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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

To ensure compliance with the entire set of this solicitation instructions (please see pages 10 to 14 -

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS and IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER sections), the

offer package must be complete and signed–where indicated - and offerors must include in their

offers information to demonstrate that they:

(1) have attained the required education level; and

(2) meet the experience requirements, etc.

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USAID/Uganda expects to award a personal services contract for a United States (U.S.) Citizen or

Resident Alien – offshore or resident in Uganda for a two-year base period. Based on Agency need, the

Contracting Officer may exercise three one-year contract extension periods.

The successful Offeror must be capable of securing a U.S. Government Secret Clearance.

In order to be considered for the position, an offeror must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed

below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors.

Offerors meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on the information/

documentation presented in the offer.

Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested only from the top scoring offerors.

Please note that not all offerors will be interviewed or contacted.

USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the highest-ranked offerors and make

the interview a deciding factor in selection.

Reference checks will be conducted on those Offerors selected for the interview. The Offeror’s

references must be able to provide substantive information about the Offeror’s past performance, skills,

and abilities.

USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers and other sources - in addition to the ones

provided by the offeror - relevant information concerning the Offeror’s past performance, technical

knowledge, required skills, including teamwork and team-building experience and may consider such

information in its evaluation.

If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be

stated in the offeror’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication

with the offeror.

USAID will not pay or reimburse for any expenses associated with the application, evaluation process

(e.g., interviews, writing samples, writing tests) unless expenses are pre-authorized.

The required professional qualifications include the following and offerors must address all the elements

as part of their offer in response to this PSC solicitation.

A. EDUCATION

A Master’s degree is required, preferably in the field of journalism, communications, international

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

public relations or a related area.

B. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations,

preferably in an international setting, is required (work performed internationally would ideally be in an

international organization, corporation, donor, foreign government, or NGO). Experience managing a

team of communicators is required. Overseas experience in a less developed/developing country for

longer time periods is desirable, preferably in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance

activities. Proven experience in innovatively disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is

required, as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public

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9

relations/communications campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public.

Experience in disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is desirable.

C. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to develop and establish communication

policies and strategies, and to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases,

websites, stories, etc.), and targeting a variety of audiences.

D. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The candidates must have demonstrated outstanding coordination, management and organizational skills

within multicultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work

effectively under pressure; and, have demonstrated initiative and creativity. Candidates will be expected

to show past experience in performing and managing teams successfully at high levels, with minimal

supervision and direction. Experience with international aid projects is desirable. The candidate will be

expected to demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press

conferences, etc.

At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated skills and success in:

• developing innovative, multi-pronged communication and outreach policies and strategies;

• media campaigns, special programs, press conferences;

• analyzing complex programmatic information;

• understanding USG national interests and diplomatic priorities in order to craft information

messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences to meet numerous objectives

simultaneously;

• outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multicultural work environments;

• the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure;

• considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments; and

• initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance

with agreed upon timetables.

E. LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION, PROFICIENCY:

The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with the highest level of written and oral

communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a member of a closely knit

multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. The S/DOC must demonstrate the ability to make cogent

arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. S/he must also be proficient in

computer skills, sophisticated media and multimedia tools (including online platforms and social media)

and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications and Google Suite, use

desktop publishing software and one or more website development applications. The candidate will be

expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite and Google

Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software,

one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop.

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350

to 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, lucidly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. The

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10

samples must be written exclusively by the applicant. Co-written articles are not accepted. Final

applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test.

III. 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 may conduct reference checks, including references from

individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a

candidate is interviewed.

Offers will be initially screened for compliance with the solicitation instructions and eligibility in

accordance with the selection criteria below.

To ensure compliance with the entire set of this solicitation instructions (please see page 12 to 14 -

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER section), the offer package must be complete and signed (hand or

electronic signature) –where indicated - and offerors must include in their offers information to

demonstrate that they have attained the required education level and meet the experience requirements,

etc.

Offerors will be evaluated and ranked based on the information provided for the four Quality

Ranking Factors (QRFs) that must be addressed as required in the supplemental document – Item

IV – Submitting an Offer 1 (D).

Offerors must, therefore, address each of the four Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) in their offer.

Top- ranked Offerors who meet the minimum qualification will be invited for an interview and given a

written evaluation.

Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of

interest, budget, and residency status.

The four Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) that must be addressed as required in the supplemental

document – Item IV – Submitting an Offer 1 (D) are:

1. SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (40 points):

The candidates must have demonstrated outstanding coordination, management and organizational skills

within multicultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work

effectively under pressure; and, have demonstrated initiative and creativity. Candidates will be expected

to show past experience in performing and managing teams successfully at high levels, with minimal

supervision and direction.

Experience with international aid projects is desirable. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate a

strong sense of initiative in media campaigns, special programs, press conferences, etc.

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11

At a minimum, the successful candidate will have demonstrated skills and success in:

• developing innovative, multi-pronged communication and outreach policies and strategies;

• media campaigns, special programs, press conferences;

• analyzing complex programmatic information;

• understanding USG national interests and diplomatic priorities in order to craft information

messages in various media formats, targeting a variety of audiences to meet numerous objectives

simultaneously;

• outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multicultural work environments;

• the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure;

• considerable initiative and creativity in past work environments; and

• initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance

with agreed upon timetables.

Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further.

2. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE (30 points):

A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations,

preferably in an international setting, is required (work performed internationally would ideally be in an

international organization, corporation, donor, foreign government, or NGO).

Experience managing a team of communicators is required.

Overseas experience in a less developed/developing country for longer time periods is desirable,

preferably in conjunction with development and/or economic assistance activities.

Proven experience in innovatively disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required,

as is demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications

campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public.

Experience in disseminating information on USAID programs/projects/activities is desirable.

3. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE (15 points):

The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to develop and establish communication

policies and strategies, and to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases,

websites, stories, etc.), and targeting a variety of audiences.

4. LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION, PROFICIENCY (15 points):

The successful candidate must be a native English speaker, with the highest level of written and oral

communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively as a member of a closely knit

multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. The S/DOC must demonstrate the ability to make cogent

arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. S/he must also be proficient in

computer skills, sophisticated media and multimedia tools (including online platforms and social media)

and the ability to work in all appropriate Microsoft Office Suite applications and Google Suite, use

desktop publishing software and one or more website development applications. The candidate will be

expected to have superb computer skills and the ability to work in all Microsoft Office Suite and Google

Suite applications. In addition, the incumbent must be comfortable using desktop publishing software,

one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop.

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12

Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350

to 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, lucidly and succinctly communicate complex ideas to the public. The

samples must be written exclusively by the applicant. Co-written articles are not accepted. Final

applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test.

5. EDUCATION (Pass/Fail)

A Master’s degree is required, preferably in the field of journalism, communications, international

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

public relations or a related area.

Total Possible Points: 100

Skills and abilities: 40 points

Prior Work Experience: 30 points

Technical Knowledge: 15 points

Language and Communication proficiency: 15 points

Education – Pass/Fail

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail

Total Possible Points: 100

Evaluation Factor Total – 100 points, and Pass for Education and Reference Checks

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:

A. A signed (hand or electronic signature) offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal

Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

B. Cover letter clearly indicating the position for which you are applying.

C. Curriculum vitae/resume specifically which MUST include:

(i) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year) and hours worked per

week for each position;

--Dates (month/year) and locations for all international field experience must also be detailed;

--Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), location, and hours per week will not

be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(ii) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(iii) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).

(iv) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or

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job- related honors, awards, or accomplishments.

D. Supplemental [separate] document specifically addressing each QRF as outlined in the solicitation.

E. United States (U.S.) citizens and Resident Alien (currently resident in Uganda) must attach a copy of

a valid work permit.

F. Offers should be in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). No other file types will be accepted. All documents

should be scanned into one (1) document (one (1) ATTACHMENT) which should not exceed

10MB.

Documents should be arranged and scanned in this order:

(i) Signed (hand or electronic signature) offer form AID 309-2

(ii) Cover Letter

(iii) Completed Curriculum vitae/resume

(iv) Supplemental documents

(v) Valid work permit – if applicable

G. Submitted offers and documents become the property of USAID and will not be returned.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted by

email to EXO and HR Specialist at: kampalausaidjobs@usaid.gov Incomplete or late applications will

not be considered.

No other form of submission will be permitted (e.g., courier, fax, or hand delivery). The US Government

will not be responsible for incomplete/corrupted or missing information in electronic submissions and

these applications may not be accepted. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic

submission. USAID 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 offers or delayed electronic

submissions will not be accepted.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted

documents.

For this position, the subject line of the email must read:

SOL NUMBER TITLE OF POSITION, LAST, FIRST CANDIDATE NAME

Example: 72061724R00012 SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH &

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST(S/DOC), Smith Jose

4. The offer should include all relevant academic qualifications and experience. Offerors will not be

disqualified for having more than required qualifications/experience.

5. USAID/Uganda does not require any form of payment from offerors during the solicitation

process. Please reach out to the email listed in this solicitation document if you are in doubt at any

point in this process.

6. USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe,