Resident Hire Senior Development and Outreach Advisor

01Vacant Position advertisement: USAID/Mali Program Office – USPSC Resident Hire Senior Development and Outreach Advisor

For detailed minimum requirements, applicants must refer to the Full Statement of duties and the qualification requirements available on https://www.usaid.gov/mali/work-with-us/careers or https://ml.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/

Reference No.: 72068823R00004 (must be inserted in the subject line of the email). Place of Performance: Bamako, Mali

Market Value/Grade Level: $84,546 – $109,908 equivalent to GS-13. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

Candidate’s work experience and educational background will be considered. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

Closing Date: March 28, 2023, 5PM Bamako time

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement of Duties

The Senior DOC Specialist will manage the full range of public information and outreach activities in support 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.

Statement of Duties to be Performed.

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 staff in support of their public speaking and media outreach roles. Oversee the integration of communications in the project design and implementation processes.
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 C/AORs 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 Frontlines and other USAID and State Department information platforms including the Administrator’s Blog, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other new or emerging social 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.
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 USAID 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 government officials; write or edit Briefing Checklists (BCLs). Scene setters, briefing materials and memorandums to the Ambassador or his/her deputies with participation in 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 USAID events for the USAID 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 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 CODEL, STAFFDEL, and other high-level visitors to USAID/Mali, coordinating closely with partners in advance.
Perform duties/activities that the US Ambassador, USAID Mission Director and Deputy Director, USAID/W and circumstances may dictate.
Supervisory Relationship

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.

Supervisory Controls

The incumbent will supervise the FSN DOC Specialist.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application/offer and obtained thorough 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. The following are the position minimum qualifications used to determine which offers must be rejected, and which can advance to evaluation:

U.S. National (USN) Residing Mali at the time of recruitment.

A Master’s Degree, preferably in journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, or a related field is required.

At least eight to 10 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.

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, YouTube, LinkedIn, and RSS feeds.

The candidate must have a demonstrated capacity in the following skills and abilities:

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.

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.

Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) oral and written English and French is required.

7) Offeror must not be listed as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

8) Able to obtain and maintain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period.

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

The technical evaluation committee (TEC) or the HR team may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror/candidate, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications noted above. For applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the selection factors listed below.

Only finalists will be contacted by USAID/Mali with respect to their applications for further documentation request, if necessary. USAID/Mali reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

Those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their applications, and against the following selection criteria:

Applicants may address each of the selection factors on a separate sheet or directly in the cover letter.

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 workflows, 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.

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, preferably in journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, or a related field is required.

Training in one or more of the following areas: development outreach and communications, writing, journalism, web site content management, presentation skills, or other areas that are relevant to the detailed duties and responsibilities outlined in Section III of the solicitation.

Technical Knowledge/Work Experience: (40 points)

Communication Skills/Group Dynamics: (30 points)

Writing Skills: (20 points)

Education and Training: (10 points)

Language: pass/fail

Maximum Points Available: 100 Points

The selection criteria will be the basis for scoring the applications and creating an initial ranking of candidates. Only the highest-ranked applicants (finalists) will be interviewed. Those finalists will also be evaluated on their interview performance, and finally, satisfactory professional reference checks. In summary, the steps in the applicant rating system are as follows:

1. Meet education/other minimum requirements: pass/fail

2. Evaluation Factors

3. Interview Performance – of equal importance to Evaluation Factors

4. Reference Checks for applicant considered as successful and suitable for the position: pass/fail

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee/panel will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the above required evaluation factors. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive for each solicitation, we will only contact candidates who are being considered for the next step of the hiring process. However, each applicant will receive an auto reply from the PSC applications mailbox to acknowledge the receipt of his/her application.

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Applicant submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all documents to ensure consideration of the application package. All offers must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line: [SOL: 72068823R00004 – Resident-hire PSC Senior DOC Advisor] to bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov If this is not properly indicated your submission would NOT be retrieved.

Attention: Executive Office

Human Resources Section

USAID/Mali

Eligible applicants must submit the following documents in English, or their application will not be considered for this position:

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

Cover Letter or Supplemental document (not more than 2 pages), addressing the evaluation factors.

Resume or most up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) - The CV/resume must contain enough relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation factors.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation to USAID/Mali PSC applications mailbox at bamakoaidmalipsc@usaid.gov

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

List of a minimum three (3) professional references who are not family members or relatives, with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, with current telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor.

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.

Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors – Please be advised that upon award, the contractor will be required to show proof that the contractor is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. It is a Mission policy to encourage COVID-19 vaccination and the selected candidate will be required to comply with applicable CONVID-19 measures.

Note: * The US Government will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and these applications will not be accepted. USAID/Mali will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to the e-mails. The Offeror assumes all risk related to an electronic submission. Late applications or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Executive Office/CO informs the successful Applicant about being selected for a contract award, the EXO/CO will provide the successful Applicant instructions about how to complete the following:

Conditional Selection Letter

Medical Examination/Statements

Security Eligibility for Facility Access

Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2)

Responsibility Determination

Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - Please be advised that, upon award, the contractor will be required to follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements.

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D, and other relevant Agency and Mission policies:

BENEFITS (When Eligibility Requirements are met)

Employer's F.I.C.A

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Annual Increase (if eligible, and pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

Leave and Holidays

ALLOWANCES (When Eligibility Requirements Are Met)

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

Note: Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) based on the type of appointment and Mission Policy.

TAXES

It is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes.