SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Health Communications Specialist
- Notice Date
- 11/1/2018
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 561990
— All Other Support Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Uganda USAID-Kampala, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-2190
- ZIP Code
- 20521-2190
- Solicitation Number
- 72061719R00001
- Archive Date
- 12/15/2018
- Point of Contact
- Grace K. Nakaddu, Phone: 256-41-4306-001, Fredrick O. Onyango, Phone: +2560414306655
- E-Mail Address
-
gnakaddu@usaid.gov, fonyango@usaid.gov
(gnakaddu@usaid.gov, fonyango@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- 1. Position Title: Senior Health Communications Specialist 2. Market Value: GS-13 - $75,628 to $98,317. Final compensation will be based upon the candidate past salary and work history, experience, and educational background of the successful candidate. Salaries over and above the top of the GS13 pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Post differential is currently at 25 percent. 3. Place of Performance: Kampala, Uganda 4. Period of Performance: Two year contract. 5. USAID/Uganda seeks to employ a U.S. (U.S. and Resident Aliens) offshore or resident in Uganda Personal Services Contractor to work closely with Mission leadership, the PEPFAR Coordination Office and the Mission's Interagency Health Team (IAHT) to formulate Mission-wide messages and implement development, outreach and communications efforts to increase awareness of the USG's health programs in Uganda. 6. Education: Possession of at least a Bachelor's degree with significant coursework in relevant fields - including but not limited to - journalism, communications, public health, public relations or affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, development or area studies, and social studies. 7. Work Experience: At least five (5) years' experience as Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (DOCs) or in a similar position in international development. OR At least five (5) years' experience as a journalist, experience in public affairs or international relations is required if the candidate has less than five years' experience as a DOCS or in a similar capacity. 8. Language Proficiency: The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English and be able to serve as both editor and speechwriter. Offerors who do not meet the above minimum qualifications will be considered unqualified for the position and will not be assessed using the additional criteria. 9. Evaluation Criteria: Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) - Candidates must address and will be scored and ranked based on the following selection criteria: (a) Technical Knowledge/Work Experience (70%) At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a DOC or in a similar position in international development. At least five (5) years' experience in related fields, such as public relations or journalism; Demonstrated success in developing and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences; Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns targeted at specific audiences as well as the general public; Demonstrated ability to plan and execute media campaigns and program; Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press release, websites, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences; Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies; Knowledge of African political, economic, and social environments; Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media; Experience supervising staff and work flows, working as a team member, and providing leadership in the areas of his/her competencies; Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies; Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is highly desirable. (b) Writing Skills (20%) Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750-1000 words). They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant's ability to clearly and lucidly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be by the applicant - co-written articles are not accepted. Additionally, applicants that make it to the interview stage will also be required to take a brief writing exercise test on a topic chosen by the interview committee. (e) Communication Skills/Group Dynamics (10%) The applicant must demonstrate: Effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team; Ability to make cogent argument clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations; Initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables; Ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines; Evidence of outstanding coordination and organizational skills. 10. Notice to Applicants: Only top ranked Offerors will be interviewed; A writing exercise or sample is requested and will also be included in the overall evaluation process; Reference checks will be conducted on those Offerors selected for interview. The Offeror's references must be able to provide substantive information about the Offeror's past performance, skills and abilities; USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the Offeror's past performance, technical knowledge, required skills, including teamwork and team-building experience and may consider such information in its evaluation; USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the most highly ranked Offerors and make the interview a deciding factor in selection; USAID/Uganda will not reimburse expenses associated with the application and evaluation process (e.g. interviews, writing samples, writing tests). Introduction: The Senior Health Communications Specialist (SHCS) works with Mission leadership, the PEPFAR Coordination Office and the IAHT to formulate Mission-wide messages and implement development, outreach and communications efforts to increase awareness of the USG's health programs in Uganda. The Specialist will assist the Mission to achieve the goals set out by the PEPFAR Coordination Office and the IAHT, to include but not be limited to HIV/AIDS; Malaria, Tuberculosis, and communicable diseases; maternal and child health; family planning and reproductive health; nutrition; health systems strengthening; and gender-based violence. Under the direct supervision of the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Information Officer (IO), the Specialist will initiate and manage public awareness campaigns by assisting in planning, organizing, and implementing outreach campaigns, including a media plan and regular press contacts, in support of health programs. The Specialist will lead an analysis of communications needs and proactively promote the health program to raise awareness of health assistance provided by American taxpayers in Uganda. The Specialist will work closely with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) in the development of communications and messaging for health events. Under the supervision of the PAO/IO, and in close consultation with the PEPFAR Coordination Office and the IAHT, the Specialist will plan events and produce speeches, press releases, podcasts, and videos on USG health efforts, particularly their successes and achievements, for dissemination to the Ugandan press, media outlets, government officials, civil society leaders and the public, as well as the State Department, agency headquarters, and U.S. Congress. Much of the material produced by the Specialist will be posted to U.S. Mission websites. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES-(1) Strategic Communications and Information Management: Under the supervision of the PAO/IO and working in close coordination with the PEPFAR Coordination Office and IAHT members, the Specialist will create appropriate and strategic health messaging and strategies to deliver the messaging to targeted audiences. Chief duties include: --Develop and update the PEPFAR and IAHT Health Communication Strategies. --Develop and disseminate health-related public information materials through various media. --Serve as the PEPFAR and IAHT's point of contact for interagency health information and media relations. --Coordinate with PAS and USG agencies to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of health assistance efforts and initiatives in Uganda, as defined by the Chief of Mission. --Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USG staff and implementing partners. --Monitor local and international press coverage, and local and donor opinion, for awareness and attitudes concerning USG programs to gauge the effectiveness of the information dissemination strategy. --Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives and USG agencies to collect information for health reports. --Serve as PAS's principal liaison with PEPFAR to manage communications, press, and media relations and develop press and media materials. --Develop and maintain all PEPFAR public relations materials, including website content, fact sheets, presentations, and success stories. --Draft speeches for the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, PEPFAR, and IAHT members. --Serve as the primary point of contact for the Office of Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) public affairs and outreach planning efforts. Responsible for sharing with OGAC all press and event results as well as documenting said events and results to the Department of State and Congress via the Mission Activity Tracker (MAT). --Travel to the field to capture PEPFAR and IAHT success stories for dissemination through the U.S. Mission website, outreach folders, and the media. --Establish and maintain collegial working relationships with the local media and coordinate training sessions for Uganda press corps members to encourage accurate reporting of health activities. --Assist PEPFAR, IAHT and technical teams in planning and scheduling of events and publicity to highlight the Mission's health programs and to increase public awareness and understanding of USG assistance. --Regularly attend IAHT meetings, PEPFAR Interagency Technical Team meetings, PEPFAR Coordination Office meetings, and PEPFAR events. (2) Public Information, Outreach and Media Relations: The Specialist will be the advisor on all public awareness campaigns in health. Working under the supervision of the PAO/IO, the Specialist will advise the IAHT and PEPFAR Coordination Office on press and media events, organize press and media relations and events, maintain press and media contacts, develop press and media materials (e.g., press releases, brochures, fact sheets, visual displays, audio and video materials) and coordinate with relevant staff to promote press and media coverage of health activities. The Specialist serves as PEPFAR and IAHT's press relations officer for its HIV/AIDS and health activities, taking responsibility for all media relations in the health sector, including interviews, releases, feature articles and press events. Chief duties include: --Advise on media and publicity opportunities and the dissemination of the Mission health information materials and messages, and provide feedback on health messages and public and media reaction. --Work with Mission implementing partners to organize public and media events, and help coordinate site visits. --Advise on protocol issues involving USG or other government officials, including Ambassadors and other high-level dignitaries. --Take the lead in updating the health sector content of the Mission's public website, working with the webmaster and with other Mission offices to ensure that all content is accurate, conforms to USG guidelines and is appropriately written for the target audience. --Prepare and edit other U.S. Mission HIV/AIDS and health publicity material for external audiences and events. --Serve as PEPFAR and IAHT's point of contact for all press relations, both international and local media, and work closely with PAS on press relations. --Work with PAS to arrange press conferences and media round-table conferences on health issues to keep the media abreast of USG programs. --Support the IO in serving as a USG contact for representatives of the local and international media to promote stories on USG programs. As appropriate, organize media tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media and USG agencies to encourage in-depth coverage of USG programs in the local and international media. --Coordinate with GOU public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with Ugandan and international media. --Respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USG health programs and projects. --Produce short video success stories for publication on the U.S. Embassy website, YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites. --Suggest timely ideas for podcast content about various issues in health. Coordinate guest speakers and interviewees for podcasts, and assist in the production of podcasts. --Provide content for U.S. Mission and OGAC social media platforms including photos, videos and podcasts. (3) Internal USG Information Management: The incumbent has responsibility for the quality and content of the health briefing materials including briefing books, program information materials and power points for VIP visits, new staff orientation and special events. Chief duties include: --Work with appropriate PEPFAR and IAHT members to develop, select, edit, and update program information materials, to prepare and organize briefing packets and assist with PowerPoint and other media materials. --If appropriate, develop a periodic internal newsletter of PEPFAR and IAHT developments and help produce and disseminate a Mission-wide health calendar. --Develop procedures and systems to facilitate the efficient organization, updating, and management of public information materials, including the Mission's intranet, helping reorganize electronic information storage and initiating other innovative approaches to information management. --Provide the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs and other stakeholders with information on USG health programs and activities. --When needed, serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for site visits by official visitors from Congress and other USG agencies or entities. Coordinate with the Embassy Protocol Officer on schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. Supervision: The Senior Health Communications Specialist will report to the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Information Officer (IO). All questions to be directed to gnakaddu@usaid.gov and copy aocen@usaid.gov
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/UGA/72061719R00001/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Kampala, Uganda
- Record
- SN05141532-W 20181103/181101231128-faf72ea83f55db263ccfca2c57b54219 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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