USPSC - OTI Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist - Washington, DC

Request for Personal Services Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist - Washington, DC (Tandem/Ladder) Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-17-000025 Salary Level: GS-11 Equivalent: $66,510 - $86,460 GS-12 Equivalent: $79,720 - $103,639 GS-13 Equivalent: $94,796 - $123,234 Issuance Date: March 2, 2017 Closing Date: March 17, 2017 Closing Time: 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade levels for which you are applying. If you do not specify which grade levels, your application will be considered at the lower grade level. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the two (2) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 60 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. 3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. NOTE ABOUT THE DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM/SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an offer. You will be disqualified if you either fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the EFs must be mailed or emailed to: Office of Transition Initiatives 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Applicant resources are available at www.otijobs.net/#!guidance-for-applying/c1ggu. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: OTI Recruitment Team Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Website: www.OTIjobs.net Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT 1 Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist (Tandem/Ladder) I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-17-000025 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 2, 2017 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 17, 2017, 1:00 pm Eastern Time 4. POSITION TITLE: Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "tandem/ladder" position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-11 ($66,510 - $86,460 per annum), GS-12 ($79,720 - $103,639 per annum) or GS-13 ($94,796 - $123,234 per annum) equivalent levels. The highest level of this position is a GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of the GS-11, GS-12 or GS-13 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. The title of the position at the GS-11 and GS-12 levels will be "Strategic Communications Coordinator." The title of the position at the GS-13 level will be "Strategic Communications Specialist." If selected at the GS-11 equivalent grade level, following at least one (1) year at the GS-11 grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-12 equivalent grade. If selected at the GS-12 equivalent grade level, following at two (2) years at the GS-12 grade, the candidate may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-13 equivalent grade. In order to be advanced to the higher grade, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the higher grade and receive an excellent performance rating in their most recent annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee is performing successfully at the current grade and is considered ready to perform at the higher grade level. Neither advancement nor extension of the contract is guaranteed. Note: Applicants who submit an application for the GS-13 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee, will not be considered for the GS-11 or GS-12 positions if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-11 or GS-12 level. Applicants who submit an application for the GS-12 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee, will not be considered for the GS-11 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-11 level. Similarly, applicants who apply for the GS-11 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-12 or GS-13 positions will not be considered for the higher graded positions if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-12 and GS-13 position. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate applications for the GS-11, GS-12 and the GS-13 positions. The application will be considered for the lower grade level if the applicant does not specify the grade level in the submission. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, with three one-year option periods. START DATE: Within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local partners advance peace and democracy in politically-transitioning countries. In support of U.S. foreign policy, OTI seizes emerging windows of opportunity in the political landscape to promote stability, peace, and democracy by catalyzing local initiatives through adaptive and agile programming. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under U.S. Personal Services Contracts (USPSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the office's programmatic goals and objectives. There are several benefits that USPSCs may participate in, such as partial reimbursement for health and life insurance costs, as well as full coverage of workers' compensation, among other benefits. For more complete information on USPSC benefits, please see Section VI of this solicitation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives INTRODUCTION The OTI Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist is expected to be dedicated primarily to outreach activities. While the Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist may be supervised by any OTI team or division leader or his/her designee, the initial supervisor for the position under this solicitation will be OTI's Program Office Team Leader or his/her designee. OTI's Program Office works within OTI's Program, Learning, and Innovation (PLI) division. The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist has responsibility for developing and implementing a wide variety of outreach strategies for OTI and for designing and providing relevant technical assistance to the regional teams. The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist participates in the development of new outreach products and conducts staff training pertaining to outreach and public affairs. The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining the OTI's information on the USAID website and for the compilation, editing and dissemination of OTI reports and updates. While the Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist works under the direction of the Program Office Team Leader, he or she needs to demonstrate a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. The incumbent must be articulate and able to represent OTI in various forums, meetings and seminars, and have a sound understanding of USAID's operational processes in Washington. The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist must be an individual with excellent writing, editing, storytelling, and interpersonal skills with an understanding of U.S. policy interests and the role transition programming can play in the mitigation of conflict and the development of democracy. The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist must be able to communicate effectively, in person and in writing, with diverse audiences and be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. As a member of a highly operational office, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent has a high level of integrity and attention to detail to ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. She or he places a premium on the building of positive relationships with his or her respective team both in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist priorities are expected to change and evolve in accordance with the requirements of OTI and will be determined in consultation with and under the direct supervision of the DCHA/OTI Program Office Team Leader or his/her designee, the Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist will perform the following duties: At the GS-11 Strategic Communications Coordinator level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position - Assist in the development and implementation of OTI's office-level and country-specific strategic outreach plans, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, development of information products, and monitoring/supporting implementation of plans; - Assist with representation and articulation of OTI's mission and global programs to key players (select visitors, officials from international organizations, bilateral donors, and national and local foreign government officials); - Assist with the identification, development and maintenance of professional relationships with non-governmental organization (NGOs), implementers, international donors, USAID, U.S. government agencies and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field, serving as a liaison to coordinate outreach activities and assist in the preparation of presentations and briefings; - Assist with the management of content across OTI's social media accounts and assist with campaigns involving other USAID offices; - Liaise with OTI and other U.S. government communicators to respond to media inquiries in a timely fashion; - Support the search for new fora through which OTI can more effectively engage with key audiences based on the analysis of current outreach efforts, new outreach priorities and targets identified by OTI country teams and senior staff. Advise OTI country teams and senior staff on improving effectiveness of their outreach to target audiences within USAID and with key stakeholders; - Coordinate with and assist the three OTI divisions - the Field Programs Division and its regional teams in particular - in the development of information management products and improved business practices, as well as the development of mechanisms for the dissemination of such products to OTI field staff and implementing partners. Assist with providing updated guidance and recommendations on current OTI outreach products, including annual reports, country program reporting, success stories, and web-based materials; - Under the supervisor's direction, assist with the production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI's external and internal websites and for presentations to internal and external audiences. Manage OTI reporting needs, including but not limited to, regular program reporting and daily/weekly bullets to USAID senior staff; - Assist with generating country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, Frontlines (USAID-wide publication) contributions, OTI's Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing final products through the USAID external website and other outreach channels; - Assist with training and mentoring on OTI program implementation for OTI staff and implementing partners both in Washington and the field, and assist in developing and updating training materials as required; - Support videography, photography and graphic design as needed; - When required, provide support to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, DC; - As required, perform services under this scope of work at physical locations other than Washington OTI headquarters, including within other USAID offices, bureaus or other USG agencies; and - Support the completion of other tasks as required to fulfill OTI's program objectives as requested by the Program Office Team Leader or OTI senior leadership. At the GS-12 Strategic Communications Coordinator level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position Perform the same duties as the GS-11 level but with less supervision, greater decision-making authority, and greater independence of action. - Assist in the development and implementation of OTI's office-level and country-specific strategic outreach plan, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, development of information products, and monitoring/supporting implementation of plans; - Assist with representation and articulation of OTI's mission and global programs to key players (select visitors, officials from international organizations, bilateral donors, and national and local foreign government officials); - Assist with the identification, development and maintenance of professional relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), implementers, international donors, USAID, U.S. government agencies and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field, serving as a liaison to coordinate outreach activities and assist in the preparation of presentations and briefings; - Manage content across OTI's social media accounts and assist with campaigns involving other USAID offices; - Liaise with OTI and other U.S. government communicators to respond to media inquiries in a timely fashion; - Seek out and initiate new fora through which OTI can more effectively engage with key audiences based on the analysis of current outreach efforts and new outreach priorities and targets identified by OTI country teams and senior staff. Advise OTI country teams and senior staff on improving effectiveness of their outreach to target audiences within USAID and with key stakeholders; - Coordinate with and assist the three OTI divisions - the Field Programs Division and its regional teams in particular - in the development of information management products and improved business practices, as well as the development of mechanisms for the dissemination of such products to OTI field staff and implementing partners. Assist with providing updated guidance and recommendations on current OTI outreach products, including annual reports, country program reporting, success stories, and web-based materials; - Assist with the production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI's external and internal websites and for presentations to internal and external audiences. Manage OTI reporting needs, including but not limited to, regular program reporting, and daily/weekly bullets to USAID senior staff; - Manage generation of country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, Frontlines (USAID-wide publication) contributions, OTI's Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing final products through the USAID external website and other outreach channels; - Assist with training and mentoring on OTI program implementation for OTI staff and implementing partners both in Washington and the field, and assist in developing and updating training materials as required; - Support videography, photography and graphic design as needed; - When required, provide support to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, DC; - When required, act as Program Office Team Leader during his/her absence; - When required, supervise staff as delegated by the Team Leader (e.g. Program Managers, Program Assistants, Administrative Program Assistants, etc.). Provide orientation, training, and mentoring to staff supervised; assign work, explain how duties are to be performed to meet expectations and communicate how the successful performance of those duties will be measured; evaluate staff performance; recognize good performance; communicate where performance needs to be improved; resolve complaints; and approve leave requests and timesheets as well as training, travel, program and operations requests; - As required, perform services under this scope of work at physical locations other than Washington OTI headquarters, including within other USAID offices, bureaus or other USG agencies; and - Support the completion of other tasks as required to fulfill OTI's program objectives as requested by the Program Office Team Leader or OTI senior leadership. At the GS-13 Strategic Communications Specialist level: Note: Duties and responsibilities are listed in order of importance for this position Perform the same duties as the GS-12 level but with less supervision, greater decision-making authority, and greater independence of action. - Spearhead the development and implementation of OTI's office-level and country-specific strategic outreach plan, including cultivating strategic outreach opportunities, development of information products, and monitoring/supporting implementation of plans; - Represent and articulate OTI's mission and global programs to key players (select visitors, officials from international organizations, bilateral donors, and national and local foreign government officials); - Identify, develop and maintain professional relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), implementers, international donors, USAID, U.S. government agencies and other organizations of importance to OTI programs in Washington and the field, serving as a liaison to coordinate outreach activities and assist in the preparation of presentations and briefings; - Manage content across OTI's social media accounts and assist with campaigns involving other USAID offices; - Liaise with OTI and other U.S. government communicators to respond to media inquiries in a timely fashion; - Seek out and initiate new fora through which OTI can more effectively engage with key audiences based on the analysis of current outreach efforts and new outreach priorities and targets identified by OTI country teams and senior staff. Advise OTI country teams and senior staff on improving effectiveness of their outreach to target audiences within USAID and with key stakeholders; - Coordinate with and assist the three OTI divisions - the Field Programs Division and its regional teams in particular - in the development of information management products and improved business practices, as well as the development of mechanisms for the dissemination of such products to OTI field staff and implementing partners. Provide updated guidance and recommendations on current OTI outreach products, including annual reports, country program reporting, success stories, and web-based materials; - Manage production and distribution of OTI print and multimedia materials disseminated through OTI's external and internal websites and for presentations to internal and external audiences. Manage OTI reporting needs, including but not limited to, regular program reporting, and daily/weekly bullets to USAID senior staff; - Manage generation of country fact sheets, quarterly field reports, success stories, Frontlines (USAID-wide publication) contributions, OTI's Annual Report, Congressional Budget Justification, and other information products, including updating guidelines for OTI staff, editing documents, and distributing the final products through the USAID external website and other outreach channels; - Provide training and mentoring on OTI program implementation for OTI staff and implementing partners both in Washington and the field. Development and updating training materials as required; - Support videography, photography and graphic design as needed; - When required, provide support to OTI country program teams as an auxiliary team member in the field and in Washington, DC; - When required, act as Team Leader during his/her absence; - When required, supervise staff as delegated by the Team Leader (e.g. Program Managers, Program Assistants, Administrative Program Assistants, etc.). Provide orientation, training, and mentoring to staff supervised; assign work, explain how duties are to be performed to meet expectations and communicate how the successful performance of those duties will be measured; evaluate staff performance; recognize good performance; communicate where performance needs to be improved; resolve complaints; and approve leave requests and timesheets as well as training, travel, program and operations requests; - As required, perform services under this scope of work at physical locations other than Washington OTI headquarters, including within other USAID offices, bureaus or other USG agencies; and - Support the completion of other tasks as required to fulfill OTI's program objectives as requested by the Program Office Team Leader or OTI senior leadership. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Strategic Communications Coordinator/Specialist will be supervised by the OTI Program Office Team Leader or his/her designee, as a member of the Program Office within the Program, Learning and Innovation Division (PLI). SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The supervisor will set overall objectives and resources available, and work with the employee to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The employee will be responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts, coordinating with others, and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. Keeping the supervisor informed of progress, the employee may determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The supervisor will review completed work from an overall standpoint of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. If traveling overseas, the employee may be subject to some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. If the employee travels overseas, the work may additionally involve safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 11. POINT OF CONTACT: OTI Recruitment Team 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20045 Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") The successful candidate must be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. Since work often involves changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual must be someone who is highly flexible and able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. He/she must be able to work productively and effectively as a member on a team. At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-11 Strategic Communications Coordinator level: (1) A Master's degree with a minimum of three (3) years of work experience; OR Bachelor's degree with a minimum of four (4) years of work experience; AND (2) Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating outreach activities as well as in representing an organization. (3) Demonstrated experience writing and editing articles and reports about international development programs for a variety of audiences. At the GS-12 Strategic Communications Coordinator level: (1) A Master's degree with a minimum of four (4) years of work experience; OR Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of work experience; AND (2) Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating outreach activities as well as in representing an organization. (3) Demonstrated experience writing and editing articles and reports about international development programs for a variety of audiences. At the GS-13 Strategic Communications Specialist level: (1) A Master's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of work experience; OR Bachelor's degree with a minimum of seven (7) years of work experience; AND (2) Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating outreach activities as well as in representing an organization. (3) Demonstrated experience writing and editing articles and reports about international development programs for a variety of audiences. SELECTION FACTORS: (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) - Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; - Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements; - Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; - Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship); - Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. A USAID Secret level security clearance required prior to issuance of the contract for this position. NOTE: If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months after the selected submits the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded. III. EVALUATION FACTORS EVALUATION FACTORS: (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) Applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Factor #1 Demonstrated experience representing your organization to and coordinating with various U.S. Government agencies, international o...