Deputy Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist (U.S. Citizens only)

ISSUANCE DATE: May 18, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 18, 2023 (17:00) Local Time,

Pretoria, South Africa)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Resident-hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor (Resident- USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachment 1. Sincerely,

Ifeoma Ezeh

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1 72067423R00015

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72067423R00015

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 18, 2023

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 18, 2023

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Lavinia Denation email at ldenation@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Deputy Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist 6. MARKET VALUE: $ 84,546.00 - $ 109,908.00 equivalent to GS-13

Final compensation will be negotiated within the above value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Southern Africa, Pretoria.

Overseas USPSCs may be authorized telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be two years, estimated to start in September 2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows:”

Base Period:

September 2023 to September 2025

Option Period 1:

September 2025 to September 2026

Option Period 2:

September 2026 to September 2027

Option Period 3:

September 2027 to September 2028

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Resident Hire United States (U.S.) Citizens

o RESIDENT HIRE: Resident hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or

agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Introduction:

U.S. strategic objectives in South Africa include promoting U.S. economic prosperity, strengthening regional peace and security, and supporting the sustainable economic development of South Africa. U.S. assistance focuses on health, economic growth, countering violent extremism, democratic governance, education, youth employment, humanitarian assistance, and combating crime. USAID is transitioning from transactional relationships to transformational partnerships, working with national governments, regional governmental entities, civil society, and the private sector to respond to South Africans’ and the region’s demand for increased inclusive development. The United States Government has a strategic interest in an integrated, democratic, secure, prosperous, and resilient Southern Africa. U.S. assistance in Southern Africa promotes regional partnerships to foster self-reliance; supports intra-regional economic integration and trade as the means to growth; promotes regional responses to the HIV/AIDS and TB epidemics and increases regional resilience to internal and external shocks (such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks).

USAID partners with committed national governments, regional economic communities, civil society, and the private sector to identify and apply host country-owned, country led, and country managed solutions to national challenges. The USAID/ Southern Africa Mission manages and supports bilateral programs in South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola, as well as regional programs, with an annual budget of approximately $400 million. The Mission portfolio includes a broad range of energy, economic growth, democracy, health and education, and humanitarian program activities.

The incumbent serves in the USAID/Southern Africa’s Regional Program Office (RPPDO) as the Deputy Director of the Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) unit. The Deputy DOC reports to the Supervisory DOC (a USAID U.S. Personal Services Contractor). In the absence of the supervisor, the incumbent may serve as acting chief of the DOC unit and report to the Supervisory Program Officer. The Deputy DOC will help to increase understanding among the South African people, and other Southern African citizens, as well as the broader international audience, about the purpose and the impact of USAID investments in the region’s development. S/he collaborates closely with the DOC unit, Mission’s Front Office, Office Directors, technical teams, and

implementing partners (IPs) to develop and implement the overall Mission communications strategy. The Deputy DOC collaborates with various U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections (PAS) across the region to ensure that Embassy personnel are properly apprised of USAID public activities and projects; and serves as a liaison with the USAID/Washington Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) and USAID/Africa Bureau Communications Office.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Deputy DOC supports the Mission in the achievement of its objectives by producing and disseminating public information about Mission programs, projects, and activities in the region promoting a better understanding of USAID programs. The Deputy DOC is responsible for collecting, investigating, managing, and distributing information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in the region, and serves as a primary Mission point of contact and liaison for information requests.

Writing and Editing - 40%

The DOC team is responsible for the production of high-quality print and electronic communications products that translate complex messages and technical information into understandable, meaningful messages that resonate with a variety of audiences, both host-country and American, and internal and external. This position requires a high-level of storytelling and content creation/collection skills. This position serves as editorial director of all public materials, including information briefers and brochures, special publications, and project success stories, including graphic design. The position is responsible for editing text produced by Mission staff, producing talking points, speeches, and briefing documents. The Deputy DOC oversees and develops specialized information materials for Washington opinion leaders and audiences, in coordination with the Africa Bureau and LPA colleagues; travels to USAID sites throughout the region to interview beneficiaries and photograph and videotape events for USAID print, website, and social media content and for news releases; prepares and updates informational materials that communicate strategic priorities and focus areas; and acts as editor for key reports and documents. If necessary, the position will manage contracts for outside printing, translations, and new media productions.

Website - 20%

The Deputy DOC will also serve as the point of contact for the USAID’s external website providing regular updates to the relevant Mission postings, templates, photos, as well as news and information. The regular updates will also include updating the DOC Office’s Event Calendar on a weekly basis. The Deputy DOC will update the Events Calendar each week following the DOC Office weekly call per the input from the regional DOC Offices as well as any information received through the technical teams or via the USAID Senior Staff meeting. The Deputy DOC will also be in charge of information collection for each activity, as well as setting up reminders of milestones and important dates for event preparation.

Management/Organization - 40%

The Deputy DOC will be responsible for monitoring national, regional, and international news relevant to the USAID Southern Africa Mission’s work and distributing as appropriate.

The Deputy DOC will also be responsible for updating the DOC Office planning documents, which includes information on all DOC Office activities within a monthly time period.

The Deputy DOC will be expected to mentor, train, and guide various DOCs throughout the Southern Africa region. The Deputy DOC will also be expected to lead teams on various communication campaigns and Front Office priority activities. In addition, the Deputy DOC may serve as a control officer or site officer for Ambassadorial visits, VIP visits, coordinating across Mission, interagency, region, and Washington Stakeholders.

When the Senior DOC is unavailable, the Deputy DOC is expected to act as the lead of the Regional Communications Team, providing supervision, clearance, guidance to high level USG officials, and other Senior DOC responsibilities.

POSITION ELEMENTS

a. Supervision Received: The Deputy DOC works under the general supervision of the Supervisory DOC. The supervisor makes assignments in terms of overall objectives and resources available. Completed work is reviewed in terms of achievement of, and effectiveness in meeting objectives. The Deputy DOC is expected to work in a collegial and independent manner, and to exercise considerable autonomy and judgment in discharging the duties of the assignment.

b. Available Guidelines: The Deputy DOC must remain familiar with the USAID regulations contained in the ADS, AIDAR, FAR, Handbooks, Mission Orders, USAID/Washington Bureau, and LPA outreach guidance, and established CCO procedures and regulations; and media and communications papers prepared by USAID/Washington and the Department of State.

c. Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to the DOC team include a variety of duties and processes requiring the exercise of extensive judgment; judgment is required in providing guidance to technical staff, implementing partners, and other outside contractors on USAID policies and procedures related to the USAID/SA Mission communications strategy. Independent judgment must be exercised on a broad range of communications and media issues when meeting with media representatives, government officials, NGOs, USAID implementing partners, and with other donors. The position is expected to analyze situations and develop ways to resolve problems. The position advises superiors in the Mission and various high-level U.S. Embassy officials on the implications of USAID public outreach and suggestions for improvements.

d. Authority to Make Commitments: The position may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy and take action and establish priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and superiors informed of activity status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the Deputy DOC

negotiates outreach and communications activities with counterparts in the Mission and the U.S. Embassies.

e. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are maintained in person, by phone, or by written communication with USAID staff, high and mid-level government officials, private sector representatives, major corporations, and other donor organizations. Contacts will include routine administrative functions, as well as important issues regarding program/project/activity implementation, and the negotiation of corrective measures if needed. Discussions with contacts are typically to explain and negotiate activity proposals and objectives, secure cooperation, resolve problems, obtain, or furnish information, and/or to persuade USAID staff and counterparts to take recommended actions and to accept recommendations.

f. Supervision Exercised: The Deputy DOC will mentor DOCs throughout the Southern Africa region, providing editorial review, clearance, feedback, and guidance. When the Supervisory DOC is on leave, the Deputy DOC will have full supervisory responsibilities over two FSN DOCs.

g. Time required to perform full range of duties: The Deputy DOC must be able to perform the full range of duties within 6 months.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor of Arts Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field is required.

Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, editing, or journalism, in an English-language work environment is required. Experience managing complex event engagements, including vendors and sponsorship packages, communication campaigns and platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Medium, is especially valuable. Knowledge of photography, graphic design software (Canva, Adobe), audio-visual editing software, Google Drive, and Microsoft office are highly required.

Post Entry Training: The position will receive on-the-job training on established USAID procedures, regulations and policies governing USAID/SA interaction with the media, implementing partners, other USG agencies, etc.; the DOC will attend USAID regional Development Outreach and Communications Workshops and select training courses, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds.

Skills: The Deputy DOC must have strong writing and editing skills and have a thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of communication; skill in applying such knowledge to develop written information materials for dissemination through a

variety of media; the ability to determine and effectively use the most appropriate means for transmitting information; and, the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of plans developed to communicate with targeted audiences. This includes an understanding of the use of written communication in developing news releases, feature stories, background statements, fact sheets, media spots, success stories and scripts that effectively transmit information about complex programs/projects/activities. A specialized skill set in storytelling and content creation/collection is required. The work requires a solid understanding of websites and social media outlets; an excellent knowledge of English grammar and American word usage and spelling; a good knowledge of graphic design, printing, and publishing processes; the ability to oversee graphic designers, printers and/or publishers; and a broad understanding of issues related to international development. The ability to travel throughout the region to organize and implement outreach events and visit project sites is a requirement of the position. Very good computer skills, including the use of Google Docs, MS Office, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, and Word are required. In addition, a basic familiarity with web design, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, and other page-making software is highly desired. The position must have strong interpersonal skills, flexibility in an ever-changing environment, the ability to work independently, taking initiative once guidance is provided; and managing several activities simultaneously and under pressure to meet deadlines.

Language Proficiency: Native English is required, specifically American English

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, an applicant must have the following minimum qualifications:

● Education: A Bachelor of Arts Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, international relations or international development.

● Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, editing, or journalism, in an English-language work environment is required. Also required is experience in the use of various social media platforms such as Facebook, twitter, linked-in, instagram, etc. Experience working with a development or international organization, or government is a plus.

IV. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated

offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary. The Technical Evaluation Committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

40% Work Experience

Demonstrated experience in communication outreach, public relations, and media work. Demonstrated experience briefing and supporting senior level leadership. Experience managing complex event engagement, including vendors and sponsorship packages, communication campaigns and platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Medium, is especially valuable. Knowledge of photography, graphic design software (Canva, Adobe), audio-visual editing software, Google Drive, and Microsoft office is highly valuable.

35% Skills and Abilities

Must have used various communication tools, such as social media platforms. Must have basic certification in photography and design skills, such as in Canva.

25% Job Knowledge

Experience with event planning and protocol. Must have good knowledge of the media and public relations field, as well as communications strategy, theory, and practice.

Total possible Factor points: 100

Selection Process:

● After the closing date for receipt of applications, applications will be reviewed for submission requirements and the established minimum requirements for the position. Applications that meet the minimum requirements will be forwarded to a Technical Evaluation Committee or TEC. The TEC will review each of the forwarded applications against the established evaluation criteria to develop a shortlist of applicants to be tested and possibly interviewed.

● Shortlisted applicants may be further evaluated. Assessments to include English writing, computer and other technical skills may be administered to determine competitively ranked applicants for possible interviews. Competitively ranked applicants may be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for the interviewed applicants.

● Following the interview, during which the applicant will be evaluated against the established criteria, the TEC will make a preliminary determination of applicants to be considered for employment and conduct and document reference checks. Please note that references may be solicited from current as well as former supervisors in addition to the references you provided in application packages. References will only be solicited for those interviewed applicants who are being considered for ranking. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about their past performance and abilities. If an applicant

does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

● Based on this final input, the TEC will make its final decision on applicant ranking and submit a selection memo to the Contracting Officer (CO) for final determination on whether an offer of employment will be made. Unsuccessful applicants who were interviewed will be contacted and advised of their non-selection. As a positive medical clearance and security certification are a condition of employment, the selected candidate will undergo a stringent investigation prior to employment with USAID/SA.

V. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

• Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts, available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Written responses to Factors 2 and 3, if required.

• Proof of Eligibility (AEFM): Provide one of two documents that specifically names the applicant and provide proof of American Eligible Family Member (AEFM) status: 1) Travel orders of a sponsoring employee who is assigned (not TDY) to the U.S. Mission to South Africa under COM authority, or 2) an approved Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report (or other agency equivalent), of a sponsoring employee who is assigned (not TDY) to the U.S. Mission to South Africa under COM authority, and is residing at the sponsoring employee’s post of assignment abroad.

• Proof of Eligibility (Work Permit): For those applicants who do not hold AEFM status, proof of US citizenship, as well as proof of eligibility to work within the Republic of South Africa, is required.

• References: Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

• Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain appropriate security determination Instructions for obtaining the security determination will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

• Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the AID 309-2.

• Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.

• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number on submitted documents.

• Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors –

USPSCs performing overseas must follow the Mission Policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

Methods of application submissions: For applicants to be considered for this position the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted to jobapplications@usaid.gov, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position.

For queries please contact: Ms. Alicia Veldman, Human Resource Assistant, Telephone: +27 12 452 2088, e-mail address: aveldman@usaid.gov

VI. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award. Forms outlined below can be found at

http://www.usaid.gov/forms:

1. AID 309-2

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **

4. Fingerprint Card (FD-258). **

** Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following

benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad”, including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) QUANTITY (C)

UNIT

UNIT

PRICE

(D)

(E)

AMOUNT (F)

0001

1

Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits

and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

LOT $ _TBD

$_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

1001

Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe

1

Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

LOT $ _TBD

$_TBD at

Award after negotiations with

Contractor

2001 Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

3001 Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info:

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after

negotiations

with

Contractor

1 LOT $ _TBD $_TBD at Award after

negotiations

with

Contractor

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See

https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

5. PSC Ombudsman. The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for more information:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCombudsman@usaid.gov

END OF SOLICITATION

Apply now

Added 11 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: usaid.gov