U.S. Personal Services Contractor - Senior Communications Advisor, Kyiv, Ukraine

1. Solicitation Number: SOL-121-12-000001 2. Issuance date: March 30, 2012 3. Closing date: April 30, 2012, 5:00 PM EST U.S. 4. Position title: SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR 5. Position type: Offshore hire USPSC, full time 6. Market value: GS-13 ($71,674 - $93,175) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary history, work experience, and educational background. 7. Direct Supervisor: Director of the Office of Program Coordination and Strategy (PCS) 8. Supervisory Control: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction but will have no authority to make financial commitments 9. Period of Performance: Two years, starting May 2012 10. Number of Positions: One 11. Place of Performance: Kyiv, Ukraine 12. Security Access: Facility Access 13. Area of Consideration: U. S. Citizens only 14. Special Factors: Please note that no PSC contract will be executed until a candidate has received a medical and security clearance Background This position is located in the Office of Program Coordination and Strategy (PCS) of the USAID Regional Mission for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. The Mission is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of USAID-funded programs operating throughout the three-country area. Funding levels for FY2011 reached $157 million for all three countries. Based in Kyiv, Ukraine, the PCS office coordinates the program operations of the Regional Mission. It is responsible for preparing country strategies and budgets, developing and evaluating programs and activities, coordinating obligations and program reporting, and assessing support to the technical offices and Mission's Front Office. Due to the region's strategic importance to the US Government (USG), the Mission receives a high number of senior-level official visitors. The Senior Communications Advisor ("Incumbent") will be a key member of the PCS office, supervising the Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team whose primary objective is to generate greater public awareness about and support for U.S. assistance to Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Other major responsibilities include: writing/editing all external Mission Front Office communications (in collaboration with the respective technical offices) to various external audiences; acting as/assisting the control person for high-level executive branch, congressional or host government visitors; preparing, overseeing and supervising the creation of high quality briefing materials, scene setters, and additional materials to effectively communicate USAID's work to visitors; developing, monitoring, and improving Mission outreach tools; and planning, scheduling, and executing public events and activities. The Incumbent reports to the PCS Office Director and also regularly interacts with the Mission Director and Deputy Director (Mission Front Office) in developing outreach tools and activities, preparing for official visits, etc. S/he will interact on a regular basis with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office (PAO) to ensure that U.S. Embassy staff are aware of and coordinate with USAID activities. S/he will also serve as a principle liaison with USAID's Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau (LPA) in Washington, D.C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Management of the DOC Unit (20%) The Incumbent is responsible for managing the DOC unit, including: setting priorities for the accomplishment of strategic objectives to ensure that priority projects and Mission demands are met; managing the budget for public affairs and outreach activities (part of the PCS budget); overseeing the publication of materials, including directing photo shoots and coordinating graphic design; directing Web site design and updates; and supervising DOC staff. This team is also charged with keeping the respective technical offices in the Mission and its implementing partners apprised of Agency requirements concerning branding, as well as opportunities for collaboration and possible synergies in external communications. The Incumbent is responsible for the development of a strategic communications plan, aligning DOC activities with strategic objectives and ensuring that the strategy fits with larger goals of the Front Office and technical offices. S/he supervises the DOC team - currently consisting of two Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) - and directs DOC projects, ensuring a cohesive, unified approach to outreach events and activities. B. Writing/Editorial Responsibilities and Quality Control (20%) The Incumbent will draft/edit letters to government and regional officials, talking points, scene setters and other Mission documents, all the while ensuring that high quality control standards are met. Often there are heavy demands, both in terms of quantity and time pressures, for proofreading and editing throughout the year. The Incumbent may be called upon to help draft or edit major PCS documents including the annual Operational Plan, Performance Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and Mission and USAID Strategic Plans. The Incumbent will also serve as the Mission Director's speechwriter as directed, and will be responsible for editing and clearing background materials, presentations and talking points for events attended by the Director, the U.S. Ambassador and other officials. S/he will review correspondence and reporting on Mission activities to ensure that documents are written in a clear and professional manner. The Incumbent will offer guidance on style to the Front Office, the DOC team, and technical offices, conforming to the standards of USAID LPA branding and style guidelines, Associated Press (AP) Style, and professional business English. C. Strategic Planning and Strategy Development (15%) The Incumbent supervises the DOC team on the development and implementation of USAID's strategic communications plan, which promotes the Mission's programs to internal and external audiences, facilitates information access across the Mission, and strengthens its reporting functions. The Incumbent will offer recommendations to Mission management on the selection and placement of potential DOC materials in keeping with USAID's Country Program Strategy. The Incumbent is responsible for developing methods of performance monitoring and for evaluating the effectiveness of outreach tools. These tools may include - but are not limited to - outreach events, the Mission's Web site, printed collateral, fact sheets, newsletters and advertising. S/he is charged with staying abreast of communications and outreach tools, such as uses of new technology and methods of communication, and making recommendations to Mission leadership about more effective methods of conducting outreach. The Incumbent is responsible for putting into place policies and procedures for Mission communications that clarify roles within the Mission, with the Embassy and with implementing partners, including templates for communications tools, and guidelines for Mission materials and events. The Incumbent is responsible for tracking activities and regularly monitoring outcomes of the Mission's communications efforts, making adjustments as needed to reach agreed-upon goals. S/he is also responsible for relaying related policies and achievements to key audiences in the Mission's host countries, in the U.S. and throughout donor countries. The Incumbent is responsible for collecting, investigating, managing and distributing information associated with U.S. Foreign Assistance in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, and maintaining quality control over all materials. S/he shall serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for information, though s/he may delegate some of these responsibilities to DOC team members as necessary. D. Public Events and Activities (15%) The Incumbent will plan, schedule and execute activities to present Mission programs to the public, which may include site visits, field trips and media events. As requested, s/he will accompany the Mission Director to public speaking engagements, conferences, public affairs activities and site visits, providing input and assistance at the event. S/he is responsible for preparing schedules and briefing materials in collaboration with technical offices for events in which the Mission Director participates, as well as for the Ambassador and DCM for USAID events. The Incumbent is responsible for ensuring that scene setters, backgrounders, schedules, talking points and speeches are prepared in a timely fashion and meet high quality standards as described above. S/he may be called upon to oversee coordination of signing ceremonies, inaugurations, and or dedications of USAID projects, including coordinating with other USAID or Embassy officials on logistics, scheduling, seating and other arrangements. E. PCS Interface with Select Technical Office Teams (15%) The Incumbent will work with Technical Office Teams as assigned by the PCS Office Director, for the following purposes: - 1. To provide guidance and advice on Agency policy in the area of public outreach. - 2. To inform the PSC Office Director of relevant actions taken by technical office teams and issues concerning outreach opportunities. - 3. To ensure that the results frameworks of technical office teams appropriately address outreach opportunities. - 4. To be fully aware (through informal as well as formal means), of: (a) outreach opportunities presented to the technical office teams and implementing partners; (b) contractor and grantee implementing activities; (c) discussions on outreach and public relations issues facing the teams (participating where possible); and (d) teams' strategic and intermediate objectives (contributing where possible to their achievement). - 5. To perform such other duties as may be assigned. F. Media & Visitor Relations (15%) The Incumbent will provide expertise in planning, researching, drafting and/or editing press releases, fact sheets and brochures targeting regional and international media sources and will supervise the preparation of briefers and scene setters. S/he will also oversee pre-visit planning, coordination with implementing partners, etc., for high level Executive Branch, Congressional or Host Government visits to USAID activities, assisting or assuming the role of the designated control officer. S/he will be responsible for clearing necessary documents with relevant USAID staff, implementers and the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office with the goal of producing timely, accurate and useful information. S/he will oversee all DOC public relations activities and provide strategic direction and guidance for media outreach and media communication tools. The Incumbent is responsible for tracking media coverage and remaining in tune with coverage relevant to USAID's Mission Director and technical offices. S/he may be called upon to advise and work with PAO to expand opportunities for USAID coverage, and identifying potential story ideas for coverage, as well as photo opportunities for broadcast media. QUALIFICATIONS/SELECTION CRITERIA A. Education (10%): A bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, business administration/management or development is required. A master's degree in one of the above fields is desirable. B. Prior Work Experience (30%): Seven to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in related fields is required, with at least five years of experience in marketing and public relations, journalism, and/or development communications. Supervisory experience is a plus. Previous work experience in federal or state government or an international development organization is highly desirable. C. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (40%): Demonstrated working knowledge of public relations and marketing-communications strategy. Ability to professionally represent USAID before senior government officials and other level visitors and to effectively communicate USAID's development objectives and achievements. Broad understanding of international development issues - including transitioning economies and democracies - is required. Experience in the region is highly desirable. Ability to develop and maintain relationships with media and high-level representatives, and exercise sound judgment while representing the USG is crucial. Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and work flows, and to participate as a solid team member while providing leadership in his/her areas of competence, is required. Must possess broad operational planning experience, analytical ability and excellent communications skills. Must be able to convert planning concepts into firm plans. Must be comfortable working independently, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize on tight deadlines. D. Language Proficiency (20%): Superb, native-level (or equivalent) written and oral English communication skills required. Knowledge of AP Style a major plus. Basic language skills in Russian and/or Ukrainian desirable. OTHER Medical and Security Clearances: The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. The selected applicant must obtain USG security clearance level of Facility Access. Facility Access level may be upgraded to a secret clearance, if required, at a later stage. For medical clearances, the contractor must obtain Department of State Medical Clearance. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (i) Employee's FICA Contribution (ii) Health & Life Insurance: Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for contractor with family; and $7,266 for contractor only. The Contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 72% against the actual costs of the Contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution as announced periodically by USAID's Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The Contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (iii) Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Insurance: 100% Medical Evacuation Insurance annual premium for contractor with family will be reimbursed to the contractor, if not covered by Health Insurance. (iv) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for US Government employees and US Personal Services Contractors. Currently this Pay Comparability Adjustment is frozen until further notice. (v) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (vi) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Ukraine in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel and furnished housing. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS: For initial consideration: Application Form OF-612 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer, the finalist candidate will complete and submit the following forms: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Medical Clearance Form (DS 6561) 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). APPLICATION PROCESS Application stating their interest along with updated OF-612 (Application for Federal Employment), a current resume, and a cover letter. Please send your application package to this e-mail account: kyv6-2012@usaid.gov. The candidate must sign the completed OF-612, the resume, and the cover letter, and scan and send them to the above-mentioned e-mail account. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS (PSC) AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. There are a number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Services Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Oksana Shvaitser, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova (oshvaitser@usaid.gov) 2. Don Brady, S/REXO, USAID/Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova (dbrady@usaid.gov ) 10. Place of Performance: Kyiv, Ukraine