Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY09-04 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) - Senior Development Outreach and Communication Specialist The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 or Standard Form) from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to the Supervisory Executive Officer, Ms. Lorraine Sherman, or the Human Resources Specialist, Ms. Mimoza Këpuska, at USAID/Kosovo's Executive Office in Pristina by: phone: (++381)(38)243673, fax: (++381) (38) 249 493, email:
[email protected] email:
[email protected] Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted via fax or internet as email attachments or by DHL courier as follows: BY EMAIL TO: Lorraine Sherman, Supervisory Executive Officer:
[email protected] Mimoza Këpuska, Human Resources Specialist:
[email protected], BY DHL, consign documents to: Address: Attention Mimoza Këpuska, Executive Office USAID/Pristina, Kosovo Arbëria I, Ismail Qemali Street, House No.1 Pristina, Kosovo Telephone 381 38 243 673 Sincerely, Lorraine Sherman Supervisory Executive Officer Please ensure that your application form is signed, otherwise it will not be taken into consideration. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY09-04 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 31, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 28, 2009 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Development Outreach and Communication Specialist - USAID/Kosovo 5. MARKET VALUE: $ 83,445 - $ 108,483 per annum (GS 14 - equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: October 2009- October 2011 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: A. Background Kosovo's stability and integration into Europe are critical for lasting peace in southeastern Europe. Following its declaration of independence in 2008, Kosovo is transitioning from eight years as a United Nations (UN) protectorate after NATO's successful intervention to stop ethnic cleansing. Peace and stability in the Balkans and integrated, free markets are important European and U.S. foreign policy interests. Kosovo established an "International Civilian Office" to ensure that Kosovo meets democracy and human rights standards, particularly related to minorities. Among the many political and economic uncertainties of this process, the new Kosovo state has not been recognized by either Belgrade or many Kosovo Serbs. This has left ambiguity regarding the departure of the UN Mission which had administered Kosovo, and the start up and role of the new European Union Rule of Law Mission, whose central aim is to assist and support the Kosovo authorities with police, judiciary and customs. In this complex environment, USAID is helping a newly independent Kosovo build effective and transparent institutions capable of governing. High unemployment, growing concerns about corruption, and the slow pace of inter-ethnic reconciliation threaten to impede Kosovo's development. Accordingly, USAID aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation for a young population, foster good governance and democracy, lay the foundations for rule of law, and support the emergence of a viable private sector and civil society. The program also includes confidence-building measures to address underlying causes of conflict and to improve inter-ethnic harmony. B. Basic Function of the Position Based in Pristina, the Senior Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (Senior DOCS) reports directly to the Mission Director. Working with the Mission's FSN Development Outreach and Communications Specialist (FSN DOCS), s/he liaises with all technical teams and implementing partners, providing advice/leadership in the development and implementation of the Mission's overall communications strategy. The Senior DOCS collaborates closely with the Embassy Front Office, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and Press Officer (PO) to ensure that Embassy personnel are aware of USAID public information activities and projects. The Senior DOCS also serves as the primary liaison with USAID's Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs in Washington, D.C. The Senior DOCS will work closely with the technical teams and USAID implementing partners to support USAID/Kosovo in the achievement of its objectives by producing and disseminating public information about the Mission's activities for Kosovo and American consumption, to educate and promote a better understanding of USAID's programs. The Senior DOCS will collect, manage, and distribute information associated with the USAID program in Kosovo. USAID/Kosovo manages the U.S. Government's development program in Kosovo with an active portfolio of approximately $150 million. The Mission's portfolio includes a broad range of economic growth, democracy, and conflict mitigation programs that require communications and outreach support. C. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Work closely with the U.S. Embassy in Pristina's Public Affairs Section (PAS), USAID Mission and partners to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development assistance efforts and initiatives in Kosovo, as defined by the Chief of Mission and USAID Mission Director. 2. Update and implement the Mission's communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID program to external target audiences. Manage outreach and communications-related contracts for the implementation of the strategy. 3. Ensure target audience awareness of programs and projects funded by USAID throughout Kosovo. 4. Provide USAID/Washington and the Embassy with information on USAID programs. 5. Advise USAID staff on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent and consistent message from all USAID staff and partners. 6. Monitor local and international press coverage, awareness and attitudes of USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the communications strategy. Provide feedback to inform ongoing activities and future programming. 7. In collaboration with the PAO and FSN DOCS, serve as a USAID contact for representatives of local and international media in Kosovo to promote story ideas and feature stories on USAID programs. Organize media tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media and USAID implementing partners to encourage in-depth coverage of USAID programs in local and international media. 8. In conjunction with the Embassy, FSN DOCS, technical teams, and implementing partners, organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects, such as inaugurations, ribbon-cuttings, and completion of projects, including writing press releases, organizing background briefings for media, compiling and disseminating press packets, dealing with protocol issues, site selection, staging and logistical issues, identifying and scheduling speakers, liaison with U.S. and local government officials, and on-site coordination of media. Follow-up with media to ensure coverage of public events. 9. In conjunction with the FSN DOCS, assist USAID staff and implementing partners in developing appropriately branded public information and events, and organize branding workshops to explain and ensure proper implementation of branding guidelines. 10. In conjunction with the FSN DOCS, maintain a calendar of USAID program events in close coordination with implementing partners and USAID staff. 11. In conjunction with the FSN DOCS, assist USAID and implementing partners in developing appropriate public information programs. Design, develop, and disseminate all outreach materials and activities to promote USAID programs to target audiences and media. 12. Prepare and maintain an updated standard information package on the USAID program in Kosovo for briefings and for distribution to the public and media; and for USAID/Washington, the U.S Embassy, etc. Materials include but are not limited to activity briefs, scene setters, talking points, maps, photos, and general information about Kosovo. 13. Provide quality control and edit all English language documents such as official reports, public information pieces, scene setters, talking points, and correspondence documents produced by the Mission to ensure that they are well-written, follow the appropriate format and that there are no typographical or grammatical errors. 14. Travel to the field to get to know projects and capture success stories for dissemination through the website, outreach documentation and to the media. 15. Supervise maintenance of the Mission's public website. Ensure website quality control such as ensuring links are functional, content is fresh, and pages are loaded properly. Develop and implement a marketing plan that maximizes the number of visitors to the website. 16. Lead the preparation of schedules, briefing materials, scene setters, and briefings with partners, constituents, and other donors for site visits by official USG visitors. Coordinate VIP site visits and schedules as necessary. Work with technical and administrative staff to arrange logistics for site visits. 17. Produce weekly bullet items highlighting program developments and achievements for the Administrator's Weekly. 18. Respond to inquiries from the general public and media about USAID programs, practices and any other general information requests, including drafting letters for the Mission Director's signature. 19. Perform other duties as assigned. D. Selection Criteria Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. Education (15 points): A Bachelors degrees is required, although a Masters degree is preferred, preferably in the field of public relations ore a related development area. 2. Work Experience (30 points): A minimum of seven years of professional experience in public relations for an international organization, or related field, is required. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. 3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (30 points): Broad understanding of issues related to international development, the Balkan region, and transition economies is required. The successful applicant must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, speeches, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. Good coordination, teamwork and organizational skills within a multi-cultural work environment are required. Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure is a must, as is the ability to take initiative and be creative. 4. Language Proficiency (25 points): Native English Speaker. Excellent English writing and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to speak and read Albanian or Serbian is a plus, but not required. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and website development preferred. Photographic and design skills are a plus. LENGTH OF CONTRACT The Personal Services Contract will be for 24 months with possible extensions up to a total of five years, subject to program needs and availability of funds and provided that performance has been satisfactory. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT Assignments of U.S. personnel to Kosovo are accompanied. Spouses and dependents over 21 years of age are authorized to accompany the contractor to post. Current post danger pay for Pristina is 20%. Current post differential pay is 20% and cost of living allowance is 10 %. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. In addition, employees will be authorized the standard household effects (HHE) limited shipment allowance for furnished post (7, 200lb), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee; 200 lb. for an accompanying spouse or other EFM) and shipment of POV. USAID/Kosovo will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. The Contractor will have post privileges, such as check cashing, medical care, and in-coming and out-going personal mail service in accordance with USEP rules and regulations. PERIOD OF SERVICE The target start date for this position is October 2009. Within 15 days after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the Contractor shall proceed to Pristina to perform the above services. 9. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: This position is opened to U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals. The selected candidate must obtain a security clearance (Secret) and all required medical clearances. 10. BENEFITS: AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 10-1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to medical facilities Pouch mail service as per post policy 10-2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). * (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (C) Post Allowance (Section 220) (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (F) Education Allowance (Section 270) (G) Education Travel (Section 280) (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) (J) Danger Pay (Section 650) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. 11. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Optional Form 612 or SF 171. This form is available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at local US Federal offices. OF 612 shall be submitted by fax, e-mail, DHL air courier by the closing date. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. 12. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs and AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPD 06-12 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) Implementation (2006) AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays (August 2006) AAPD 06-10 PSC Updated Medical Expense Payment Responsibility (October 2006) AAPD 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 06-03 Updated Contractor Salary Approval Threshold Policy/Procedures AAPD 06-01 Medical Evacuation Update AAPD 05-10 Calculation of Vacation Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractor's (USPSC) AAPD 05-08 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs AAPD 05-02 Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance periods Exceeding Five (5) Years AAPD 04-15 Cash Awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs CIB 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts CIB 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizen CIB 00-3 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) CIB 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services CIB 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List CIB 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs CIB 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less CIB 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract CIB 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave CIB 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 CIB 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 13. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs For initial consideration: 1. Optional Form 612 or SF 171. Resume or CV may be attached. Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is successful the following forms will be needed: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination ( Form DS 1843) 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** (Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY