SOURCES SOUGHT
58 -- DEPUTY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
- Notice Date
- 7/9/2012
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Afghanistan USAID-Kabul, Department of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-5820
- ZIP Code
- 20521-5820
- Solicitation Number
- SOL-306-12-000066-DIR
- Archive Date
- 8/24/2012
- Point of Contact
- Sameer Lodeen, Phone: 202-216-6288-Ext 4344
- E-Mail Address
-
slodeen@usaid.gov
(slodeen@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-306-12-000066/DIR 2. ISSUING DATE: July 9, 2012 3. CLOSING DATE: August 9, 2012 4. POSITION TITLE: Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Officer 5. Number of Positions: One 6. MARKETING VALUE: GS-13 ($71,674 - $93,175) 7. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: U SAID/AFGHANISTAN 8. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Senior Development Outreach & Communications Officer 9. SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. The incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. 10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The Personal Services Contract will Be for 13 months, with an option for renewal. 11. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Level 12. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen POSITION DESCRIPTION: USAID DEPUTY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER A. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION: The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities: The Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Officer (DOC) reports directly to the USAID/Afghanistan Senior Development Outreach and Communications Officer within the Office of The Mission Director. USAID/Afghanistan manages one of the most-complex development programs in one of the most-demanding environments in the world. The program, with a multi-billion dollar portfolio, includes a broad range of activities in agriculture, democracy and governance, economic growth, education, government capacity-building, infrastructure, health, and women's empowerment. USAID/Afghanistan shares its messages with its various audiences in many ways, including: • Via public information and publicity materials prepared for general audiences and visitors; • Via story placement with local and international television, radio, print and other electronic media; • Via outreach programs and events, to include public-affairs campaigns and weekly local events. The Deputy DOC will: • Serve as the Acting Senior DOC in the absence of the Senior DOC; • Assist with advising Mission Management regarding public-information, news-media relations, and outreach matters; • Assist with supervising and managing DOC staff; • Coordinate information dissemination, journalist outreach, and public events within the Mission, with the Mission's offices, units and technical staff, and with all non-USG organizations. B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The DOC manages public-information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Afghanistan programs and objectives, targeting information to audiences in both the United States and Afghanistan, in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances. The work requires close collaboration with the Embassy Public Affairs Section, Mission Director, Senior Development Officers in Regional Platforms, Deputy Mission Directors, Mission Program and Technical Offices and staff. Washington-based offices requiring close contact and coordination include the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs (OAPA) and the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA). The Deputy DOC works with the full range of public-information and outreach activities in support of USAID/Afghanistan programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the United States and Afghanistan, in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances. Specific activities include the following: • Public Information and Publicity Materials: 35% The DOC supports the USAID Mission by overseeing the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate and effective information, fact sheets, news releases, responses for requests for information, and other public-information materials relating to USAID/Afghanistan's activities. These documents must be written in clear, concise English, prepared with both reporters and general audiences in mind, and designed for broadcast, print, Powerpoint presentations, and web use. The incumbent shall: Prepare submissions for the Weekly Administrator's Report and submissions for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public-information platforms, including the Administrator's Blog, Facebook and YouTube; Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are implemented. Recommend revisions and appropriate action; Manage preparation and maintenance of an updated standard information package on the USAID program in Afghanistan for briefings and for distribution to the public and journalists, and for USAID/W, LPA, State, Congress, and other agency use, including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about Afghanistan; Direct development and maintenance of public-information materials in English, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations and other visual displays on USAID's programs and objectives. The ability to perform these functions in Dari and Pashto languages is desirable; Oversee maintenance of the Mission's English-language web materials, as well as materials supplied by USAID/Afghanistan's implementing partners. • News Media Relations: 25% Promote targeted, pro-active, information and press outreach activities for Afghanistan and the United States and allied nations. These activities are designed specifically to push accurate information about USAID programs deep into local, regional and national markets in the United States, Afghanistan and elsewhere, through effective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public-service announcements, advertisements, billboards, and other traditional communications. Participate in representing the Mission to the U.S. Ambassador and the State Public Affairs Office in matters pertaining to USAID public-affairs activities. Supervise monitoring of Afghan and U.S. reporting on USAID-related articles. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/Afghanistan activities. Monitor the public-events calendar. Perform other activities the U.S. Ambassador, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Directors, Senior DOC Officer and USAID/Washington may dictate. Oversee writing and distribution of news releases on program successes, project inaugurations and significant developments. Follow up with journalists to encourage and support coverage of public events. Coordinate with technical offices, Embassy PAS, and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international journalists. Advise and work with Embassy PAS to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including TV, radio, printed journals and on-line vehicles. This activity may include arranging interviews, briefings, tours of USAID projects, escorting journalists, and recording activities. Market USAID/Afghanistan to target audiences in country though distinct media: radio, television, newspapers and magazines, as well as making use of Public Service Announcements, advertisements and billboards. • Public Events, Activities, and Interaction with USAID Offices and Implementing Partners: 25% In the absence of the Senior DOC officer, represent the Mission at the senior level in matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the Government of Afghanistan, the US Military, NATO, other donor nations, the UN, World Bank and other groups and institutions. Direct and coordinate USAID/Afghanistan's public events, including conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and ceremonies. Supervise the drafting, editing, and distribution of fact sheets, reports, and public documents. Manage posting of information and materials to the Mission website, including photographs, success stories, fact sheets, and links to USAID partners, with a view toward making this an interesting, informative, and user-friendly USAID web site. Maintain close contact with USAID Kabul's implementing partners and sub-contractors to guide and supervise their communications and media relations. Oversee research, writing, and editing of USAID situation reports, e.g., briefing papers and cables, based on information from technical offices, implementers, reports, meetings, and other sources. Support major USG and congressional visitors by ensuring the preparation of briefing materials and scene setters, coordinating meetings and briefings with partners and handling logistical support for such visits. • Supervisory Role: 15% Train and supervise USAID's PRT and field support officers in support of their public-speaking and journalist- outreach efforts. Advise and oversee development communication officers at the Mission and in the field. Monitor and evaluate progress toward communications objectives, as outlined in the Mission-approved Communications Strategy. C. EVALUATION CRITERIA/SELECTION CRITERIA: Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. Education: (15 points) the successful candidate must have at least a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university. Master's degree is preferred. 2. Work Experience: (20 points) at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in journalism or public diplomacy/outreach covering international affairs or international development. Candidates should have successful experience using social media; organizing and conducting roundtables and other events; producing web content, videos, podcasts; planning and delivering training; and working productively with journalists. Experience working in conflict or post-conflict situations is desirable. Previous USAID experience, knowledge of USG procedures, and experience in Afghanistan is desired. Experience as a sub-editor, editor or bureau chief highly desired. 3. Language Proficiency: (15 points) outstanding written English communications skills, analytical ability, and editorial skills are necessary. Thorough grasp of news style necessary. Knowledge of Dari and Pashto would be a plus. Writing samples required. 4. Knowledge: (25 points) thorough knowledge of international affairs, U.S. foreign policy, demonstrated ability to work with U.S. and foreign journalists, proven ability to write messages and shape information and press materials, proven ability to manage promotional campaigns and design marketing materials, experience managing web content, and experience organizing and conducting public events and conferences highly desirable. 5. Skills and Abilities: (25 points) the Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Officer must have demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment; mentor junior officers and FSNs; and manage an office of public-information professionals. Strong written and editorial skills are a must. Should be a self-starter and have a strong background in press, radio, television, public information and web management. Must be able to work in fast-paced and sometimes-difficult or dangerous environment and have strong sense of teamwork and interpersonal skills. The incumbent also must have displayed an ability to work collaboratively and to lead teams successfully. Dependability, emotional stability, patience, persistence and tact are required, as is the ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure. Maximum Points Available: 100 D. Term of Performance The term of the contract will be for 13 months. Within four weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Kabul to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS-13. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition, the Mission has a 35% Post Differential allowance and 35% Danger Pay. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. During this one year period you will be entitled to two Rest and Recuperation trips (R&R) and up to three Regional Rest Breaks. You will be entitled to 20 days Administrative Leave plus two days of travel time for each break. In excess of the Administrative Leave, you will have to use your Annual Leave or Compensatory time for the breaks. Afghanistan is a no-dependent post. E. General information regarding living and working conditions in Afghanistan Life in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan has improved somewhat since the establishment of the government, and great strides have been made to regularize the availability of services, utilities, and supplies of common consumer items. Living conditions, however, are still difficult but this position offers a historic opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team to assist the Afghans to bring peace and stability to their war-torn country. Afghanistan is an unaccompanied post. All staff members are housed on the heavily guarded and fortified Embassy compound, at a military compound, or at a PRT. F. Medical and Security Clearance The selected applicant must be able to obtain a USG Third Country Nationals: Employment Authorization Certification and a Department of State Class I medical clearance. G. Benefits: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.] A. BENEFITS: o FICA Contribution o Contribution toward Health & life insurance o Pay Comparability Adjustment o Eligibility for Worker's Compensation o Annual & Sick Leave o Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service as per post policy B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Education Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Education Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. H. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs/AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical expense payment responsibility AAPD 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 06-01 Medical evacuation insurance CIB 01-10 Revision of medical clearance process - PSC with U.S. Citizens CIB 01-07 Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - PSCs with U.S. Citizens CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts CIB 99-22 PSC Policy CIB 98-23 Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D. CIB 97-17 PSC's with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens CIB 97-16 Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf I. APPLYING All applications should be submitted electronically to e-mail address AfUSAIDJobs@state.gov Attention: Sameer Lodeen Human Resources Specialist USAID/Afghanistan To ensure that your application is received for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number as (DIR1266) in the subject line of your e-mail or your application may not be considered. Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time but prior to August 9, 2012 16:30 local (Kabul) time unless revised. The highest ranking applications may be selected for and interview. Please note that only short listed candidates will be notified. J. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: Interested applicants must submit the following documents or their applications may not be considered for this position: 1. Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; 2. Three (3) to five (5) references, 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. USAID/Afghanistan will only contact references for the finalist, and will only do so with the permission of the applicant. 3. A written statement that addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. K. Other Information related to PSCs: Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts. Those documents can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs, which can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Point of Contact: Sameer Lodeen Human Resources Specialist Email: slodeen@usaid.gov Phone (in Afghanistan) - (202) 216-6288 Ext. 4344; Cell 0093797777301 or Fax (202) 216-6288 (Ext. 105)
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/AFG/SOL-306-12-000066-DIR /listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Afghanistan, U.S. Embassy, Great Masoud Road, Kabul, Afghanistan, Kabul, Non-U.S., 0093, United States
- Record
- SN02797661-W 20120711/120709235506-db5a888745001dc674b3f30325d360bd (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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