Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

Job Announcement

RWANDA / USAID
SUBJECT:           Solicitation for Resident Hire US Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist
Ladies/Gentlemen:
The United States Government, represented by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens residing in Rwanda to provide personal services as described in this solicitation. USAID/Rwanda anticipates awarding one contract as a result of this solicitation, subject to availability of funds.
Submissions shall be in accordance with the instructions provided in this solicitation, at the place and time specified.  Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as (but not limited to):
(i)   A signed U.S. government form AID 302-3 which is available at the USAID/Rwanda website http://www.usaid.gov/rwanda/partnership-opportunities
(ii)       The applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter; and
(iii)     Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts.
A full solicitation can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/rwanda/partnership-opportunities.
Electronic submission is authorized and preferred. Electronic application packages should be submitted by email to: KIGALIHR@USAID.GOV. Please quote the solicitation number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your email application. Be sure to include the solicitation number at the top of each of the additional page.
POINT OF CONTACT
Human Resources Office, Tel: 0252 596 400; Ext. 2605
To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of the cover letter. Highly ranked applications may be selected for an interview.
Applications must be received no later than the date and time specified on this cover letter.  Please note that USAID/Rwanda does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of application. Applications received after that date and/or time specified may not be considered.
USAID/Rwanda reserves the right to award, or not award a contract as a result of this solicitation. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID. Additionally, the US Government is not obligated to pay any costs associated with the preparation of an application in response to this solicitation.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted; no response will be sent to unsuccessful Applicants

Attachment to Solicitation No. SOL-696-16-000009

 1.     SOLICITATION NO.:                       SOL-696-16-000009
 2.     ISSUANCE DATE:                           July 14, 2016
 3.       CLOSING DATE/TIME:                    July 29, 2016 at 5:00 pm (Kigali Time)
 4.    POSITION TITLE:                           Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist
 5.     MARKET VALUE:    Position is classified at GS-13 with annual salary range of $73,846 to $96,004. The actual salary will be negotiated based on qualifications, work experience and previous salary history of the successful candidate.

 6.     PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:         Two years.  Level of effort is full time (40 hours per week).
 7.     PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:     Kigali, Rwanda
 8.     SUPERVISION:      Contractor will report to the Program Office Director
 9.     SECURITY ACCESS:         Employment Authorization
10.  MEDICAL CLEARANCE:    The apparently successful applicant shall be required to obtain a Kigali Health Unit Medical clearance to work in Rwanda.
11. WHO MAY APPLY:                         U.S. Citizens or persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States residing in Rwanda as a dependent of a US government agency or contract/agreement (see below for more details)
BACKGROUND
Rwanda’s represents one of Africa’s most dramatic and encouraging success stories; yet remains among the world’s poorest, least-developed, and most densely populated countries.  The Government of Rwanda (GOR) is committed to making Rwanda a middle-income country by 2020 through the implementation of its Vision 2020.  The primary goal of U.S. assistance in Rwanda is to support the country’s commitment to address its development challenges head-on to achieve fundamental, broad-based economic and social transformation.  To achieve this goal, USAID assistance supports innovative, targeted agriculture investments in key crops and policy reform to encourage agriculture-sector investment and regional trade.  USAID support for foundational literacy and numeracy skills for children in primary school, as well as youth employment training, provides a long-term foundation for building a workforce oriented towards a service-based economy.  In addition, U.S. assistance promotes reforms and greater democratization of decision-making by building the capacity of key actors involved in political reform, ensuring more robust consultation and participatory planning with local populations and stakeholders, and encouraging improved community relationships and social cohesion.  Assistance in health promotes the capacity of the health system to deliver high quality healthcare, and for Rwandans to utilize and apply high-impact health practices.
BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:
The Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (SDOC) works with the leadership and staff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Rwanda to formulate Mission-wide messages and implement development outreach and communications efforts to increase awareness of USAID programs in Rwanda. S/he reports to the Supervisory Program Officer in the USAID/Rwanda Program Office but has extensive direct contacts with the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director. The SDOC also coordinates and collaborates with the U.S. Embassy’s Front Office and Public Affairs Section (PAS) to ensure consistency in messaging and strong coordination between USAID and other U.S. Government (USG) colleagues under the U.S. Foreign Assistance umbrella. The SDOC liaises frequently with USAID’s Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs and with the Africa Bureau DOC in USAID/Washington.  S/he supervises USAID’s Development Outreach Communications Specialist, a Foreign Service National employee. The position will also coordinate with USAID/Rwanda’s implementing partners.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The SDOC will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities, supervising and guiding the Development Outreach Communications Specialist, to collaboratively support USAID/Rwanda’s programs and development objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both the U.S. and Rwanda.
Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Communications Strategy:

• Lead the development and implementation of USAID/Rwanda’s communications strategy and outreach plan on an annual basis to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID programs to external target audiences.
• Coordinate with PAS, other USG agencies, and implementing partners to promote press and media coverage of USAID activities, ensuring quality control and standard messages with a priority on expanding USAID engagement in Kinyarwanda, particularly through radio, with the assistance of the locally employed Development Outreach and Communications Specialist.  Facilitate local media coverage of selected events, including press conferences, background briefings and ceremonies.
• Ensure targeted, coherent, and consistent messaging from all USAID staff and implementing partners.
• Monitor and analyze local and international press coverage, awareness, and attitudes concerning USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy. Provide recommendations to inform ongoing activities and future programming.
• Utilizing analysis of local press coverage and understanding of attitudes toward USAID programs, as well as USAID’s Outreach and Communications Strategy, counsel the technical teams on the selection, targeting, and placement of potential USAID outreach materials in keeping with USAID’s country program strategy. 
• Propose and develop innovative outreach events and approaches that into account the interest of local audiences and U.S. policy; the importance of ensuring that publicity material used will be noncontroversial; and the visual appeal, accuracy, and human interest element of the materials.
• Establish and lead a Mission-wide development outreach and communications team, ensuring overall quality and coherence of the team’s communications and outreach products and initiatives.  Work with other PEPFAR partners within the U.S. Mission to ensure a coordinated communications strategy on PEPFAR-funded activities. 
• Develop and maintain contacts and working relationships with implementing partners, international and local NGOs, bilateral and multilateral donors, and other USG agencies to collect and share information, including media and other communications strategies. Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with Rwandan journalists who report in English and Kinyarwanda and encourage broad media coverage of USAID programs and events.

Branding and Marking:

• Serve as a resident expert on USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency’s Graphic Standards Manual.
• Oversee and provide regular trainings to USAID staff and implementing partners on the appropriate use of branding and marking. Work closely with Contracting and Agreement Officer’s Representatives to ensure adherence to branding on public materials, at events, and in the field.
• Review and provide feedback and clearance on branding and branding strategies proposed by implementing partners. 
• Serve as technical point of contact on waivers to branding requirements in relationship to media, liaising with the AFR DOC, LPA, and the Regional Legal Advisor as necessary.

Outreach Materials:

• Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on developing appropriate public information programs and initiatives. 
• Collect, design, research, develop, update, and disseminate outreach materials to promote USAID programs to target audiences and the media. These materials include fact sheets, press releases, photo essays, videos, and public service announcements for broadcast and print media.
• Travel to the field to capture success stories for dissemination through the USAID/Rwanda website, outreach folders, and the media.   
• Coordinate updates to the USAID/Rwanda public website and intranet, including relevant content on map.usaid.gov.
• Maintain a Mission photo library based on project site visits and other events.
• Manage strategy and content for Mission social media sites

Media Relations:

• Serve as USAID/Rwanda’s point of contact for all press relations, both international and local media.
• Work closely with the PAS on press relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets.
• In collaboration with and under the guidance of the PAS, arrange press conferences, round tables, and other media events to keep the media abreast of USAID/Rwanda’s programs.
• In collaboration with and under the guidance of the PAS, serve as the principal USAID contact for representatives of the local and international media in Rwanda to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs.
• As appropriate, organize media tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media and USAID implementers to encourage in-depth coverage of USAID programs in the local and international media.
• In collaboration with and under the guidance of the PAS, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and media relations.
• Coordinate with GOR public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with Rwanda and international media.
• In conjunction with the PAS, the USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners, organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects. Write press releases, speeches, and talking points; organize background briefings for media; compile and disseminate press packets; deal with protocol issues, site selection, staging, and logistical issues; identify and schedule speakers; liaise with U.S. and local government officials; and provide on-site coordination of media. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events.

Events Management:

• Maintain a calendar of USAID program events in close coordination with the PAS, implementing partners, Contracting and Agreement Officer’s Representatives, and Activity Managers.
• Serve as the primary Mission point of contact for site visits by official visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, Congress, and other USG agencies or entities. Coordinate VIP schedules and site visits as necessary.
• Lead the preparation of briefing materials, speeches and talking points, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support the Mission Director, Ambassador, or other USG representatives and VIPs.
• Advise the Mission and serve as the main Program Office point of contact on the implementation of and necessary updates to the VIP Visits Mission Order.
• Develop and update basic events management templates and trackers.
• Coordinate with USAID technical teams, implementing partners, and PAS in planning public diplomacy, press conferences and field events related to USAID activities.  This will involve developing key messages and event schedules, coordinating meetings and briefings with partners, other donors and officials, ascertaining staging requirements, negotiating protocol with government officials and , and on-site coordination of media.
• Photograph program activities and events as needed, coordinate photo files, ensure compliance with copyright regulations and photo releases, and oversee use of photos and video.

Information Requests:

• Serve as the Mission’s primary point of contact for information requests about USAID/Rwanda programs and activities. These may include requests from USAID/Washington, the Embassy, the GOR, international development partners working in Rwanda, and other stakeholders.
• As directed by the Mission Director, Deputy Director, or the Supervisory Program Officer, and in collaboration with the PAS, respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects. 
• As directed by the Supervisory Program Officer, coordinate responses to Freedom of Information Act requests that pertain to USAID/Rwanda programs and activities.

Build Mission Capacity for More Effective Public Outreach

• Provide guidance to technical teams and implementing partners on issues related to communications, branding, and public outreach activities. Advise technical teams and partners on USAID outreach and communication policies, and provide creative leadership in implementation through projects and public events.
• Develop and implement internal Mission programs to increase Mission staff awareness of public outreach efforts.  Provide training and support to staff through regular programs or on an ad hoc basis, with an emphasis on enhancing the capacity of USAID staff and implementing partners on how to publicly represent USAID programs, with an emphasis on Kinyarwanda press.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation tools for the Mission's outreach and communication activities.  This includes maintaining press tracking mechanisms to monitor coverage of USAID events and news stories.
• Develop and standardize various Mission processes and policies related to public outreach and event planning.  Bring best practices used in other missions and replicate similar ideas for the mission to enhance USAID's public image in Rwanda.
• Lead and plan Communications Working Group meetings with communications-leads from implementing partners to improve their ability to do effective communications at the activity level.

Period of Performance
The Personal Services Contract will be for (24) months, with possible extensions, subject to availability of funds. Extensions will be contingent on the need of continued services, satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
Qualifications/Selection Criteria:
Only citizens of the United States or persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States are eligible for selection.  In addition, as recruitment is being done locally under a class justification excepting this requirement from full and open competition, only those who meet the following definition of a resident hire are eligible for selection:
Resident Hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country:
(i) as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed:  (A) by a U.S. government agency; or (B) under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement; or (C) under any other contract or agreement that provides for repatriation to the United States; or
(ii) for reasons other than employment: (A) with a U.S. government agency; or (B) under any U.S. government financed contract or agreements; or (C) under any other contract or employment arrangement that provides for repatriation to the United States
The following technical evaluation criteria will be used to evaluate the applications. These criteria will be assigned values from a total of 100 points set forth below.
a)    Education  10  points
b)    Work Experience                          25  points
c)    Skills and Abilities                         20  points
d)    Knowledge                            25  points
e)    Past performance                20  points
            TOTAL                                100 points

The Application criteria will be evaluated and scored by the technical evaluation committee.
Additional guidance regarding the technical evaluation criteria are set forth below.

1. Education (10 points):  The candidate must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant fields include – but are not limited to – journalism, communications, public affairs, international relations, public policy, public administration, international development, development/area studies, political science, and economics. 

1. Prior Work Experience (25 points):  The candidate must have at least five years of experience that includes significant media, writing, outreach, or other communications responsibilities, such as journalism, project management, international development, marketing, and/or business development.

1. Language Proficiency (20 points):  Level IV fluency in written and spoken English is required.

1. Job Knowledge (25 points): 

• 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 success in planning and executing media campaigns and programs.
• Demonstrated success in crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, fact sheets, success stories, talking points, scene setters, etc.) that target a variety of audiences.
• Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development.
• Extensive writing and editing experience.
• Knowledge of Rwandese political, economic, and social environments.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining collegial relations with press and media contacts.
• Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is highly desirable.

1. Skills and Abilities (20 points): 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team.
• Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material into easy to understand narrative.
• 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. 
• Outstanding coordination and organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, and familiarity with design/layout programs such as Microsoft Publisher, Adobe In-Design and Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to manage web site content; and familiarity with social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Visual skills, including graphic design and photography.

1. f.          Past performance / Professional reference checks (20 points)

Applicants must list at least three references and provide current contact information, including both an e-mail address and telephone number.  The applicant’s past performance in positions that require similar skills to that required by this solicitation will be evaluated.
Compensation
This position is classified at GS-13 scale. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay range depending on qualifications, work experience and previous earning history.
Benefits/Allowances:  In addition to the salary, a Resident Hire US/PSC will receive the following benefits in accordance with USAID regulations/procedures and policies.

1. Contribution toward Health Insurance not to exceed 72% of the actual cost of your annual health insurance, or the maximum U.S. Government contribution announced periodically by USAID’s Office of Acquisition & Assistance whichever is less.
2. Contribution for Life Insurance up to 50% of the actual annual costs to your life insurance not to exceed $500 per year.
3. Annual and Sick Leave at the rate of 4 hours each per pay period; or if you have previous service as a US/PSC or USG employee you are eligible for 6 or 8 hours of annual leave.

Excluded Benefits/Allowances:  Locally hired US/PSC employees (Resident Hires) do not receive benefits that are provided to off-shore hired US/PSC employees. If applicants have any questions about benefits/allowances they should inquire from the contact person for this solicitation.
Benefits that are excluded include:

1. Medevac insurance, access to embassy medical facilities, cost of travel to/from post; shipment of UAB, HHE or POV; R&R and Home Leave Travel; and housing.
   1. Post Allowance (Section 220), Post Differential (Chapter 500), Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600).

US Taxes:  The successful candidate is subject to US taxes and will have Federal Income and Social Security Taxes withheld from their salary.
Applicable Policy Directives and Regulations Pertaining to PSCs
(1)  Acquisition and Assistant Policy Directives (AAPDs) or Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Those documents can be found at this websites: http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc
(2)  USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) applicable to award and administration of USPSC resident hires is contained in AIDAR Appendix D and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf. The link comprises of prescribed Contract Schedule, General Provisions as appropriate, as well as the FAR Clauses to be incorporated in full text and by reference.
(3)  Standard of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch can be accessed at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title5-vol3/pdf/CFR-2007-title5-vol3-part 2635.pdf or http://www.oge.gov/Laws-and-Regulations/Employee-Standards-of -Conduct/Employee-Standard-of-Conduct/
Instructions to Applicants

1. Interested applicants are requested to submit the following information:

a)    A recent CV or resume. The CV/resume must include sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria and must contain the following information:
(i)    Personal Information: Full name, mailing address, email address, day and evening phone numbers, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held).
(ii)   Education: Colleges and universities name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received.
(iii)  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.
(iv) 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, tolls, 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 as awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested.
b)    Applicants are required to address the above selection criteria in a summary statement attached to the application. This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page. Failure to address minimum selection and/or quality factors may result in your not receiving credit for all your pertinent experience, education, training, and awards. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.
c)    Applicants are required to provide three (3) references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s past performance and abilities. USAID/Rwanda reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s pas performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

d)    Written cover letter of not more than one page.

e)    Form AID 302-3 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.

1. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.
2. The solicitation number must be referenced on the application.
3. Any attachments provided via email must be in or compatible with Microsoft Word Version 2010 or Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and not “Zipped.”
4. Highly ranked applicants may be interviewed in person or by phone. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on interview performance. These interviews may be conducted by telephone. A writing test and samples of past work may be required.