Development Outreach and Communication Specialist (DOC)

Description

• The Senior Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist is a member of DOC Team within the Program Office (PRO), and the position’s primary responsibility is to produce and disseminate information regarding the USAID Mission and its development portfolio, with the overall goal of increasing awareness and understanding of U.S. Government foreign assistance efforts. A crucial role of the DOC specialist is to investigate, analyze, collect, manage, and distribute information associated with the USAID foreign assistance program to educate and promote better understanding of USAID programs for Mozambican, American and to a certain extent, international audiences. Equally important is to ensure that outreach activities further the goals of the United States Government in Mozambique
• The Senior DOC Specialist will develop creative communications products using a range of tools and techniques for sharing our unique message with a broad audience. S/he will take the lead on the design and implementation of the Mission’s strategic communications strategy. The Senior DOC Specialist will also work with various teams withing the Mission as well as implementing partners, Mozambican government communications counterparts and other local stakeholders to coordinate communications efforts and design collaborative campaigns and communications products. Products may include but are not limited to newsletters, news articles, op-eds, success stories, success videos, infographics, thematic campaign ads, etc. The Senior DOC Specialist will also provide oversight, advice and guidance to implementing partners and technical teams on effective communications strategies for target audiences. The Job Holder will coordinate among various United States Government entities operating in Mozambique to ensure that USAID communication and outreach activities further the goals of the United States Government in Mozambique
• The job holder will be expected to perform work-related travel
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – Development Outreach and Communication Specialist (DOC), FSN-11 Equivalent Dear Prospective Offerors:
• The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking applications from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records
• 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 offers
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.
• Solicitation No. 72065620R100026 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• Market Value: USD54,568– USD76,403 per annum, equivalent to FSN-11 (Step1-12)
• In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique). Final compensation will be negotiated within the market value
• Period of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about August 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: August 2020 – August 2021
• Option Period 1: +August 2021-November 15, 2022
• Eligible Offerors: To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must be a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country
• Security Level Required: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the required forms
• Benefits and Allowances:
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• USAID Regulations, Policies and Contract Clauses pertaining to PSCs:
• USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:
• 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
• 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:
• Item No (A) SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)
• (B) QUANTITY
• (C) UNIT
• (D) UNIT PRICE
• (E) AMOUNT
• (F) 0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
• 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

Duties

• The specific duties of the Senior DOC specialist include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

Strategic Communications Development and Implementation 40%

• Works directly with USAID technical teams to design a whole of Mission communications strategy that connects individual communications activities to higher level strategic goals
• Identifies ways to collaborate with the U.S. Government Interagency, other donors and the private sector on high level global communications campaigns that raise the profile of key development initiatives (i.e. 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, World AIDS Day, etc.)
• Mentors the DOC team and train technical office staff and implementing partners (including government partners) on branding, marking, and effective storytelling
• Coordinates with PAS and other U.S. Government to ensure that USAID communications initiatives are in line with the broader U.S. government goals
• Develops strong understanding of divisional and corporate goals and strategies to ensure they are integrated into communications and outreach activities
• Manages the DOC Team communications service contract for high quality video, photography and printed communications products
• Performs the full range of COR/AOR duties when assigned contract responsibility

Public Information and Publicity Materials 30%

• Oversees the drafting, editing, organization and dissemination of a standard information package of public information 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/Mozambique activities. Materials must be tailored for both internal audiences and external audience. The Job Holder 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
• Ensures the overall quality, coherence, and strategic application of the USAID/Mozambique communications and outreach products and initiatives
• Identifies strategic audiences and develops targeted communications products (on-/off-line) to increase their engagement with USAID campaigns
• Develops creative and engaging content for on-and offlineaudiences including websites, infographics/brochures, testimonials, technical fact sheets, social media campaigns, newsletters, and internal communications materials
• Develops, implements, measures, and reports on strategically targeted communications campaigns. Prepares weekly media summaries and monthly communications reports using key performance indicators
• Ensures that USAID’s online presence (including websites, social media, etc.) is up to date and accurate, meeting Agency guidelines
• Oversees the implementation of a growth oriented social media strategy that engages audiences in both the United States and Mozambique, particularly youth
• Coordinates and oversees USAID/Mozambique’s branding and marking efforts. Serves as brand expert and advises USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriately branded public information and events. Designs and conducts workshops on the implementation of branding guidelines
• Ensures communications content is also shared internally with USAID/Mozambique and USAID/Washington staff

Media and Public Relations 10%

• Identifies and manages strategic media engagements including TV and Radio appearances, op-eds, and media tours. Ensures strategic selection of events and optimal representation by USG personnel to more effectively communicate USAID messaging
• Manages USAID/Mozambique’s relationship with international, regional, and local press, including writing press releases, building local media relationships, and monitor important news and trends
• Prepares speeches, talking points, and other briefing material for media engagements involving U.S. Government spokespersons. Ensures that messages are targeted and consistent with the Mission’s communication strategy as well as broader USAID global key messages
• Responds to inquiries from the general public, and other sources about USAID programs and projects

Public Events 20%

• Oversees the development of a USAID/Mozambique calendar of events (i.e. includes conferences, commemorative events, ribbon-cuttings, media tours, data dissemination and other ceremonies) in coordination with all USAID technical teams and the interagency
• Reviews and edits press releases, briefing checklists, scene setters and talking points drafted by USAID staff and implementing partners for USAID events
• Manages documentation of USAID events, including video, documentaries, photos, and updates to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts
• Serves as a USAID’s point of contact for high level visits, including official visits from the Executive Branch or Congress. Serves as a control officer and participates in VIP visits planning meetings. Leads preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products to support these visits. Maintains a diverse list of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety of high-level visitors throughout the country

Supervisory Relationship

• The position will be supervised by, and will report to, USAID/Mozambique’s Supervisory Development Outreach, Communications and Youth Team Leader, or his/her designee. The Senior DOC Specialist performs his/her duties under the general guidance of the supervisor who assigns projects, sets priorities and deadlines. The incumbent and the supervisor develop the scope and boundaries of individual projects and discuss how to approach problems and how to treat subjects on which experts have conflicting interpretations
• Supervisory Exercised: The job holder will not directly supervise anyone. This position maintains general responsibility for liaising with the communications professionals for USAID/Mozambique implementing partners. The Senior DOC supervisor provides guidance and advice and reviews key products for overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the assignment as well as for consistency with the agency's policies
• Available Guidelines: The Senior DOC specialist will work under USAID Agency guidelines found in the Automated Directive System (ADS) outlining requirements for branding, marking, events, promotional material and other relevant areas. The USAID Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs as well as the USAID Africa Bureau also have guidelines and preferences for dealing with local and international press, protocol, written communications content and working with the interagency
• Exercise of Judgment: The Senior DOC Specialist has the autonomy to make strategic decisions on communication content development for the Mission approved as part of the Missions communications strategy. Decisions should be made through a consultative process with technical teams and shared with the DOC Team Leader. Social media plans, special campaigns and events as well as standard website content should all be developed through the leadership of the Senior DOC Specialist. Official statements such as press releases and speeches must be cleared within through the approved Mission clearance process before being shared with external audiences. While drafting/editing documents, s/he independently gathers information, resolves problems in accordance with accepted practices and keeps Team Leader informed of progress towards meeting deadlines. This may include undertaking site visits and interviewing internal/external contacts in coordination with AORs/CORs and implementing partners. Meetings with internal and external contacts to collect information can be done independently
• Authority to Make Commitments: The Senior DOC Specialist will not have the authority to make commitments on behalf of the United States Government
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are with individuals and groups within the interagency, the Government of Mozambique, implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders. Contacts can be both routine and unstructured depending on the communications product or campaign being developed. The DOC Specialist will meet directly with implementing partner staff to collect information for stories and other publications. S/he may also meet with beneficiaries for interviews and during site visits in order to produce written materials

Requisites

• Minimum qualifications required for this Position:
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in the field of marketing, public relations, communications or related field, is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of demonstrated successful experience in public relations, marketing, communication, project management or related field is required. Proven experience in a combination of the following areas: public relations, speech writing and editing, public information, publishing, and digital communications, is required. The job holder should have the ability to connect individual communications activities or products to higher-level strategies and goals as well as write story-driven content about complex technical subjects that engages target audiences. Experience developing and managing communication campaigns for traditional and social media, as well as campaigns and major events is also required. Marketing experience, particularly in the area of target audience identification and related content development is required
• Post Entry Training: The job holder will receive training in programming USAID foreign assistance as well as USAID Development Outreach and Communications training. CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent), both oral and written English and Portuguese is required. Language will be tested
• Job Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of messaging/marketing social marketing is required. Must have knowledge of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of communication and skills in applying such knowledge to develop written information materials for dissemination to diverse audiences. A strong understanding of growth oriented social media strategies that not only inform but engage target audiences is also required
• Skills and Abilities: This position requires a combination of leadership, teamwork, analytical and technical expertise, and time management skills. The successful candidate must be capable of crafting strategic communication plans and information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, website, cables, etc.), targeting a variety of audiences
• Excellent leadership, critical and strategic thinking as well as organizational skills within a multicultural work environment are required. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to work in teams is required. The incumbent must also demonstrate the ability to mentor, guide and build capacity of staff and implementing partners. Strong computer skills in the full range of MS software, including Excel program, PowerPoint, and graphics are required. Experience with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of programs is also required. 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

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

The following evaluation factors are established

• Education - 10 points
• Prior Work Experience - 15 points
• Language Proficiency - 15 points
• Job Knowledge - 30 points
• Skills and Abilities - 30 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English
• Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the
• Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Offers must be received by the closing date specified in Section I, item 3
• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• Per this scoring, Job Knowledge and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Language Proficiency, Prior Work Experience and Education. Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements. Only applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be considered. Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience, knowledge, language proficiency, skills and abilities demonstrated in their application packages. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for a language test. Candidates successfully passing the language exam will be invited for an oral interview and may also be required to pass a written test. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application