Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (U.S.PSC) Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Advisor At US Agency for International Development

Solicitation No.: MN 21-161

Issuance Date: October 22, 2021

Closing Date/Time: November 5, 2021, 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (U.S.PSC) Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Advisor, GS-13

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens and/or U.S Resident Aliens to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with the solicitation instructions. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. Offers must be submitted electronically via email to nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above. Late, incomplete, or unsigned offers will not be considered. Scanned copies are accepted by email. Applicants must prominently reference the solicitation number in the application submission.

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 attached information.

Sincerely,

-s-

Kion Turner

Executive Officer/Contracting Officer

Attachment 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: Mission Notice 21-161
2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2021
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 5, 2021, at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
4. POSITION TITLE: Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Advisor
5. MARKET VALUE: $79,468 to $103,309 annually equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) year base period, with three one-year options subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance or better.
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya
8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and/or U.S Resident Aliens[1]. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.
9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USAID/Washington-issued clearance level at the Facility/Computer Access Level
10. POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov
11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.
12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION

Background/Introduction

The USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission manages one of the largest and most complex development programs in Africa. The program includes a broad range of activities in education, health, government capacity-building, agriculture, economic growth, democracy and governance, and women’s empowerment.

The Nairobi Front Office is responsible for strategic management functions for the USAID/Kenya and East Africa platform, which includes the East Africa (EA) Operating Unit and the Kenya Operating Unit. The Front Office leads development and implementation of the Development Objectives under the Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and East Africa Regional Cooperation Development Strategy (RDCS).

The Deputy Development Outreach & Communications (DOC) Advisor position is established in the Nairobi Front Office and works under the direct supervision of the Senior Development Outreach and Communication Specialist at USAID/Kenya and East Africa (KEA) and serves as his/her deputy.

Basic Functions of the position

The Deputy DOC Advisor supports the Nairobi Front Office to increase the understanding of the people across the East African region on the purpose, scope, and impact of USAID investments in the development of Kenya and across the East Africa region. He/she supports the Front Office (FO) in the achievement of its objectives by overseeing the accurate and timely development and implementation of multi-channel, multi-format, and consistent public communications and outreach regarding USAID/KEA’s activities and programs including via public information and publicity materials prepared for general audiences and visitors; story placement with local and international television, radio, print and electronic media; and outreach programs and events, to include public affairs campaigns and weekly local events. In particular, the DOC team is responsible for the implementation of the Communications and Outreach Strategy for Kenya and supporting the development and implementation of a communication strategy for the region. In 2021, an Outreach and Communications Strategy for Kenya was approved. The overarching goal of which is strategic two-way engagements with key target audiences catalyzed. The DOC team works to implement this plan for Kenya and the development of a regional communication plan.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Advisor (Deputy DOC Advisor) reports directly to the Senior Development Outreach and Communication Specialist at USAID/Kenya and East Africa (KEA) and serves as his/her deputy.

USAID/KEA manages one of the largest and most complex development programs in Africa. The program includes a broad range of activities in education, health, government capacity-building, agriculture, economic growth, environment, democracy and governance, and women’s empowerment.

USAID/KEA shares its messages with its various audiences in many ways to include:

· Via public information and publicity materials prepared for general audiences and visitors;

· Via story placement with local and international television, radio, print and electronic media; and,

· Via its outreach programs and events, to include public affairs campaigns and weekly local events.

The work requires close collaboration with the Embassy Public Affairs Section, Mission Director, Deputy Mission Directors, Mission Program Offices and Staff. Washington-based offices requiring close contact and coordination include the Africa Bureau and the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA).

Specific activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Public Information and Publicity Materials: 35%

The Deputy DOC Advisor is responsible for contributing to policies and procedures for Mission communications and outreach that clarify roles and responsibilities within USAID and with other Embassy sections and implementing partners (IPs), including templates for various communication tools, standards for creating and finalizing DOC materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.
The Deputy DOC Advisor assists in annual updates to the Mission’s operating units’ communications strategies, identifying objectives, messages, audiences, products, and budgets, and developing plans in coordination with USAID managers and technical teams consistent with the Mission development and communication strategies in sync with the overall Embassy communications strategy.

The Deputy DOC Advisor supports the USAID Mission by drafting, editing, and disseminating timely and accurate information, internal reports, fact sheets, press releases, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials relating to USAID activities in the region. These must be written in clear, concise English, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind, and designed for print, PowerPoints, and web use.

The Deputy DOC Advisor manages the Kenya and East Africa pages of the USAID.GOV website and prepares submissions for USAID public information platforms including the Administrator’s Blog, Facebook and YouTube. S/he will edit, update, and maintain the Mission’s English-language web materials, as well as the materials supplied by USAID’s implementing partners.

The Deputy DOC Advisor serves as an authority on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are implemented, as well as recommending revisions and appropriate action.

The Deputy DOC Advisor will prepare and maintain an updated standard information package on the USAID program in Kenya and East Africa for briefings and for distribution to the public and the media; and for USAID/W, LPA, State, Congress, etc.; including scene setters, program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other donors, and general information about Kenya and the East Africa region.
**

The Deputy DOC Advisor develops and maintains public relations materials, in English, including fact sheets, brochures, newsletters, presentations and other visual displays on USAID’s programs and objectives for a variety of audiences.

Media Relations and Press: 25%

The Deputy DOC Advisor writes, edits, and distributes press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, etc. Follows up with media to encourage and support coverage of public events. Coordinates with technical offices, Development Objectives teams, Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), and LPA to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written information to local and international media.

The Deputy DOC Advisor advises and works with Embassy PDS to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including TV, radio and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, and tours of USAID projects, escorting journalists, and recording activities.

The Deputy DOC Advisor markets USAID to target audiences in country through several distinct media: radio, television, newspapers and magazines, as well as make use of Public Service Announcements, advertisements and billboards.

The Deputy DOC Advisor reviews daily press to keep abreast of coverage that relates to USAID activities, and selects, translates and/or edits items of interest for the USAID Mission Director, Deputy Directors and Staff.

Public Events, Activities, and Interaction with USAID Offices and Implementing Partners: 25%

The Deputy DOC Advisor will liaise with USAID offices and implementing partners in the conception, information collection, and dissemination of all public materials relating to USAID programs.

The Deputy DOC Advisor will liaise with all USAID offices and all implementing partners to plan, schedule, publicize, and carry out activities to present their programs to the public.
The incumbent coordinates field travel and public affairs activities of the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Directors, as well as Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), and high-level visitors. S/he prepares schedules, briefings, and all information related to events (e.g., backgrounders/scene setters, talking points, speeches, video/photo coverage, etc.), and organizes logistics, guest lists, and other arrangements in collaboration with mission staff.**

The Deputy DOC Advisor will research, write, and edit USAID situation reports (e.g., briefing papers, cables, etc.) based on information collected from technical offices, implementers, reports, meetings, and other sources.

S/he will help support major USG and congressional visitors by preparing briefing materials and scene setters, coordinating meetings and briefings with partners and handling logistical support for such visits.
**

Supervisory Role: 15%

In the event of the DOC team leader’s absence, or at his/her direction, the Deputy DOC Advisor will serve as the Mission’s point of contact with the U.S. and international media. The Deputy DOC Advisor will also mentor and support the Foreign Service National (FSN) Communications program and administrative assistants and DOC Specialists.**

The Deputy DOC Advisor will manage day–to-–day office operations and assignment delegation. S/he will work with the office director and FSN staff, as needed, on all aspects of public events, including site visits, countdown meetings, event planning and set-up, media relations, and contact with Embassy, and USAID staff. As part of these duties, the Deputy DOC will maintain a calendar of USAID program events. S/he will monitor and evaluate progress toward communications objectives as outlined in the Mission-approved Communications Strategy.

II. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must meet the following requirements in education and professional experience:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in a development field, international affairs, communications or a related area.
2. Professional Experience: The candidate is required to have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of international communications or similar; demonstrated management experience specifically within the communications field is required, and working in conflict or post-conflict situations is desirable. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Prior experience in public information and outreach is required; experience living and working in Africa is desirable. Experience with building capacity and mentoring is desirable.
3. Language Proficiency: Fluent, outstanding verbal and written English communication skills, analytical ability, and interpersonal relationships are required. Knowledge of East African languages, culture and work environment is desirable but not required.
4. Technical Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of media operations (e.g., print, television, internet, radio) from the perspective of knowing how to shape and get a story out is required. Demonstrated skills and extensive hands-on experience in public relations are mandatory. Possess the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (e.g., press releases, website, cables, etc.), targeting a variety of audiences both local and stateside. Creative skills to present information in attractive, interesting, readable formats are required. Demonstrated skills in photography, layout, and graphic design are strongly preferred. Ability to make contacts at the senior-most levels throughout the local and international community, articulate views, work with teams to convey Mission positions to a variety of audiences. Knowledge of reengineering policies, procedures and directives related to strategic communications programming, activity development, achieving results, performance monitoring, and activity and program close-out is desirable.
5. Skills and Abilities: The Deputy DOC must have demonstrated ability to exercise significant, independent professional judgment. The Deputy DOC must be able to recognize operational problems and issues and address them appropriately. The incumbent must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated analytical skills. He/She must also have displayed an ability to work collaboratively, build consensus, serve as a personal mentor, and effectively coordinate with external actors in multicultural settings.

III. 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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the criteria.

Education: 5 points

Work Experience: 25 points

Language Proficiency: 25 points

Technical Knowledge: 25 points

Skills and Abilities: 20 points

** Interviews, the completion of two exercises, and a review of the candidate’s professional work samples (e.g., press releases, photos, news clippings, newsletters, op-eds, new media products such as YouTube videos and blogs, action memos, and/or event briefers, etc.) are mandatory for consideration to this position.

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

[1] U.S. resident alien means a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.