SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Officer - Solicitation
- Notice Date
- 10/16/2012
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388-S-00-12-00031-00
- Point of Contact
- Deena Shahabuddin, Phone: +8802 8855500 ext. 2503
- E-Mail Address
-
dshahabuddin@usaid.gov
(dshahabuddin@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Solicitation of Supervisory Development and Communications (DOC) Officer position, GS-14 ISSUANCE DATE: October 17, 2012 CLOSING DATE: November 17, 2012 POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Officer MARKET VALUE: $84,697 - $110,104 (GS-14). Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR:Office Director, Program Office SUPERVISORY CONTROL:Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The Personal Services Contract is for two year. SECURITY CLEARANCE: Secret Level Clearance STATEMENT OF WORK FOR SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER A. OVERVIEW: USAID/Bangladesh manages a $200 million portfolio of development programming that spans Democracy and Governance, Food Security, Health and Climate Change. Bangladesh is a focal country for four Presidential Initiatives: Feed the Future, Global Health, Global Climate Change and Global Engagement with the Muslim World. The mission's recently developed CDCS, for 2011-2016, guides mission activities toward the overall development goal of making Bangladesh a ‘knowledge-based, healthy, food-secure and climate resilient middle income democracy.' As a focal country for the Presidential Initiatives and with a highly engaged Embassy, outreach and communications is a high priority for the Mission and the Embassy. The mission has also recently developed a communication strategy, based on the CDCS, incorporating key messaging from each of the Presidential Initiatives and the agency's USAID Forward reform effort. The goal of the communication strategy is to promote a better understanding and awareness of the impact of USAID's cooperation with Bangladesh and to demonstrate the benefits of USAID programs. The communication strategy targets key audiences such as senior Bangladesh government officials, other donors, youth, private sector and civil society, local and international media and US lawmakers. The rationale for these selections is to reach decision-makers and opinion leaders on development issues to encourage good will and foster productive partnerships to achieve development goals. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: The Supervisory Development Outreach Communications (DOC) Officer is an essential member of the Program Office (PRO), which includes as a primary responsibility the production and dissemination of public information regarding the Mission and its development portfolio. The Supervisory DOC will lead the DOC team within PRO to investigate, analyze, collect, manage, and distribute information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in Bangladesh. A crucial objective is to develop strategic information used to educate and promote better understanding of USAID programs for both Bangladeshi and American audiences. Equally important, is to ensure outreach activities further Mission and U.S. Embassy strategic goals. To effectively achieve these objectives, the Supervisory DOC Officer will work closely with the Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS), Senior USAID staff, local news agencies, as well as USAID partners. The Supervisory DOC Officer will be USAID/Bangladesh's primary point of contact and liaison for all information requests on program activities. S/he will supervise the Supervisory DOC Specialist, who leads a highly motivated team of Bangladeshi professionals. The Supervisory DOC Officer's knowledge, leadership, and expertise, have a major influence on the Senior Management Team's development outreach policies. The DOC team collaborates closely with technical offices and implementing partners, providing oversight, advice and guidance in developing and implementing the Mission's DOC strategy. Close collaboration with the Embassy's PAS will ensure that senior embassy personnel are properly apprised of USAID public outreach activities and projects, that policies and procedures regarding outreach communications are strictly adhered to and that USG interests are protected. Close collaboration with the Mission's Senior Management Team will ensure that outreach activities support USAID / Bangladesh strategic goals including, but not limited to, those outlined in the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). A key function of this position will be to mentor the DOC team and build capacity within the mission and with implementing partners to develop more effective communication plans and materials. S/he will also serve as principal liaison with the Agency's Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau in Washington (USAID/LPA). Under the direction of the Mission Director, PRO is responsible for overseeing the formulation and implementation of the Mission's CDCS for Bangladesh and assisting to define the role and objectives of U.S. assistance. This includes ensuring that the Agency's program policies are adhered to and reflected in the Mission's programming policies and procedures. PRO coordinates and assists with all Mission activity designs and fulfills required planning and reporting requirements for the Office of the Director of Foreign Assistance (F) through the annual Operational Plan and Performance Plan Report. PRO also assumes the lead in the formulation, management and control of the Mission's Program Budget, negotiates bilateral agreements with the Government of Bangladesh, and supports the Mission Director's participation in donor coordination forums in-country. PRO develops and implements the Mission's public information strategy in consultation with the Front Office and the Embassy's Public Affairs Office, and assists Technical Office (TO) teams in preparation, clearance, and timely submission and approval of documents. C.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The specific duties of the Supervisory Development Outreach Communications Officer include, but are not limited to, the following areas: 1)Supervision and Coordination •Lead the Mission's Development Outreach and Communications team to ensure the overall quality, coherence and strategic application of the team's communications and outreach products and initiatives. The team comprises a Foreign Service National (FSN) Supervisory DOC Specialist and two FSN DOC Assistants, one specializing in Youth and Social Media and the other in Journalist Outreach. Within the mission, the team also includes communication points of contact in each of the technical offices. In addition, the DOC team has established linkages with communications professionals in each of the implementing partners. •Lead the development and implementation of the Mission's communication strategy and outreach plan that promotes a better understanding of and support for USAID programs to external audiences. Ensure public awareness of programs and projects being funded by USAID and provide information to USAID/W and the U.S. Embassy. •Formulate and manage the communication and outreach budget for the Mission. Given USG and agency directives to reduce expenditures on publications, travel and conferences, the incumbent must identify cost-effective ways to achieve communication goals. •Monitor and evaluate progress toward communication objectives as outlined in the communication strategy. This includes establishing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the communication strategy, identifying indicators and measuring progress to assess effectiveness and impact of outreach activities. Also includes monitoring local and international press coverage, awareness and attitudes concerning USAID programs. Information gathered will inform ongoing activities and future programming. •Formulate and implement innovative outreach activities that advance development objectives as outlined in the Mission's CDCS. •Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the Government of Bangladesh, implementing partners and other donors. •Mentor the DOC team and train technical office staff and implementing partners on developing effective communication plans and materials. •Serve as the senior advisor to Mission management regarding all public information, media relations and outreach matters. •Coordinate with PAS and other USG agencies to develop strategic communications at the Embassy level and ensure that USAID communications are in line with the broader Embassy goals. •Serve as the primary liaison with PAS in the execution of USAID events, the dissemination of USAID publicity materials and on any other issues that may arise. Represent USAID in planning relevant Embassy events and site visits by the Ambassador and other high-level visitors. •Collaborate closely with the Embassy's PAS to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of USAID's programs and initiatives. Work in concert with PAS in developing activities designed to highlight U.S. assistance contributions as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director. •Through well-established professional contacts with donors, NGOs, and leaders of other international and local organizations active in development activities, the Supervisory DOC Officer will gather, analyze, and properly format data and information on local and international opinion concerning USAID programs for the purpose of gauging the effect of information dissemination strategies, providing feedback on ongoing activities and for planning future communications programming. 2)Public Information and Publicity Materials •Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach and public events within the mission with technical offices and outside the mission with implementing partners. •Build the capacity of implementing partners to develop timely, accurate, effective and well-written media materials. •Oversee the drafting, editing, organization and dissemination of a standard information package of publicity materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, project briefs, country profile, development objective summary, presentations, responses to requests for information and all other public information materials related to USAID/Bangladesh activities. Materials must be tailored for both internal audiences (incoming staff, high-level visitors, LPA, Congress) and external audience (general public and media). Incumbent must be able to present development topics in clear, concise English and translate sometimes complex or highly technical language into a format easily understood by the general public. •Generate and maintain a standard set of narrative data related to the Mission's development portfolio for general use in briefers, outreach materials, communications, etc. •Development and maintenance of online outreach, including websites, social media, etc. •Oversee preparation of a weekly summary of events, submissions for the monthly report to the Administrator and for USAID Frontlines and other USAID public information platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other new and emerging social media sites. 3)Media and Public Relations •Manage information and media outreach activities, in coordination with the Front Office and technical teams. Ensure strategic selection of events and optimal representation by USG personnel to more effectively and efficiently communicate USAID messaging. •Work with PAS to manage USAID/Bangladesh's relationship with international, regional, and local press, including encouraging accurate reporting, equity, and trouble-shooting as necessary. Interact with local media contacts regularly. Process materials and address any necessary changes to ensure that items go to press on time. Provide advice to the Mission and to USAID/LPA regarding appropriate press contacts. •Advise and work with PAS to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of USAID/Bangladesh programs, including TV, radio and other media. This may include arranging interviews, preparing talking points, organizing briefings and media tours of USAID projects. •Work closely with the Front Office and USAID staff on press and media relations to ensure targeted and coherent messages consistent with the Communication Strategy from all USAID staff and implementing partners. •Respond to inquiries from the general public, media and other sources about USAID programs and projects. •Oversee development of effective media outreach materials, ensuring accurate information and presentation of development topics and the impact of USAID programs in a format easily understood by the general public. 4)Publicity Events •Plan and schedule a calendar of events with the DOC team and technical team staff, including project managers, host country officials, NGOs, and implementing partners. •Develop innovative publicity events used to further Mission strategic goals. •Serve as DOC advisor on the outreach component of events, in coordination with PAS, Front Office, technical teams and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings and other ceremonies. Organize press packets, deal with protocol issues, site selection, staging and logistical issues and identify USG representation. •Review and edit press releases, scenesetters and talking points drafted by implementing partners for USAID events. •Manage documentation of USAID events, including video, documentaries, photos, updates to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter accounts. •Serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by official visitors from the Embassy, USAID, Congress and other USG agencies or entities. Serve as control officer or participate in teams planning VIP visits. Lead preparation of briefing materials, scene setters and other information products to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of high-level visitors throughout the country. •Lead USAID participation in major Embassy-wide outreach events, including America Week. This event serves as a forum to interact directly with the public in a particular region of the country, rotating each year, to disseminate information about all USG activities in Bangladesh. The event includes a fair, special events, presentations, high-level site visits accompanied by media and performances. Perform other duties relating to public outreach, information and communication, as assigned or required. D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a combination of leadership, analytical and technical expertise, and managerial skills. The incumbent must have excellent English writing skills and be able to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment. The incumbent must be familiar with and be able to work well in an overseas environment with a wide range of government and non-government counterparts. The successful candidate will have experience with local, regional and international press. The Supervisory Development Outreach Communications Officer shall have the following qualifications. Note that in order to be considered those marked "required" must be met. Education (15 points): A Master's degree, preferably in the field of public relations, journalism, international development/relations, English, marketing, communications or related field is required. Three years of overseas experience in public relations may be considered an acceptable substitute for the required Master's degree. Relevant Experience (30 points): A minimum of seven years (or ten years without a Master's degree) of demonstrated successful experience in public relations, journalism, or related field is required. Previous work experience with an international development organization overseas is strongly preferred. Proven experience with writing and communications that demonstrate skills and hands-on experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications. Proven experience in developing and disseminating targeted information to a variety of audiences is required. Relevant marketing experience will be considered, as applicable. The incumbent must demonstrate a minimum of three years supervisory experience and must be able to mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners. The incumbent should have extensive Asia experience. Strong preference will be given to candidates familiar with Bangladesh. Experience in report writing, events planning, and execution, website design, and social networking media is strongly preferred. Technical Knowledge (30 points): The successful candidate must be capable of crafting strategic communication plans and information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, web-site, cables, etc.), targeting a variety of audiences. Excellent leadership, coordination, and organizational skills within a multi-cultural work environment are required. Experience in planning, strategizing, and application of policies and procedures regarding all development outreach communications activities, such as branding and marking, is preferred. Must have broad understanding of issues related to international development and be able to translate them to a general audience. Knowledge of local, regional and international press, and regional development issues, is desirable. Skills (25 points): Native level fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required. Given the nature of the position, demonstrated effective written and oral communication is a requirement. Fluency in Bangla is preferred. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to lead and work in teams required. Excellent organizational, critical and strategic thinking skills required. Strong staff development and management skills preferred. Strong computer skills in the full range of MS software, including spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and graphics, is preferred. Experience with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, RSS feeds and other social media platforms strongly preferred. Applicants should provide at least two writing samples with their applications. The samples should be 750 to 1,000 words. They can be excerpts from longer articles or papers and do not have to be specifically written for this application. The samples should demonstrate the applicant's ability to clearly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. Co-written articles will not be accepted - the applicant must be the sole author. E.SELECTION CRITERIA Applications will be evaluated and scored utilizing the criteria below. The total possible is 100 points. a.Education: 15% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education as described above. b.Experience: 30% The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience and technical expertise meets or exceeds the requisite levels of professional experience set forth above. c.Knowledge: 30% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the requisite levels as set forth above. d.Skills and Abilities: 25% The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience meets or exceeds the requisite levels of skills and abilities as set forth above. Applicants seeking the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants. F. OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Reporting Responsibilities: The incumbent will report to the Office Director of the Program Office, consulting and receiving direction as necessary. Given the professional level of the Supervisory DOC Officer, the incumbent will be expected to work independently, taking initiative in determining, planning and executing assignments. Supervisory Control Over Position: This position is designated as a supervisory position with supervision of an experienced Supervisory DOC Specialist who supervises a team of Bangladeshi communications and outreach professionals. Position Elements: Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent performs under general administrative discretion with ability to exercise independent judgment, to accomplish work of outstanding difficulty. Judgment and ingenuity are required not only to interpret the intent of guidance and to develop applications/guidelines, but also to make quick decisions in settings that require immediate development outreach communication action with crucial implications on U.S. interests and no U.S. senior officials are present to consult. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not have formal authority to financial commitment unless authorized by his/her American Supervisor. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are according to the regulations and procedures of USAID/Bangladesh, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID / Washington, partners, implementers and institutional contractors. G. TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The term of the contract will be for one year on/about March 2013 to February 2015. Within 2 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 Dhaka to perform the above-mentioned services. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-14 band. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-14 equivalent, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-14 pay band. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential Allowance, 5% Sunday Pay Allowance, and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID/Bangladesh is a family post with good educational facilities for dependent children. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected applicant must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a secret level clearance from the Security Office in Washington and appropriate medical clearance from the Department of State Medical Services in Washington. 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 Bangladesh 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, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1. 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. 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 along a cover letter. Please send your application package to this e-mail account: Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov. The candidate must sign the completed OF-612, the resume and the cover letter, scan and send them to 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 CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 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. Eric Adams, Supervisory Executive Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Nafeesa Hussain, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Deena Shahabuddin, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka
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- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Bangladesh, C/O American Embassy, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- Record
- SN02914730-W 20121018/121016234611-be67d94fb5b21da7ba08e0473344f16f (fbodaily.com)
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