GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NO.: 72061524R10040

ISSUANCE DATE: May 22, 2024

CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 05, 2024, at 16:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)

POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii at pbii@usaid.gov and Noel Sikasa at nsikasa@usaid.gov

POSITION TITLE: Local HireU.S. Personal Service Contractor (U.S. PSC) Deputy Development Outreach and Communications Advisor (GS 14)

MARKET VALUE: $104,604 to $135,987 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market 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.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with three one-year options subject to funding and contractor performance of satisfactory or better.

ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S Citizens. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.

SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities Access

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND:

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; managing a creative-focused social media and media engagement team; and outreach programs and events, to include public affairs campaigns and high-level 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.

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 long-term directed communications campaigns, coordinating social and traditional media platforms.
• Via its outreach programs and events, to include high level events.

The Deputy DOC Advisor position is a two-year contract with three option years based upon satisfactory performance and the continued need for the position by the Mission. 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: 30%

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 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: 20%

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: 20%

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 Deputy DOC Advisor 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. The Deputy DOC Advisor 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.

The Deputy DOC Advisor 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: 30%

The Deputy DOC Advisor supervises three Foreign Service National (FSN) Communications Specialists and one Local Hire U.S.PSC. These four supervisors cover the roles of media engagement and social media engagement, as well as technical events management and messaging to the Government of Kenya audiences. 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 manage day–to-–day office operations and assignment delegation. The Deputy DOC Advisor will work with the office director, other Local Hire U.S.PSCs 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.

The Deputy DOC Advisor will monitor and evaluate progress toward communications objectives as outlined in the Mission-approved Communications Strategy.

POSITION ELEMENTS

1. Supervision Received: The Deputy DOC Advisor reports to the Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist.
2. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will formally supervise three CCNPSC communications specialists and one Local Hire U.S.PSC..
3. Available Guidelines: USAID general guidelines regarding allowable communications activities and relationships with PDS and the media, including Branding Guidelines; standard Agency procurement and contracting procedures; priorities set by approved strategies; U.S. Embassy guidelines on public outreach and media relations.
4. Level of Complexity for Work Assignments: The Deputy DOC Advisory must remain familiar with the USAID ADS, Handbooks, Mission Orders, USAID/Washington Bureau and LPA outreach guidance and established USAID/KEA and SPA Office procedures and regulations; and media and communications papers prepared by USAID/Washington and the Department of State.
5. Knowledge Level Required: 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; and 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 are mandatory. Creative skills to present information in attractive, interesting, readable formats are required. Excellent written and verbal English skills are required.
6. Scope and Effect of Work Performed: Support 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; support the mission 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.
7. Exercise of Judgment: Substantial reliance is placed on the employee’s use of judgment concerning priority and effectiveness of public relations documentation and activities. Employee must react to and interpret changing priorities and circumstances in the Kenya and East African media and their effects on his/her work in coordination with various mission elements. Many important decisions will be based on employee’s experience and managerial skills. The employee must plan his/her work schedule independently and direct colleagues and subordinates to use skills and abilities effectively.
8. Authority to Make Commitments: The Deputy DOC Advisor may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and USAID/KEA Mission policy and take action and establish priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgement. Guidance is sought when needed, and superiors informed of activity status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the Deputy DOC Advisor negotiates outreach and communications activities with counterparts in the Mission and U.S. Embassy.
9. Complexity of Work Environment: Work is usually performed in an office setting and does not pose undue physical demands. If traveling overseas, or attending public events, the employee may be subjected to additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
10. Nature, Level and Purpose Of Contacts
11. Relationship in the USAID Mission: The incumbent ensures that the many diverse elements of USAID and its constituencies play active roles in the development and implementation of USAID’s public relations activities, taking a proactive role to ensure that these actions highlight the strong U.S. partnerships in the region and emphasize the benefits that Kenyans and East Africans receive from American foreign assistance.
12. Relationship with Public Diplomacy Section (PDS): The Deputy DOC Advisor works closely with the U.S. Embassy PDS on a range of activities including, but not limited to, public relations strategy development and contacts with the Kenyan and East African media. He/She ensures that key operational linkages and feedback systems are maintained.
13. Relationship with USAID/Washington: LPA and Africa Bureau communicators, USAID/Washington, are important stakeholders in public relations activities focused on U.S. foreign assistance to Africa. The incumbent is a principal mission contact with LPA and is responsible for coordinating all appropriate actions to ensure that all Washington policies related to public relations are followed.
14. Other Relationships: The Deputy DOC Advisor has a wide range of other contacts including the U.S. Embassy, involving at times the Office of the Ambassador, host country government ministry representatives, U.S. and Kenyan and East African journalists, representatives from U.S. and Kenya and East African TV and writers. The incumbent maintains contact with local reporters, including foreign correspondents, and ensures that they are properly introduced to appropriate individuals at USAID and that their questions are answered. The incumbent has close relationships with USAID contractors, indigenous and U.S. NGOs, and other donors.
15. Sunday Pay: Not authorized.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a development field, international affairs, communications or a related area.

Work Experience: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of international communications, journalism in a development setting, 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.

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.

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.

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. The Deputy DOC Advisor 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. In summary, the Deputy DOC Advisor must

• Possess strong and demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of event planning, public relations, speech and press release writing, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques
• Have knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of televised programs
• Maintain superior levels of professionalism while working under pressure
• Possess excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Possess good understanding of local environment and culture
• Possess excellent organizational and critical thinking skills
• Possess strong, working knowledge of Google applications and/or similar Microsoft products
• Possess exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively
• Possess 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
• Be willing to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed.
• Be familiar with using a digital camera and other audio-visual equipment.

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.

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

Education 5 points

Work Experience: 25 points

Language Proficiency: 25 points

Technical Knowledge: 25 points

Skills and Abilities: 20 points

Maximum Points Available: 100 Points

*Candidates that do not meet minimum education requirements will not be considered.

** Interviews, the completion of one writing exercise, 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.