Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 20, 2005 FBO #1455
MODIFICATION

R -- 05-07/A

Notice Date

11/18/2005
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

NAICS

541990 — All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
 

Contracting Office

Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Zambia USAID-Lusaka, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-2310
 

ZIP Code

20521-2310
 

Solicitation Number

05-07A
 

Response Due

12/1/2005
 

Archive Date

6/1/2006
 

Description

I. SCOPE OF WORK A. Introduction The Health Communications Specialist (HCS) assigned to USAID/Zambia shall collaborate with the U.S. Embassy, AID/W, Department of State Office for Global AIDS Coordination (OGAC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Peace Corps, and the Defense Attach? Office -- collectively referred to as the U.S. Mission (USG) -- to create awareness of the American assistance being provided to Zambia through the President?s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). B. Program Overview and Maintenance of Multiple Office Relationships With interest in HIV/AIDS growing, the HCS position is critical to the functioning of the U.S. Mission in making sure that clear, consistent information on the United States Government?s HIV/AIDS programs is available to Zambian policymakers and the public. The HCS works out of the Program, Resources, and Monitoring Office (PRM) primarily to provide public communications backstop support to Strategic Objective Team 9 (Multi-Sectoral Response to HIV/AIDS) and to other USG staff managing PEPFAR-funded activities. Although there are no direct supervisory duties associated with the HCS position, the incumbent shall work collaboratively with USAID SO teams, relevant U.S. agency representatives, and the U.S. Mission Emergency Coordinator to strengthen internal PEPFAR links within the U.S. Mission as well as improve contacts and promote better public relations with local press. The HCS shall collaborate with the U.S. Embassy?s Public Affairs Section (PAS), which has overall media and public relations responsibility for the USG. The HCS shall assist the PAS in developing appropriate public relations for the entire U.S. Mission relating to the Mission?s HIV/AIDS activities. The HCS shall develop a collegial professional relationship with and serve as a mentor to the FSN Development Outreach and Communications Officer (DOC) who will principally support all non-PEPFAR funded activities. Mentoring of the DOC shall include substantial help with developing the American English skills of the DOC, including editing assistance, as required. The HCS shall collaborate with and mentor the USAID and PAS Web Masters/Information Technology coordinators concerning website content related to PEPFAR. The HCS shall work closely with the USAID Mission Director, the Deputy Chief of Mission, the Public Affairs Officer, and with fellow communications specialists for all USG HIV/AIDS cooperating agencies. The USAID/Zambia Supervisory Program Officer overseas the activities of the HCS and evaluates the performance of the incumbent. C. Duties and Responsibilities The HCS shall produce and disseminate to the public at large information about the U.S. Mission?s activities conducted in partnership with the Government of Zambia (GRZ), contractors, grantees, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other donors; shall review and write about the best practices and success stories in the provision of HIV/AIDS relief by USG partners; shall prepare reports for the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), the U.S. Congress, USAID, and other constituencies; shall write materials for various websites including the U.S. Embassy, OGAC, and USAID; shall participate in major international HIV/AIDS conferences; plan special events; and shall produce public affairs materials, including speeches, scene setters, press releases, event advisories, press kits, and fact sheets. The HCS shall develop and produce materials that enhance public awareness and build support for the U.S. Mission?s programs, particularly its successes and achievements. Specific duties and responsibilities follow: 1. Support the Public Affairs Section? The HCS shall assist the U.S. Mission?s Public Affairs Section (PAS), which has the lead responsibility for developing and implementing U.S. Mission information strategy and policies. 2. Prepare HIV/AIDS Communications Strategy --- Under the overall supervision of the Embassy?s PAS and in close collaboration with all relevant USG agencies in Zambia, the HCS shall design, secure approval for, implement, and evaluate an ?HIV/AIDS communications strategy? to promote the U.S. Mission?s programs under PEPFAR. The HIV/AIDS communications strategy shall fit within the U.S. Mission?s overall information strategy as developed and implemented by the PAS. The strategy should target both internal and external audiences, facilitate information access and sharing within the Mission, and strengthen the Mission?s reporting functions to AID/W, the State Department, and the U.S. Congress. The HIV/AIDS communications strategy will define the role and objectives of U.S. assistance and how information will be used to show the impact of U.S. assistance. 3. Nurture Favorable Press Relations --- Help PAS develop contacts for local and international press and media related to Emergency Plan programs and activities. In close collaboration with PAS, advise the USAID Mission Director and other USAID/Zambia staff on press and media relations, coordinate press and media relations with PAS, develop press and media materials such as press releases and activity background papers. Together with the DOC, draft and seek approval of a Mission Order on press relations and branding. 4. Plan and Conduct Public Diplomacy Events --- In collaboration with PAS, plan public diplomacy events related to Mission Emergency Plan activities, in Lusaka and throughout Zambia, and work on advance teams to negotiate protocol issues with staff of participating government officials and USAID partners, establish event schedules, ascertain staging requirements, and ensure related logistical support is managed properly. Draft itineraries for visiting VIPs and CODELs and support the conduct of their visits. Prepare content and arrange logistics for local, USG-sponsored conferences and workshops on HIV/AIDS. 5. Draft Official Correspondence and Speeches --- Draft official responses for the signatures of USAID Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, the Ambassador, and Deputy Chief of Mission, if requested by his/her supervisor. As directed by agency heads, draft talking points and/or speeches about U.S. Mission HIV/AIDS Emergency Plan activities; edit talking points/speeches prepared by others for the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and USAID Mission Director. 6. Edit Official Reports --- Draft and edit annual strategy papers, quarterly and annual assistance cables, reports to AID/W and State Department, success stories, narratives for Mission Congressional Budget Presentations and Annual Report submissions, documents prepared by the DOC, and other documents and reports as required. 7. Update Glossy Public Brochures on HIV/AIDS Activities --- In concert with the PAS, prepare the annual update of the glossy HIV/AIDS public relations brochure. 8. Develop ?Success? Stories --- Meet with USAID and other U.S. Mission partners to learn about their approaches for delivering assistance; write success stories and reports on the best practices. 9. Map Sites, Update Website, and Archive Photos --- Assist in the mapping of SO 9 activities; update events on USAID/Zambia?s calendar website. Archive electronically relevant photographs of HIV/AIDS activities. 10. Manage Unsolicited Proposals --- Respond to unsolicited inquiries from local and U.S. individuals and organizations about PEPFAR and how to apply for U.S. funding or assistance. 11. Prepare Briefing Books --- Coordinate with the Mission staff to develop and maintain hard copies and a database of briefing materials, including background papers and maps showing geographic location of Emergency Plan activities in Zambia. Edit these documents into uniform, succinct and readable briefing books for presentation to high level U.S. delegations. Provide materials for and assist in compiling briefing books and maintaining briefing book resources. 12. Work with the Emergency Plan Interagency Coordinator & Attend EP Meetings --- Maintain knowledge of the inter relationships and significance of various program components of the Emergency Plan and coordinate public information activities among USAID, PAS, the U.S. Embassy, and other USG agencies. Close collaboration with the Emergency Plan Interagency Coordinator will be necessary. D. Minimum Qualifications To be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter which demonstrates how the applicant?s prior experience and training address the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed below. The post of Health Communications Specialist (HCS) is a multi-grade field position beginning at the mid-level grade of GS-11 and rising to a GS-13 position requiring a well-developed understanding of public health issues in a developing country context, public communications approaches, health policy formulation, and the preparation of health-related documents for a wide international audience. Knowledge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, particularly in Africa, and previous experience in developing approaches to combat the epidemic and to report progress to a wide range of political and technical decision-makers are important elements of the position?s duties and responsibilities. Negotiation skills, conflict resolution techniques with media, and experience in contract and grant management within USAID are critical. Knowledge of, and experience working with, international relief agencies, the United Nations, other donors, and local communities is essential. Prior field experience in HIV/AIDS focus countries and knowledge of the programmatic systems and decision-making processes employed by the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator are valuable but not necessary for the meet minimum qualifications. The successful candidate will also possess excellent communications and analytical skills, and the ability to operate with high levels of autonomy, flexibility, responsibility and authority, while exercising sound judgment in a politically sensitive public health environment. Minimum Qualifications - GS-11 Equivalent a. Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in USG foreign affairs agencies, large international organizations, or NGOs. b. Minimum of two (2) years experience with one or more of the following: Public Communications Public Health Public Relations Health Policy Formulation Public diplomacy c. Undergraduate degree with minimum of two years of demonstrated experience showing increasing responsibility. d. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance. Minimum Qualifications - GS-12 EQUIVALENT a. Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in USG foreign affairs agencies or large international organizations, of which two years must be overseas. b. Minimum of three (3) years experience with one or more of the following: Public Communications Public Health Public Relations Health Policy Formulation Public diplomacy c. A graduate degree in public health, journalism, international affairs, or communications with minimum of two years overseas of demonstrated experience showing increasing responsibility. d. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance. Minimum Qualifications - GS-13 Equivalent a. Minimum of five (5) years of overseas professional experience in USG foreign affairs agencies or large international organizations. b. Minimum of five (5) years experience with one or more of the following: Public Communications Public Health Public Relations Health Policy Formulation Public diplomacy Mediation/arbitration c. A graduate degrees in public health, journalism, international affairs, or communications with five years of demonstrated experience showing increasing responsibility. d. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance. E. Evaluation Factors The following evaluation factors are listed in their descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications that meet the Minimum Qualifications. All applications will be evaluated and scored based on the application, documentation submitted with the application, and the following factors. The evaluation committee may conduct interviews by phone or in person. 25% - Knowledge of Third World public health issues, in particular the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. 20% - Demonstrated mastery of American-English writing and public speaking skills. 15% - Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts, and sound judgment in representing the U.S. Mission while discussing program activities with the press and media are required. 10% - Demonstrated capacity to present information creatively. 10% - Demonstrated ability to work with high-level government officials, with international donor groups, other U.S. Government agencies. Ability to work as a team member, and provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies. 10% - Knowledge of PEPFAR decision-making processes and factors influencing the formulation of U.S. government policies towards HIV/AIDS overseas. 5% - Demonstrated ability to consistently perform in a high visibility, high-pressure environment, especially in emergency or crisis situations. 5% - Active U.S. government security and medical clearance. II. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed): A. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance ( --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $7,750 for a family and $3,410 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $500 (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave --Vacation Leave is based on previous USAID PSC service and/or US Government direct hire service ? civilian and/or military as follows: 0 ? 3 Years = 4 hours every two weeks 3 ? 15 Years = 6 hours every two weeks (10 hours in last pay period) 15+ Years = 8 hours every two weeks --Sick leave is 4 hours every two weeks B. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC 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) Danger Pay (Section 650) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. Special Benefits: None D. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. III. APPLYING: A. Qualified Individuals should note that: 1. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for receipt of applications is 4:00pm on the date specified in the covering letter. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 ?Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals? for further information. 2. 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, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation. 3. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary. B. List of REQUIRED Forms for PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 are available at the USAID web site, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices.) Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. 2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843). 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). IV. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this web site http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.
 

Place of Performance

Address: P.O. Box 32481, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka

Zip Code: 10101

Country: Zambia
 

Record

SN00934158-W 20051120/051118211514 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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