d llj't.'...final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value (gs-13...

SOLICITATION No.: 72068819R00012

ISSUANCE DATE: 09/13/2019

CLOSING DATE and TIME: 10/11/2019 at 17:00 GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation (72068819R00012) for U.S Personal Services Contract (USPSC)Resident Hire Senior Development and Outreach Coordinator (Senior DOC)

Dear Prospective Applicants:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development Mali, is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contractor (PSC) services as described in this solicitation.

Applicants must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through 13 of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

USAID/Mali retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely,

lk.-1-iJl d LlJ't."' c'" -Cheryl A. Anderson, Deputy Mission Director

U.S Agency for International Development s/c U.S Embassy ACI 2000, Rue 243 Porte 297 Tel: (223) 2070-23-00 B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali Fax: (223) 2022-39-33

http://mali.usaid.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068819R00012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 09/13/2019

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME: 10/11/2019 at 17:00 GMT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: HR Division, email at [email protected]

5. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development and Outreach Coordinator (Resident Hire USPSC)

6. MARKET VALUE: $76,687 - $99,691 equivalent to GS-13 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value (GS-13 grade range). Candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background would be considered. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Immediate upon receipt of Security/Medical clearances and for one year with the option of one additional year, and with pursuant to FAR 52.217-9. Exercising the options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, Contractor satisfactory performance, and any future hiring freeze instructions.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bamako, Mali (with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties)

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Local U.S Citizens (residing Mali at the time of hire as a PSC)

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: "HSPD-12" as a pre-condition for employment.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

'.fheSe1rim2DOOwil¼=n1m1age-the-ml¥mr.~u.b-~ic-:i.nfumtariM;,1.1d-4am:ach-M;ti¥ittu=m==sUfJf)mt of USAID/Mali's programs and objectives, targeting information to specific audiences in both Mali and the US, in accordance with the Mission's public strategy and evolving circumstances.

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

Supervisory and Coordination (30%) • Lead the Mission's DOC team to ensure overall quality and coherence of the team's

communications and outreach products and initiatives.

• Lead the development and implementation of the Mission's communications strategy

and outreach plan.

• Represent the Mission at the senior level in all matters pertaining to public affairs and

outreach activities with other branches of the USG, the Government of Mali, implementing partners, other donor nations, the UN, World Bank and other donors and

stakeholders.

• Train USAID/Mali's technical staffs in support of their public speaking and media

outreach roles. Oversee the integration of communications in the project design and implementation processes.

U.S. Agency for International Development ACI 2000, Rue 243, Porte 297

B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

Tel: (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33


• Serve as the senior advisor to Mission management regarding all public information,

media relations, and outreach matters.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all USAID/Mali activities and processes, as well as a

keen awareness of political and policy issues.

• Advise USAID staff and implementing partners on development appropriate public

information programs and initiatives.

• Serve as a resident expert of USAID branding and style guidelines, ensuring regulations

are followed by recommending revisions and appropriate application as outlines 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 Cl AO Rs to ensure

adherence to branding in the field; and, seek guidance from LPA on any disputes or

waiver requests.

• Coordinate with PAO, other USG agencies, and USAID implementing partners to

achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development and humanitarian

assistance efforts and initiatives in Mali, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID

Mission Director.

• Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives, implementing partners, and

other USG agencies to collect information for reports.

Public Information and Publicity Materials (30%)

• Coordinate information dissemination, media outreach, and public events within the

Mission; with the Mission's offices, units and technical staff.

• Oversee the drafting, editing, and dissemination of timely and accurate information,

through fact sheets, press releases, newsletters, videos, brochures, presentations, responses for requests for information, and all other public information materials

relating to USAID/Mali ' s activities. These must be prepared in clear, concise English

and or French, prepared with both the media and general audiences in mind.

• Oversee the preparation of a weekly summary of events, and submissions for USAID --~-~----

media sites.

• Work with Technical Teams (i.e. Health, Economic Growth, Education and Democracy

and Governance) to develop and implement communication strategies for their

respective portfolios.

• Oversee the use of social media platforms as an engagement tool with a focus on digital

advocacy and outreach; a social media strategy will be development to complement the

broader communications plan.

• The DOC will manage the preparation and maintenance of an updated standard

information package on the USAID program in Mali for briefings and for distribution to

the public and media; and for USAID/W, LPA, State Department, Congress, etc.;

program briefing papers, project status reports, maps, photos, information about other

donors, and general information about Mali.

• S/He oversees the maintenance of the Mission's web materials to ensure they are

accurate and up-to-date.



Tel: (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33


Media and Public Relations (20%) • Promote separate, pro-active, targeted, information and media outreach activities. These

activities are specifically designed to push accurate information about USAID programs deep into local, regional and national markets, through the selective use of radio, television, newspapers, public service announcements, and other communications methods.

• Oversee all international and local media relations. Work closely with PAO on press

relations and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets.

• Advise and work with Embassy PAO to expand opportunities to keep media abreast of

USAID/Mali programs, through TV, radio and other media. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, media tours of USAID projects, etc.

• In collaboration with PAO, advise the Mission Director and USAID staff on press and

media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and implementing partners.

• Supervise the monitoring of the local and international press coverage, awareness, and

attitudes concerning USA ID programs and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy. Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming.

• As directed by the Mission Director, Deputy Director and in collaboration with PAO,

respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USAID programs and projects.

Publicity Events (20%) • Organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the PAO,

USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical teams, and implementing partners. This includes conferences, openings, ribbon-cuttings, and other ceremonies. 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 US and local

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========'---=ff\~~mer-amtmns'-1<r~ad(7fflf4ri~e epllties--wfth--::pal'ticipatie·=il· =---==== events is warranted; write or edit BCLs and scene setters for USAID's Front Office

when participation in events is warranted; provide on-site coordination of media.

Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events. Manage the posting of all event information and materials to the Mission website.

• Review and edit press releases, speeches, and talking points drafted by implementing partners for USAID events; review and edit BCLs and scene setters drafted by

implementing partners for USAID events.

• Submit all press releases and interview requests - in-house and those drafted by

implementing partners - to PAO (and LPA, when appropriate) for review and approval.

• Oversee the maintenance of a calendar of USAID program events and its distribution within USAID/Mali, and to Embassy and USAID/W stakeholders.

• Photograph and/or shoot videos of USA ID events for the USA ID and Embassy websites for USAID/Mali's archives.

• Serve as the Mission ' s primary point of contact for publicity events and site visits by

official visitors from the US Embassy, USAID/W, Congress, and other USG agencies or



Tel : (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: {223) 20-22-39-33

http://mali.usaid .gov

entities. Coordinate VIP site visits as necessary. Coordinate with the Embassy on

schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and

other information products and processes to support these visits. Maintain a diverse list

of potential site visit locations appropriate for a variety for COD EL, ST AFFDEL, and

other high-level visitors to USAID/Mali, coordinating closely with partners in advance.

• Perform other duties/activities that the US Ambassador, USAID Mission Director and

Deputy Director, USAID/W and circumstances may dictate.

Supervisory Controls: The Senior DOC will be supervised by the USAID/Mali Supervisory Program Officer, or his/her designee. The incumbent will work as part of a team with the FSN DOC Specialist to plan and carry out his/her work. Evaluation of performance will be performed annually by the USAID/Mali Supervisory Program Officer, or his/her designee.

Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will supervise the FSN DOC Specialist.

Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Senior DOC will establish and maintain working relationships with all categories of USAID personnel in Bamako, the region, and Washington. Within the U.S. Embassy, the Senior DOC may liaise with senior officials from every section of the Embassy, especially the Public Affairs Section and other U.S. Government agencies comprising the U.S. Mission in Mali. At certain times, the Senior DOC may be in regular contact with senior USAID management both in Bamako and Washington regarding key USG outreach initiatives and/or high-level visits.

Work Environment & Travel: The primary place of work is USAID/Mali located in Bamako. The incumbent will be required occasionally to travel outside of Bamako to gain familiarization of programs in the field , document success stories and to support high-level site visits.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: No physical exertion will be required of the incumbent to perform the work, but s/he will, in the course of performing the work, have to walk from one location to another and carry light, sedentary office-related materials.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

====~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ w.ill ~soo~---0aDI1===== information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID Mali reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection:

I) Local U.S. citizens (residing Mali at the time of hire as a PSC)

2) It is preferred, that the candidate holds a Master's degree with significant coursework in

relevant fields. A Bachelor's Degree is required. Relevant fields include - but are not

limited to - journalism, communications, public relations or affairs, international relations,

international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social

studies. 3) At least eight to IO years' experience in journalism, public affairs, communication,

outreach, and/or international relations is required. The candidate must have at least five years' relevant experience in a developing country.

4) Ability and skills requirements are per the below: • Demonstrated ability to produce high quality video and audio productions for public

consumption through television and radio. • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment.



Tel: (223} 20-70-23-00

Fax : (223} 20-22-39-33


• Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate

highly technical material into easy to understand narrative. • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively • Superior project management skills and the ability to take initiative working with the

direction of management; must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively problem solve and see through to completion

• Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques.

• Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of radio and television programs.

• Maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure in a fast-paced and sometimes difficult environment.

• Willingness to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed. • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Applications (i.e. Google Docs,

Google Spreadsheets, etc.). • Familiarity using a digital camera and videotaping equipment. 5) Communication and Language requirements are per the below: • The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English and French at a level IV.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1 . The Contracting Officer (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.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted, and requested to provide educational documents such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. f< it t "d th

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

Technical Knowledge/Work Experience (40 points)

•

•

•

•

•

• •

At least eight to ten years' experience in related fields, such as public relations, journalism, communications, outreach and/or international development. Experience supervising staff and work flows, working as a team member, and providing leadership in the areas of his/her competencies. Demonstrated success in development 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 ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development. Extensive writing and editing experience .


Tel : (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax : (223) 20-22-39-33

http://mali.usaid .gov B.P. 34 Bamako, Mali

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media.

• Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies.

• Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is highly desirable.

Communication Skills/Group Dynamics (30 points)

Applicants must provide evidence and examples of:

•

•

•

•

•

Effective team leadership skills and the 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. 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. Evidence of outstanding coordination and organizational skills .

Writing Skills (20 points) Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 works (preferably 750-1 ,500 words) . They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant's ability to clearly and lucidly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be by the applicant, co-written articles are not accepted.

Education and Training (10 points) • A Master's degree is preferred by not required, preferably in journalism,

communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, social studies or a related field. An undergraduate degree in similar disciplines with additional work experience.

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or other areas that are relevant to the detailed duties and responsibilities outlined in Section III of the solicitation.

• Extensive experience with the Microsoft Office and Google Application suites. Familiarity with Adobe Suite, particularly using Adobe Photoshop desired but not required. Experience with Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Y ouTube, Linkedln, and RSS feeds.

Maximum Points Available: 100

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Interested applicants must submit:

I . Her/his resume or most current curriculum vitae (CV) - The CV /resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria; Written statements that addresses how the applicant meets the required qualifications; any other documents (certificates, degrees, diplomas, etc.).



Tel : (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33

http://mali .usaid.gov

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

3. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation to USAID/Mali PSC applications mail Box at [email protected]

4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position in this Solicitation.

5. Three (3) professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts.

USAID/Mali reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its final decision.

The U.S. Agency Forms (available at Federal Offices or at the USAID/State websites) https://www.usaid.gov/forms or www.fedforms.gov or http://fillform.gsa.gov)

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

(a) Security Clearance Investigation (Form AID 6-1) (b) Medical History and Examination (Forms DS-6561) ( c) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or (d) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) (e) Finger print Card (FD-258) (e) Employment Eligibility Verification form (1-9)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and · llo nee :

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(a) Employer's F.I.C.A (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (subject to the availability of funds) (d) Annual Increase (subject to satisfactory performance documented in annual evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (t) Annual & Sick Leave

VII. TAXES

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



Tel : (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33


VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND CONTRACT CLAUSES INFORMATION 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," at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/l 868/aidar 0.pdf

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for

Personal Services Contracts with Individuals at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 4. AAPD 06-10- PSC MEDICAL PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY 5. AAPD 15-02 - Authorization of Family and Medical Leave for U.S. Personal Services

Contractors (USPSCs) AAPD 6. AAPD 18-02 - Medical Evacuation (MEDEV AC) Services AAPD 7. 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," 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

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

USAID is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people. All qualified offerors will be considered regardless of age, race, color, sex, creed, national origin, lawful political affiliation, non-disqualifying disability, marital status, sexual orientation, affiliation with an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.



-End of Solicitation-

Tel: (223) 20-70-23-00

Fax: (223) 20-22-39-33


d llj't.'...final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value (gs-13...

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