Regional Development Outreach&Communications Coordinator

ISSUANCE DATE: 12/01/2017 CLOSING DATE: 12/23/2017 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 16-2017 USPSC Regional Development Outreach & Communications Coordinator, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (AID 302-3 form) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to James Schill, Acting Supervisory Executive Officer, and Tatiana Deputy Executive Officer, who may be reached at e-mail CentralAsiaJobs@usaid.gov and almatyhr@usaid.gov Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, James A. Schill Acting Supervisory EXO ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 16-2017 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 16-2017 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 12/01/2017 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12/23/2017 (6:00 PM Almaty local time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Regional Development Outreach & Communications Coordinator (R/DOC) 5. MARKET VALUE: $88,136-$114,578 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 15% Post Differential (currently). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (with option for extension) 7. WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty, Kazakhstan with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work. 9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: A) Basic Function of the Position USAID/CA manages one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. The current portfolio includes support for multi-million dollar bilateral and regional programs covering Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan across a range of technical fields. USAID/CA also works closely with neighboring Missions (primarily Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India) on regional connectivity programming. USAID works closely with interagency teams at the U.S. Embassies in each country, and is responsible for coordinating closely with these Embassies regarding press, media inquiries, and Embassy awareness of and engagement in public events. The Regional Development Outreach & Communications (R/DOC) Coordinator is the final clearance on many public materials, including all social media. The R/DOC works closely with and coordinates these efforts with the USAID Country Offices in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and with USAID Mission in Kyrgyzstan. The Regional Development Outreach and Communications Coordinator reports directly to the USAID/CA Strategy and Program Office (SPO) 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 Central Asia. S/he leads the development, outreach, and communications team, which at full strength comprises six staff including five Cooperating Country National (CCNPSC) professionals (two in Almaty, one in each Country Office in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). The R/DOC liaises with U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other USG colleagues under the U.S. foreign assistance umbrella. The R/DOC also liaises with USAID's Asia Bureau and Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) Bureau in Washington to ensure close coordination as required by USAID policy. The R/DOC also serves as a - translator' of complex USAID processes (e.g. branding and marking, USAID outreach policies and procedures, budget, procurement, project design, etc.) and the results of our work 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 a visiting Congressional Delegation. The position will also coordinate with other interagency and implementing partners. B) Major Duties and Responsibilities: The R/DOC will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support of USAID/CA's programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the US and local audiences, in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances. Specific duties include but are not limited to the following: Supervision and Coordination - Lead the Mission's Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team and supervise DOC staff to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives. - Lead the 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, host country governments, implementing partners, other donor agencies, and other groups or institutions. - Train USAID's technical staff in Almaty and the regional offices in support of their public speaking and media outreach roles. Oversee the integration of communications in the project design and implementation processes, including the approval of all branding and marking plans. - Serve as the senior advisor to Mission management regarding all public information, media relations, and outreach matters. - Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/CA activities and processes, as well as a keen awareness of political and policy issues. - Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives. - Serve as a 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. - 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 Asia Bureau and LPA on any disputes or waiver requests. - Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives, implementing partners, and other USG agencies to collect information for public materials. Public Information and Publicity Materials - Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the Mission; with the Mission's offices, units and technical staff; and with all non-USG organizations. - 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/Central Asia' activities. These must be written in clear, concise English, and to the extent possible Russian and other local languages, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, power points, and web use. - Oversee the preparation of submissions for Embassy daily briefings, Administrator's Reports, and submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including the Agency's Blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube 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; a social media strategy complements the broader communications plan. - The R/DOC will manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the USAID program for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and for USAID/W, Asia Bureau, LPA, State, Congress; including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about each country in Central Asia. - S/He oversees the maintenance of the Mission's English-language web materials to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date. - Oversee the writing and distribution of press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, and other results. Follow up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Coordinate with technical offices, Embassy's PAS, Asia Bureau and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international media. Media and Public Relations - Promote separate, pro-active, 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, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, and traditional communications. - Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets. - Advise and work with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/CA programs, including TV, radio and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc. - In collaboration with PAS, 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. - Coordinate with host government public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with local and international media. - 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 Mission front office and in collaboration with PAS, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects. Publicity Events - Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the PAS, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, field visits, 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 (BCLs), 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, USAID main website, and other social media platforms. - 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 PAS (and Asia Bureau and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval. - Photograph and/or produce video of USAID events for the USAID and Embassy websites and for USAID/CA's archives. - 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, STAFFDEL, and other high-level visitors, coordinating closely with partners in advance. Perform other duties/activities that the US Ambassador, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, USAID/Washington and circumstances may dictate. Supervisory Relationship: Regional Development Outreach & Communications (R/DOC) Coordinator supervises and coordinates the work of the Regional DOC Team including five Project Management Specialists (1 FSN-4005-11, 3 FSN-4005-10 and 1 FSN-4005-09) . Supervisory Controls: R/DOC receives general supervision from Supervisory Program Officer, USAID/CA/SPO Office Director. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months. 11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Must be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia (50% of time) and occasionally to Kyrgyz Republic. 12. POINT OF CONTACT: Madina Bayedilova, email at almatyhr@usaid.gov II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POISITION 1) EDUCATION Bachelor's degree with significant coursework in relevant fields. Relevant fields include - but are not limited to - journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies. Master's degree in relevant field is preferred, but not required. 2) PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible hands-on experience as a journalist or related experience in public affairs, outreach, or campaigns. The candidate must have at least five years' relevant experience in a developing country. Relevant experience is defined as work in journalism, public relations, communications, and/or public outreach. 3) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, media relations, social media and journalistic writing and reporting techniques. Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of televised programs. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy to understand narrative. Exceptional analytical and editing skills. Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, web design programs and social media, well-developed desktop publishing skills, and the capacity to present information creatively. Familiarity using a digital camera and videotaping equipment. Strong, working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Internet applications. Knowledge of administration of website content management systems and Adobe Creative Suite preferred. A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies, as well as the political, social and economic conditions in Central Asia. Experience with local media is desirable. Knowledge of procedures and programming methods and approaches of USAID or other international donors is preferred. 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 see through to completion. Demonstrated ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines while exercising sound independent professional judgment. Ability to maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult or dangerous environment. 4) INTERPERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability and willingness to function collaboratively and productively as both a leader and a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters and to influence relationships positively. Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation. Must exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy especially when dealing with politically sensitive issues, must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. Strong oral and written communication skills, and an ability to work with a range of senior and technical officials in collegial and productive way. Technical skills alone are not sufficient to be selected for this position. 5) LANGUAGE SKILLS Minimum Level IV (Fluent) English and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing. Reading and speaking proficiency in Russian highly desirable. III. SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants will be evaluated against the minimum qualifications requirement factors above in accordance with the following criteria: Education: 15 % Experience: 20 % Knowledge and Technical Skills: 30 % Interpersonal and Leadership Skills: 20 % Language Skills: 15 % Total: 100 % Notice to Applicants: The USAID/CA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. IV. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a) the most current Curriculum Vitae or resume; b) completed and signed AID 302-3 form ("Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms) including experience and salary history; c) list of references with telephone and e-mail contact information; and d) writing sample (maximum 2 pages) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) December 23, 2017. The form is available at the USAID website, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc. The application package should be submitted by e-mail (preferred), DHL, or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Human Resources Office USAID/CA Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: CentralAsiaJobs@usaid.gov and almatyhr@usaid.gov Email documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. 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, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. USAID/CA expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore or resident hire US Citizen for two-year period (extension optional) commencing o/a June 1, 2018, subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. For more information about USAID/Central Asia see Mission's website https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms: 1. AID 302-3 Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts form. 2. OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment 3. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms DS-1843). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or 5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 6. Finger Print Card (FD-258) VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate and applicable, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS: (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Medevac, 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 (g) Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES: Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) (a) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (b) Post Allowance (Section 220) (c) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (d) Education Allowance (Section 270) (e) Education Travel (Section 280) (f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (g) Danger Pay (Section 650). VII. TAXES USPSCs 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.