**USAID PHILIPPINES**

***VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT***

# 

# ISSUE DATE : November 26, 2008

CLOSING DATE: December 19, 2008

RFP No. AID 492-09-001

TO : ALL AMERICANS (ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS are encouraged to apply)

SUBJECT : JOB OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

*EMPLOYEES ARE REQUESTED TO TAKE THIS NOTICE HOME AND SHARE ITS CONTENTS
WITH THEIR DEPENDENTS.*

TITLE OF POSITION : USAID Development Outreach and Communications (DOC)
Specialist

This is a fulltime resident/local hire position for a U.S. Citizen.

TERM OF POSITION : Position available on/about February 1, 2009 for one
year with an option to extend.

WORK LOCATION : USAID, 8/F PNB Financial Center, Pres. D. Macapagal
Blvd., Pasay City

HOURS : 7:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

SALARY : Equivalent to GS-10 (\$43,824 to \$56,973). Actual salary to be
negotiated depending on experience and previous salary history.

The successful candidate shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax and
shall be eligible only for pay comparability, FICA, health and life
insurance, annual and sick leaves.

HOW TO APPLY : Complete an OF-612\* and submit, together with a resume
or CV and 3 professional references (including name, address, telephone
number and e-mail address) to Office of Regional Procurement,
USAID/Philippines, 8/F PNB Financial Center, Pres. D. Macapagal Blvd.,
Pasay City.

Electronic applications may be accessed through
<http://www.usaid.gov/forms/OF612/>. Send signed completed OF-612s,
resume and references to <LSusi@usaid.gov> or fax to any of these fax
numbers: (632) 551-9297, (632) 552-9899 or (632) 552-8863.

[BASIC FUNCTION]{.underline}:

The DOC Specialist shall be responsible for USAID/Philippines' public
outreach and information efforts for both Philippine and American
audiences, and shall be the primary point of contact and liaison for
USAID/Philippines with local and international media.

[MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES]{.underline}

The successful candidate shall manage USAID/Philippines' outreach and
information efforts to educate and promote a better understanding of
USAID programs to Philippine and American audiences. S/he shall lead the
development and maintenance of Mission outreach and information strategy
and guidelines, implement outreach and information activities, manage
the Mission website, develop and package routine and special reports and
briefing materials. S/he is shall be the Mission expert on Branding and
shall be the Mission's liaison and point of outreach and information
contact with USAID/Washington, the Embassy, other USG agencies,
implementing partners and, local and international media. For the
detailed position description, go to
[http://philippines.usaid.gov](http://philippines.usaid.gov/) .

[DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:]{.underline}

1.  Education: Minimum of a BA in journalism, public relations, English,
    economic development or related field is required. A Master's degree
    in a related field or equivalent experience is desirable.

2.  Work Experience: Six (6) years of progressively responsible
    experience in related fields is required, with at least three (3)
    years' experience in public relations and/or journalism. Previous
    work experience with USAID, any US Government agency, or other
    international development organization is highly desirable.

3.  Language Skills: English proficiency must be equivalent to FSI level
    5 (native functionality). A level 3 (professional working
    proficiency) knowledge of Pilipino is desired. Excellent English
    written and oral communications skills are necessary.

4.  Knowledge: Competence in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel; desktop
    publishing (e.g. Microsoft Publisher, Pagemaker and the like).
    Knowledge of digital photography.

5.  U.S. Citizenship required. The selected applicant shall be subject
    to security clearance and must be able to meet requirements for
    access to classified information.

**USAID PHILIPPINES**

***VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT***

# 

# ISSUE DATE : November 26, 2008

CLOSING DATE: December 19, 2008

RFP No. AID 492-09-001

**Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist**

**Scope of Work**

**(US Citizen, Resident Hire)**

1\. Position Title: USAID Development Outreach and Communications (DOC)
Specialist

2\. Kind of PSC: Resident Hire

3\. Market Value: GS-10 equivalent (\$43,824 - \$56,973). Final
compensation will be based on individual's salary, work history,
experience and educational background

4\. Term of Position: One year with option to extend for another year
subject to availability of funds

5\. Organization Location: Office of Program Resources Management (PRM),
USAID/Philippines

6\. Supervisor: The DOC Specialist will report to the USAID/Philippines'
PRM Chief or his/her designee, and will interact frequently with the
Mission Director and his/her Deputy.

7\. Background: USAID/Philippines' program focuses on encouraging
economic growth and improved economic governance; conflict reduction,
particularly in Muslim areas of the southern Philippines; maternal and
child health, family planning, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS prevention;
improved management of natural resources, energy and reduced greenhouse
gas emissions; broader participation in local governance; improved
access to quality education; and periodic disaster relief. The total
portfolio (combining all active projects) is valued at just over \$450
million, with obligations totaling approximately \$90 million in FY
2008. The program is multi-faceted and complex, has a high degree of
visibility, and generates considerable interest both in the Philippines
and the U.S., including a steady stream of requests for information and
funding. Considerable effort and expertise are required to plan and
manage Mission outreach activities to ensure relevant, consistent,
timely, interesting, and culturally sensitive information dissemination
and responses to inquiries on a variety of technical and general program
issues.

Responsibility for USAID/Philippines' information and outreach functions
is centered in PRM. However, technical teams have information and
outreach capacities. In addition, there is considerable capacity on the
part of various grantees and contractors who use information outreach
both to achieve the objectives of their projects and to promote
knowledge of their activities.

USAID also works closely with the Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS)
in coordinating press coverage of USAID events and activities, planning
for high-level visitors, and collaborating on the development and
implementation of specific outreach efforts.

8\. Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The DOC Specialist is the person primarily responsible for
USAID/Philippines' public outreach and information efforts. These
efforts, both for the Philippines and for American consumption, educate
and promote a better understanding of USAID programs. S/he provides
leadership in developing and maintaining Mission strategy and guidelines
in this area, and implementing outreach and information activities such
as: developing and packaging new information outreach activities and
products; cultivating relations with the media; promoting press coverage
of USAID assistance; managing the Mission website; managing public
outreach events and high-level visits; branding; and developing and
packaging routine and special reports and briefing materials. S/he
serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for USAID/Philippines
with local and international media.

He/she serves as USAID/Philippines' principal communications liaison
with all technical teams, contractors and grantees; and provides
leadership in the development and implementation of USAID/Philippines'
overall communications strategy. The DOC Specialist collaborates closely
with the Embassy Front Office, PAS, U.S. military representatives and
assigned control officers (e.g., for VIP visits) to ensure that Embassy
personnel are always aware of USAID/Philippines public activities and
projects. The DOC Specialist also serves as the primary liaison with
USAID's Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.
for activities regarding communications and outreach. S/he also ensures
that all outreach responses to USAID/Washington, the U.S. Congress, the
State Department, other USG agencies, partners and customers are of the
highest quality and accurately reflect the latest Mission vision and
accomplishments, as well as USAID guidance.

The DOC Specialist will support USAID/Philippines' objectives by
producing and disseminating public information about USAID/Philippines
activities for Philippine and American consumption to educate and
promote a better understanding of USAID's program. He/she is responsible
for collecting, investigating, managing, and distributing information
associated with the USAID foreign assistance program in the Philippines.
For more information on USAID/Philippines, visit the USAID/Philippines
website at [http://philippines.usaid.gov]{.underline}

The DOC Specialist directly carries out specific, USAID/Philippines-wide
information and outreach efforts, and also works within the Mission's
partly decentralized outreach and information framework to ensure that
there is good information flow, coordination of messages and activities,
and mutual support among the various providers of outreach information.

9\. Basic Function of the Position

A. Specific Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1). Outreach Strategy Implementation and Coordination:

Direct implementation of USAID/Philippines' public outreach to ensure
that its activities are properly publicized in the Philippines, and also
to American audiences. Provide guidance to staff and implementing
partners on outreach, including effective communication and USAID and
Embassy regulations. Help organize press events and review press
releases.

Develop/update USAID/Philippines' outreach strategy and budget to ensure
public awareness of programs funded by USAID, and actively seek
opportunities to improve outreach and publicity efforts, including
improving systems. The strategy should take into account the
cost/benefits of particular inputs and outputs to optimize
communications tools and distribution to the largest targeted audiences
possible.

Source program and other funding for the communications budget,
including funding for such elements as publications and other materials,
software and training to support the website and other Information
Communication Technology (ICT) applications, events, media tours, and
radio or TV productions.

Take into account the following: the need to identify and focus on key
sectors that have a natural appeal to local interests and reflect USG
policies and priorities; the importance of ensuring that publicity
material is non-controversial and culturally appropriate; and the value
of material that is visually appealing, well-defined, and contains a
human interest element.

Work closely with the Director's Office, other USAID teams,
contractors/grantees and other partners, USAID/Washington and the
Embassy, to fully understand U.S. interests, USAID program objectives,
and program results, and to translate these into public messages. Ensure
a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USAID staff and
partners.

Coordinate outreach activities with technical offices and implementing
partners, and maintain a network made up of partners' outreach/PR staff.

Put in place policies and procedures for USAID/Philippines
communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the
Mission and Embassy, and with implementing partners, including templates
for various communications tools, procedures and standards for producing
outreach materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events.

Collaborate closely with PAS of the U.S. Embassy to optimize press
coverage of USAID assistance and to develop and carry out communications
efforts.

Liaise with USAID's Asia Bureau and the Bureau for Legislative and
Public Affairs (LPA) in Washington to publicize USAID/Philippines
programs and accomplishments for both Philippine and American audiences.

2). Media Relations:

Develop and maintain contacts and good working relationships with
members of the national and international media to help disseminate
information about USAID/Philippines programs and successes; serve as the
primary point of contact and liaison for USAID/Philippines with local
and international media.

Advise the Mission Director and other Mission staff on press and media
relations, and oversee the Mission's media relations including
interactions with the media as well as the production of and
dissemination of materials to the media.

Respond to queries from the press and actively promote USAID's program
and agenda through dissemination of materials and, as appropriate, as a
spokesperson; maintain records of significant media interactions.

Develop and implement special media outreach activities or products,
such as video documentaries, press site visits, special workshops, etc.

Prepare press releases, media advisories, and press packets for USAID
events.

3). Public Information Materials:

Work with other Mission teams and PRM staff to gather information and
draft briefing materials, including success stories, program profiles,
project fact sheets, sector- or topic-specific promotional material,
presentations (e.g., PowerPoint slides), and other briefing materials.

Oversee the creative design, preparation and presentation of
"promotional" briefing materials, as needed, to maximize the reach of
information about USAID programs and impact in the Philippines,
including but not limited to, handouts, brochures, flyers, photographs,
presentations, and the USAID/Philippines public website.

Work with the Director's Office and technical teams to develop and draft
articles for the USAID newspaper Frontlines, the Telling Our Story
Initiative, as well as any other appropriate publications, particularly
those aimed at American audiences.

Work with the Director's Office and technical teams to develop, package,
and promote special publications/presentations highlighting particular
USAID/Philippines accomplishments or approaches, e.g. a periodic
newsletter, historical or commemorative reports.

4). Public Diplomacy Events and High-Level Visitors:

Be responsible, either directly or through the oversight and direction
of technical team efforts, for planning, organizing and managing public
diplomacy events (e.g. project site visits, inaugurations, signing
ceremonies, commemorations, workshops, and the like) and high-level
visits in USAID's area of responsibility.

Ensure that all plans and information related to an event or a
high-level visit (e.g. schedules, backgrounders/scene-setters, talking
points, speeches, press releases and press packages, etc.) have been
prepared, meet quality standards and time requirements, and have been
cleared by the appropriate individuals; and assist in drafting speeches
and talking points for international and/or high-level audiences as
needed.

In conjunction with the Mission Director's Office and PAS, ensure
appropriate and effective press coverage and public outreach for USAID
events and high-level visitors.

Ensure coordination between USAID/Philippines and the Embassy for
events/visits involving the Embassy.

5). Website:

Ensure maintenance of the USAID/Philippines website, including both its
substantive content and form, by coordinating regularly with other
Mission teams and implementing partners, and PRM staff, to collect,
develop or update information for the website, and by reviewing and
enhancing existing public information materials and reports, for posting
on the website.

Coordinate with the Webmaster and Information Assistant to provide for
regular updating of information on the site, and enhancements to its
presentation.

6). Branding:

Serve as the coordinator and technical point of contact for
implementation of USAID's project branding efforts.

Ensure that USAID staff is familiar with the requirements of project
branding.

As needed, work with agency partners and implementers to ensure
compliance with agency project branding guidance.

7). Reporting:

Contribute to the preparation, review and editing of responses to the
high volume of special requests for reports or information on a variety
of political, technical and general program issues from the U.S.
Embassy, USAID/ Washington, other donors and organizations, USAID
partners, and other interested parties.

Contribute to the preparation, review and editing of periodic reports
(e.g. the Mission Strategy, the Annual Report, post's Mission Strategic
Plan, and USAID/Philippines' Weekly Report).

Ensure that prompt and relevant responses are provided to routine
requests for information or materials, and develop streamlined
procedures and ways of maximizing staff contributions in order to
facilitate the objective of timely, cogent, sensitive, and high-quality
reporting and responses.

Responsible for editorial quality control of all USAID/Philippines
outreach material, including public versions of the annual report and
annual funding requests.

8). Development Information:

Direct the timely packaging and distribution of the in-house daily news
clippings, and other information as relevant from time to time, to the
full USAID Mission and key officials at the Embassy (including the
Ambassador) and in Washington, DC.

Oversee the maintenance of an information retrieval system, including
the Development Information Center library that retains and catalogues
comprehensive and current information in electronic and paper formats
including key reports, briefings, multimedia materials, and other
special information on USAID/Philippines and its program.

Ensure Mission compliance with document submission and reporting
requirements of USAID/Washington's Center for Development Information
and Education.

Ensure that the Internet and other information sources are regularly
scanned/reviewed to identify and collect key development information,
and that this is analyzed, and stored and/or distributed as appropriate.

9). Other Activities:

Perform other duties as assigned or required.

B. Percent Time Allocation of Duties and Responsibilities

1). Work closely with USAID/Philippines Office of the Director and
Technical Offices, the U.S. Embassy's Front Office and Public Affairs
Section (PAS), and USAID contractors and grantees to achieve maximum
exposure and understanding of U.S. humanitarian and development
assistance efforts and initiatives in the Philippines, as defined by the
Chief of Mission, the USAID Mission Director, other senior managers, and
the Joint State-USAID Strategic Plan. (Front Office and Office Chief
coordination -- **5%**)

2). Update and implement USAID/Philippines' communications and outreach
strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID programs
among targeted external audiences. Manage all outreach and
communications-related contracts and grants for the implementation of
the strategy. Monitor and report on awareness and attitudes of USAID
Programs. (Updating Communications and Outreach Strategy -- **2.5%)**

3). Oversee the design, development, updating and dissemination of all
communications and outreach materials to promote USAID programs to
target audiences and media, including briefers, folders, fact sheets,
brochures, success stories, photo captions, and public service
announcement campaigns for broadcast and print media. (Communications
and Outreach materials -- **5%)**

4). Supervise the Program Office's Webmaster in the development and
maintenance of the USAID/Philippines external website, which will host
all briefing materials, key documents, photos, weekly highlights and
other information materials. Provide oversight to the Webmaster to
ensure maintenance of the website and website quality control, i.e.,
links are functional, content is updated, text is well-written and
edited, pages are loaded properly; supervise the Webmaster in developing
and implementing a marketing plan that maximizes the number of visitors
to the external site; and provide oversight to the development of the
programmatic pages of the Mission's internal website. (Supervise the
Webmaster -- **10%**)

5). Supervise the Program Office's Information Assistant in contributing
to all USAID/Philippines communications activities, including monitoring
local and international press coverage, and in helping monitor awareness
and attitudes of USAID programs. (Supervise Information Assistant --
**10%**)

6). Assist in the preparation of schedules, briefing materials, site
selection, scene setters, and briefings for site visits by official
visitors from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, U.S. military and
other USG agencies, as well as visits to U.S. Government projects by
cabinet level Philippine officials. Coordinate VIP site visits with
Front Office, PAS, Embassy Control Officer, USAID Technical Offices,
U.S. military, and contractors and grantees. Attend countdown meetings
and manage logistics related to visits and accompany visitors as
required. (VIP visits -- **25%**)

7). In conjunction with the Embassy, technical offices, contractors and
grantees, organize and coordinate press events for USAID projects, such
as inaugurations, ribbon-cuttings, assistance signing ceremonies, and
completion of projects, etc. This includes writing press releases,
organizing background briefings for media, compiling and disseminating
press packets, and, protocol and logistical issues, as required. Serve
as the Acting Public Affairs Officer for events/visits with significant
USAID participation. (VIP visits, media aspects only -- **5%**)

8). Oversee USAID/Philippines' responses to media inquiries and requests
for interviews, in coordination with PAS and USAID/Washington (for
international media). Serve as the principal USAID contact for
representatives of the local and international media in the Philippines
for feature stories on USAID programs. Advise USAID staff, contractors
and grantees on press and media relations. Ensure a targeted, coherent,
and consistent message from all USAID staff and partners. (Media
inquiries and interviews -- **5%**)

9). Apprise Embassy Front Office, U.S. military, PAS and other USG
Sections of all USAID/Philippines activities through the weekly Public
Affairs meetings and consistent, ongoing communications. (PA meeting
attendance and preparation -- **5%**)

10). Assist USAID staff, contractors and grantees to develop
appropriately branded public information and events in accordance with
USAID policy (ADS guidelines), and organize branding workshops to
explain and ensure proper implementation of branding guidelines.
(Branding -- **5%**)

11). Assist USAID staff, contractors and grantees to develop appropriate
public information campaigns on specific projects. (Assistance to
project outreach campaigns -- **2.5%**)

12). Respond to specific requests for information on USAID/Philippines
projects from USAID/Washington, Embassy personnel and U.S. military
representatives in the Philippines. (Internal USG information requests
-- **5%**)

13). Direct the Information Assistant and technical offices in
responding to inquiries from the general public about USAID programs,
practices, and any other general information requests. (External
information requests **2.5%)**

14). Produce weekly reports highlighting program developments and
achievements for the Office of the Director of Foreign Assistance, Asia
Bureau and Embassy Public Affairs and Political sections. (Weekly
reports -- **5%**)

15). Oversee the writing and distribution of summary notes from
USAID/Philippines' Weekly Team Leaders Meeting. (Team Leaders meeting
and summary notes -- **2.5%**)

16). Perform other related duties as assigned or required. (Other --
**5%**)

10\. Desired Qualifications

The candidates must have the following minimum qualifications and
skills:

a\. Education -- Minimum of a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism,
public relations, English, economic development or a related field is
needed. (A Master's degree in a related field, or equivalent experience,
is preferred.)

a.  Work Experience -- Six years of progressively responsible experience
    in related fields is required, with at least three years' experience
    in public relations and/or journalism. Previous work experience with
    USAID, USG or another international development organization is
    highly desirable.

b.  Language Skills -- English language proficiency must be equivalent
    to Foreign Service Institute level 5 (native functionality). Level 3
    (professional working proficiency) knowledge of Pilipino is desired.
    Excellent English written and oral communications skills.

c.  Software Competence -- Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel; desktop
    publishing (e.g., Microsoft Publisher, Pagemaker, and the like).

d.  Knowledge of digital photography.

e.  US citizenship required. Applicants selected will be subject to
    security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for
    access to classified information.

11\. Evaluation Criteria for Applicants Meeting the Minimum
Qualifications

a\. Relevant educational qualification, with preference for a Master's
Degree or equivalent experience in any of the following fields:
journalism, public relations, English, economic development, with six
(6) years experience in these and related fields. Experience with USAID,
USG and other international organizations are highly desirable. **(10
points)**

b\. Knowledge of a variety of approaches to information outreach;
demonstrated skills and hands-on experience for at least three (3) years
in public relations and/or media, e.g. journalism, publishing,
television, etc., including the development and packaging of
information, and presenting and/or disseminating this for maximum impact
and reach. **(20 points)**

c\. Demonstrated written and oral communication and editing skills,
especially the ability to quickly analyze, synthesize and clearly and
creatively communicate complex information including ability to draft
talking points and speeches for high level USG officials. **(20
points)**

d\. Experience in dealing with and understanding international
development issues, and approaches to these, in the areas covered by the
USAID/Philippines portfolio; the capacity to explain development
concepts and practices in terms appropriate for the wide range of
audiences to which the Mission addresses itself; and the ability to
exercise sound judgment in representing USAID in this environment.
Familiarity with both the particular political, social and economic
conditions in the Philippines, and the U.S environment within which
USAID operates is also desirable. **(15 points)**

e\. Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated capacity for working
effectively as part of an USG interagency team, either as a team leader
or a team participant; and also for developing collegial and productive
relationships with a range of senior and technical officials, partners,
customers, and with members of the media. **(15 points)**

f\. Strong management and organizational skills: demonstrated ability to
work independently, to take initiative, to be proactive; to work
effectively under pressure, and to independently manage a heavy workload
and juggle competing priorities effectively. Prior supervisory
experience is also desirable, but not required. **(10 points)**

g\. Well-developed computer and desktop publishing skills; photography
and digital photo editing skills are also desirable **(10 points).**

12\. Post-Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided by USAID,
as needed.

13\. Level of Contacts: representatives of international and local
media; senior U.S. Embassy Officials (including Section Chiefs, the
Deputy Chief of Mission and the Ambassador) and their staff;
USAID/Washington senior management and technical officers; Chiefs of
Party for USAID contractors/grantees; senior Government of the
Philippines (GRP) counterparts; representatives of other donors;
representatives of the U.S. and Philippine private sectors; high-level
USG visitors such as legislators and/or their staff, and representatives
of other USG agencies.

14\. Supervisory Controls and Exercise of Judgment: Incumbent will have
relevant communications experience and adequate development background,
enabling him/her to carry out the functions of the position in a largely
independent manner, based only on general guidance and broad
strategic/policy direction.

15\. Supervisory Responsibility: One Foreign Service National (FSN)
Information Assistant and a FSN webmaster.

16\. Available Guidelines: ADS, DOC Survival Manual, Guidance from
Legislative and Public Affairs, Guidance from U.S. Embassy Public
Affairs Staff, USAID Branding Policy and others.

17\. Authority to make commitments: None. All commitments will be done
by his/her supervisor.

18\. Time required to perform full-range of duties: Within 6 months.

19\. Application requirements: Qualified and interested individuals
should submit 1) OF 612, 2) Resume or CV, and 3) three professional
references including name, address, telephone and email. USAID may
conduct interviews, administer writing exam, and/or request sample
writings.

21\. Other requirements: This position is open to U.S. citizens, U.S.
resident aliens, or Eligible Family Members (EFMs).

22\. Benefits: As a matter of policy, a PSC defined as a Resident Hire
is only eligible for the following:

a\. Employee FICA contribution

> b\. Contribution toward health and life insurance
>
> c\. Pay comparability adjustment
>
> d\. Annual salary increase
>
> e\. Annual and sick leave.