Section 280) VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSCs are responsible for their own tax payments in accordance with home country and host country laws. No deductions for tax purposes will be made by USAID. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES USAID regulations and policies governing U.S. Personal Services Contractor (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 https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/agency-policy/aidar.pdf 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below: Item No(A) Services (Description) (B) Qty (C) Unit (D) Unit Price (E) Amt (F) 0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] - Accounting Info: TBD 1 Lot $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ 1001 Option Period 1 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] - Accounting Info: TBD 1 Lot $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 2001 Option Period 2 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] - Accounting Info: TBD 1 Lot $ _TBD_ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 3001 Option Period 3 - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] - Accounting Info: TBD 1 Lot $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 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/workusaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov. END OF SOLICITATION EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Liberia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Liberia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.