PSC Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Officer (DOC)

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Tanzania

Solicitation for a Resident Hire PSC

Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Officer (DOC)

SOLICITATION NUMBER:            SOL-621-15-000009

ISSUANCE DATE:               February 18, 2015

CLOSING DATE/TIME:       March 20, 2015 at 11:00 HRS, local time

POSITION TITLE:                Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Officer

MARKET VALUE:               Equivalent to GS 13; Ranging from $73,115 p.a to $95,048 p.a.

Final Compensation will be based on the individual’s qualifications and previous salary history.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:   Two years, with the possibility of extensions. Extensions will depend

on the individual’s performance, a continued need for the position, and  availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:     Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

SUPERVISION:                            Senior DOC Officer, USAID/Tanzania

SECURITY ACCESS:                   Employment Authorization

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:    Resident U.S. Citizens and Resident Third-Country Nationals

STATEMENT OF WORK:

I.          INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

USAID/Tanzania manages one of the most complex development programs in Tanzania. The program, totaling some $404 million in FY 2014, is working to enhance five major sectors: health (including HIV/AIDS, malaria, and maternal child health), economic growth (agriculture, energy, trade, and natural resources management) education, and democracy and governance. There is a special focus on youth and women’s empowerment across all the sectors.  USAID/Tanzania also manages several Presidential Initiatives including; U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Feed the Future, Power Africa, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Global Climate Change Initiative, Global Health Initiative, and Partnership for Growth.

This position is located in the Program Office at USAID/Tanzania. The Deputy DOC officer reports directly to the Senior DOC officer and serves as his/her deputy. S/he will fully backstop the Senior DOC, as necessary.  The work requires close collaboration with Mission Director, Deputy Mission Directors, Mission, Program Office and Sector Teams, as well as the Embassy Public Affairs Office (PAO), CDC, and PEPFAR Communications officers. The USAID/Washington-based offices requiring contact and coordination include the Africa Bureau, Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), Global Health, Bureau for Food Security, and Power Africa. 

II.       BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

The purpose of the Deputy Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) position is to produce and disseminate public information about USAID’s activities to raise awareness and understanding of USAID programs among target audiences in Tanzania and in the United States.  S/he ensures that USAID sends out a clear message that all USAID-funded projects are paid for by U.S. tax money and, as such, are “from the American people.”  S/he is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of a strategic communications strategy that will increase visibility of U.S. foreign assistance to Tanzania.

III.       SPECIFIC COMPONENTS OF WORK

USAID/Tanzania Communications Strategy:  Assists in the development and implementation of an approved comprehensive communications and outreach strategy that is in line with the overall USAID/Tanzania Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and promotes USAID to external and internal audiences. The development of the key messages in the communications strategy will be informed by data on public opinion in Tanzania. The strategy will optimize relevant communications tools and distribution to target audiences and will be used to inform the USAID Mission on the selection, targeting, and placement of materials to raise awareness of USAID activities in Tanzania. The strategy also will take into account the need to identify and focus on key sectors that have an appeal to local interest and U.S. Government policies. The strategy also ensures that publicity material used is noncontroversial, visually appealing, well-defined, and contains a human interest element.  Implementation of the strategy will be guided by indicators in a results framework and a performance monitoring plan.

In order to operationalize the communications strategy, the Deputy DOC assists the Senior DOC put in place policies and procedures for mission communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the Mission and Embassy and with implementing partners, including templates for various communications tools, standards for creating and finalizing communications materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.  The deputy will help train implementing partners and staff in a variety of communications-related subjects, e.g. how to write a success story, dealing with the press, photography, marking and branding, etc.  The Deputy DOC may be called upon to act as the mission’s photographer during site visits or other events.

Publicity Materials:  Under the direction of the Senior DOC and as it relates to the communications strategy, the Deputy DOC drafts, edits, and disseminates timely and accurate informational material, including reports to LPA and other USAID Bureaus, fact sheets, success stories, press releases, Power point presentations, briefing materials, talking points, speeches, videos, photo stories, USAID website and Facebook posts, responses to requests for information and other public information materials as necessary.  S/he has the primary responsibility to ensure that all produced documents meet quality standards.  Products must be written in clear, concise English, prepared with both the media and general audience in mind.  In addition:

1. Develops and/or reviews; video products, banners, brochures, handouts, signs, and other public relations materials to evaluate quality, propriety in terms of production quality, sensitivity to local culture, and accuracy of content.  Works closely with USAID implementing partners and USAID staff to advise them on the quality of publicity material.

2. Reviews and edits implementing partner branding and marking plans and works with Contracts Officer on approval of these final documents. Ensures partners are in compliance with approved marking and branding plans and that all materials (videos, websites, banners, posters, brochures, publications, etc.) meet USAID branding guidance. Recommends revisions, reprinting, or other appropriate action when needed.   

3. Works with USAID technical staff and implementing partners to develop briefing materials for handouts and other special needs.

4. Travels to the field where mission activities are being implemented, conducting interviews and taking photographs to gather material for stories and ensuring branding compliance in the field.

5. Responsible for providing content to Embassy/PAO, LPA and other USAID Bureaus for use on websites and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, IMPACT blog, and YouTube. Responsibilities include coordinating the selection of information, clearing content, and coordinating placement.

6. Responsible for maintaining and updating repositories of photos, success stories, fact sheets, key statistics and results, talking points, speeches, and reference materials that can be repurposed for public outreach.

Media Relations:  Responsible for supporting USAID/Tanzania media activities, including monitoring media coverage (particularly local and regional news) on issues related to USAID activities in Tanzania. In coordination with the PAO and under the direction of the Senior DOC, builds and maintains a professional network of Tanzania’s media contacts. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, press tours of USAID funded projects; and escorting journalists during these events.  S/he also:

1. Keeps abreast of USAID events (and will work with implementing partners as necessary) to ensure that appropriate press coverage is provided. Advises Mission's Director and Deputy Mission Directors and staff if press coverage is not recommended for any culturally or politically sensitive event or issue. Assists with preparing USAID/Tanzania leadership for interviews with the media. 

2. Reviews the daily press to keep abreast of coverage that relates to USAID activities and selects, edits, or summarizes items of interest for staff.

3. Plans, researches, drafts, and/or edits press releases and fact sheets. Coordinates with USAID technical offices, the Embassy's PAO and implementing partners to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written material for local and/or other media.

4. Advises and works with PAO, technical offices and implementing partners to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including print, TV and radio. Helps USAID technical offices define appropriate activities for coverage, participates in field inspections and final selection, and accompanies TV/radio crews to site locations for filming

Public Events and Activities:  Plans, schedules, publicizes, and carries out public and special events to present USAID programs to target audiences, including field trips to specific events or activities, conferences, project inauguration or milestones, ceremonies, and high level VIP visits.  S/he also:

1. Coordinates with technical offices field travel and public affairs activities of the Mission Director and if applicable, working with PAO, the Ambassador and/or DCM on representation at public events. Prepares schedules, briefings, talking points, speeches and press releases in collaboration with mission staff and PAO. And arranges for photo/video and media coverage when appropriate. Produces outreach materials about the event for dissemination to press, on social media, and for consumption by USAID/Washington.

2. For USAID site visits or events that involve the Ambassador, DCM, USAID Director, works with PAO to ensure that event information (e.g., event requests, bios, backgrounders /scene setters, schedules, talking points, speeches, etc.) are prepared, meeting quality standards and time requirements.

3. Coordinates signing ceremonies, inaugurations, and/or dedications of USAID projects, including drafting press releases and coordinating with appropriate Tanzanian and USAID officials on logistics, schedules, guest lists, seating, and other arrangements related to the events.

4. For VIP visits, assists with developing itineraries for visits, develops and disseminates the key messages, assists with preparing contents for briefing books, prepares field sites for VIP visit, serves as site officer as needed.

Supervisory Role:  In the event of the Senior DOC’s absence, or at his/her direction, the Deputy DOC will be responsible for the overall management of strategic communications, including day-to-day office operations; VIP visits; managing the budget for DOC activities; overseeing the publication of materials; supervising the maintenance of DOC materials and files; taking primary responsibility for public inquires, press relations, special events, and social media. 

At all times, monitor and evaluate progress towards communications objectives as outlined in the mission-approved communications strategy.

Requires occasional high-level contacts within the U.S. community in both Tanzania and Washington, D.C. (including with the USAID Mission Director, U.S. Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer; and USAID/W senior staff), the host country community (such as Ministers, Members of Parliament, and NGOs), and Chiefs of Party of implementing partners.

He/she will perform other duties as required by the Senior DOC, the Supervisory Program Officer, or Mission Director. 

IV.             POSITION ELEMENTS

           

A.    Supervision Received:  The Deputy DOC Officer directly reports to the Senior DOC Officer, a local U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC).  Overall guidance and supervision of DOC duties are under the Mission’s Supervisory Program Officer.

B.   Available Guidelines:  USAID general guidelines regarding allowable communications activities and relationships with PAO and the media, including Branding Guidelines; standard Agency procurement and contracting procedures; priorities set by approved strategies; and U.S. Embassy guidelines on public outreach and media relations.

C.   Exercise of Judgment:  Substantial reliance is placed on the employee's use of judgment concerning priority and effectiveness of public relations documentation and activities.  Employee will periodically have to make important decisions out of the office (perhaps out of town) with perhaps with no ready facility for consulting with the U.S. Direct Hire supervisor.  Employee must react to and interpret changing priorities and circumstances in Tanzania’s media and their effects on his/her work in coordination with various mission elements.  Many important decisions will be based on employee’s experience and managerial skills.  The employee must plan his/her work schedule independently.

D.    Authority to Make Commitments:  Responsible for budget planning and the preparation of procurement requests for publicity materials and related technical services, which will be processed through a U.S. Direct Hire staff member and/or Mission Director.

E.   Willingness to Travel:  The incumbent must be willing to travel extensively and frequently (up to 25%) in Tanzania.

V.                REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION/EVALUATION CRITERIA

A.   Education: A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, international relations or development, or a related field is required.  A master's degree in one of the above fields is desirable.

B.   Prior Work Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in public information and outreach or international development is required, with at least two years’ experience in public relations, event planning, journalism, or related field. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is preferred.  Previous work experience with U.S. Government or another international development organization is also highly desirable.

C.   Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: i) Demonstrated skills and/or experience in public relations. ii) A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies; experience in the region is highly desirable. iii) The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the U.S. Government while discussing program activities with the press and media are essential elements of the job. iv)  Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies. v) Possess the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (e.g. press release, speech, talking points, fact sheets), targeting a variety of audiences. vi) Must be comfortable working independently, managing several activities at once, and working under pressure to meet short deadlines. vii) Through knowledge of media operations (print, television, internet, radio), including how to shape a story and get it published.

D.   Language Proficiency:  Outstanding verbal and written English communication skills, analytical ability, and interpersonal relationships are required.  Basic language skills in Swahili and knowledge of Tanzania culture and work environment are an asset.

E.   Specialized skills:  Excellent working use Google and of MS Office, including PowerPoint, and knowledge of digital photography.  Experience with different types of social media platforms and applications, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Flickr, etc. A flair for graphic design is a highly desirable asset, as is manipulation of scanning software, Adobe Photoshop, In-design, and Image Ready software. 

VI.       TERM OF PERFORMANCE:

The base term of the contract will be for two years, which may be extended upon mutual agreement subject to satisfactory performance, continued need for the position, and availability of funds.  This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-13 position in the USG Civil Service.  The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. 

VII.     SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE

The Contractor will be required to complete a full physical examination (including relevant immunizations) from his/her own physician prior to service overseas.  Also, USAID/Tanzania must initiate a security clearance prior to issuing the contract to the selected applicant.  Until a final adjudication of a security clearance is received, the contractor shall:

            ●          have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials;

●          be authorized no entitlements other than those normally authorized for short-term (less

            than a year) employees at post.

If USAID/Tanzania fails to obtain a security clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated.

VIII.    BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy and appropriateness, a Resident Hire USPSC is typically authorized the following compensation amenities:

A.    BENEFITS

Employer's FICA Contribution

Employer’s Medicare contribution

Contribution towards Health and Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Annual Increase, if eligible

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual and Sick Leave

B.FEDERAL TAXES:  Resident Hire USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

IX.       LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs  

 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)
4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258).

Forms outlined can be found at http://www.gsa.gov/forms.

X.        INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Qualified applicants are requested to submit a completed U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://inside.usaid.gov/forms.) and a Resume containing the following information:

1)                              Personal Information:  Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2)                              Education:  high school, name, city and state, date of diploma of GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours);

3)                              Work Experience:  provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary.  Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;

4)                              Other Qualifications:  Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments,  for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

5)                              Applicants are required to provide three (3) to five (5) references with complete contact information, including E-mail address and telephone numbers.

Interested applicants should send the above via email, international mail, international courier, or Department of State official mail to the attention of the Deputy Executive Officer, Jolcy Fernandes, at the addresses indicated below.  To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and in the subject line of any cover letter.  If the application is submitted by email or fax, hard copy must be submitted by mail.

Applications must be received by email or separate post by closing date and time specified in the cover letter of this solicitation and should be submitted to PSC applications mailbox at daressalaampscsap@usaid.gov, or at the following addresses:

            International Mail

            Jolcy Fernandes, Executive Officer

            USAID/Tanzania

            P.O. Box 9130

            Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

            Telephone: 255-22-2294490 x 4773

            E-Mail:  jfernandes@usaid.gov

            U.S. Mail: **

            Executive Officer

            USAID/Tanzania

            2140 Dar es Salaam Place

            Dulles, Va. 20189-2140

          Courier:

            Executive Officer

            United States Agency for International Development

            Mission to Tanzania

            686 Old Bagamoyo Road

            Msasani, Kinondoni District

            Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

**  Please note that delivery times for the Department of State official pouch can vary, allow at

least two weeks.  USAID/Tanzania cannot be responsible for any delays in delivery through the

official pouch.

XI.       ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS (USPSC)

AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance.  There are a number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Services Contracts.  Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/ to locate relevant AAPDs.  Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to USPSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination

based on race, color, religion, sex, politics, marital status, physical handicap, HIV/AIDS

status, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.