463405

Please Review How to apply before submitting your application package.
(FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED MATERIAL AND KSA STATEMENTS WILL
RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION NOT BEING CONSIDERED)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT, BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS, INTERNATIONAL
BROADCASTING BUREAU, VOICE OF AMERICA

Announcement No: FS – 07-01
Opening Date: October 20, 2006
Closing Date: Open Until Filled (First Cutoff is November 3, 2006)

Position Title: VOA OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENT (Full Time Temporary
Excepted Appointment NTE 13 months)
Duty Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Salary Range: $97,247 – $183,500

*Class Level and Salary will be determined based on factors such as
candidate’s qualifications, current compensation, and assigned
responsibilities.

*Salary includes danger pay and post differentials paid at the rate of
35% each. Please see benefits section for specific details.

*Iraq is an unaccompanied post. Family members cannot reside at or
travel to post.

Who May be Considered: All U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates.

INTRODUCTION TO AGENCY

Voice of America is a component of the Broadcasting Board of
Governors. VOA broadcasts news and information to millions of people
throughout the world in 44 languages, via radio, television and the
Internet. Our diverse, multicultural and dedicated professionals staff
correspondent bureaus around the world and in our main office in
Washington, DC.

Job Summary:

The incumbent will serve as a correspondent for the VOA Central News
Division in Iraq. The correspondent provides unbiased, accurate,
comprehensive and balanced news coverage in Iraq; may be responsible
for overall administration, budget and local staff; and supervises and
provides program direction to stringers based in the region.

Long and unpredictable hours, including nights, weekends and holidays
are frequently required, as is travel, wherever needed and at any
time, often with little or no advance notice.

Type of Appointment: Those appointed will receive Foreign Service
(Non-Career) Limited appointments. These appointments may not exceed
five years in duration.

Key Requirements:

Possess [sic] at least three years of experience as a news
correspondent, including at least one year of news correspondent
experience overseas.

Have a command of written and spoken English and a level of
competency expected of a professional broadcast journalist.

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and United States
Citizens (22 CFR Part 11)

Meet suitability requirements, undergo a thorough security background
investigation, and obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Obtain a medical clearance from the U.S. Department of State.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Factors:

To qualify one must have sufficient experience as a broadcaster,
writer, and announcer to demonstrate an ability to perform the duties
described. Work experience must indicate that the applicant:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of broadcast journalism, e.g., reporting,
interviewing, voicing, editing, and producing full radio, television
and/or Internet pieces, live interviews; use of microphones,
recorders, computers, and telecommunication transmissions via
satellite phones and/or Internet.

2. Demonstrated professional journalistic ability, i.e., ability to
collect, verify, analyze, and summarize facts into an objective,
accurate, and appropriate product for use in radio, television, and/or
Internet.

3. Demonstrated ability to write domestic and international news
reports for audiences of varying backgrounds and interests.

4. Demonstrated ability to function effectively as a news
correspondent while living and working overseas, particularly in areas
of conflict.

5. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound and independent judgment to
determine the relative importance of news events and how best to
approach their coverage.

6. Demonstrated ability to manage available time and resources
independently to meet daily and hourly deadlines.

7. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and handle multiple
assignments simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing
priorities and conditions.

8. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain news contacts and
conduct effective interviews.

9. Demonstrated ability to voice radio and television correspondent
reports effectively, including on-air work, for international
broadcasting in accordance with professional standards.

10. Ability to recruit, develop, assign and guide stringers.

11. Ability to manage a foreign correspondent bureau, including
management of contracts and other administrative matters and
supervising a culturally diverse, locally employed staff.

12. Competence in foreign language relevant to possible VOA
assignment.

Security – All candidates for employment must obtain a minimum of a
Secret security clearance. Even if the candidate has previously held a
government security clearance or still holds one, the candidate must
complete a Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86), a
credit/consumer report release form, and two fingerprint cards. Full
disclosure and candor is imperative when completing this paperwork.

Medical – candidates are required to receive a medical clearance from
the State Department’s Office of Medical Services (MED) before
departure to Iraq. Agency employees whose medical clearance is current
(defined as issued within 2 years or tour of duty overseas) are asked
to complete a Medical Clearance Update form (DS-3057) and submit it to
Med/Clearances. These individuals may request an optional early full
physical clearance exam.

Employees and applicants who do not have a current medical clearance
must have a physical examination and have this evaluated by the State
Department’s Office of Medical Services (MED). The purpose of the
medical clearance is to identify health needs and medical conditions
that may require specialty management, follow-up or monitoring or
could be prone to exacerbation in certain environments. If one does
not have an unlimited (Class 1) medical clearance, there must be
further post approval for Iraq. This is required in order to ensure
that medical conditions can be properly monitored and managed. Medical
clearances are based on an individual assessment of the needs of each
employee or candidate in light of his or her particular medical
history and status.

Iraq entails some unique medical challenges. Travel in and out of Iraq
is physically demanding. The trip may take several days and use
military aircraft. Personnel must wear heavy body armor and helmets,
and carry all of their own luggage over long distances. During the
summer months this is all done in extreme heat. Medical resources are
limited to the primary care services provided by the Embassy Health
Unit staffed by Department of State clinicians and nurses. (The U.S.
military hospital provides lifesaving care to those wounded by
hostilities and its personnel and material resources must be
prioritized to that goal.) If one needs to be medically evacuated,
this process can take considerable time.

The following immunizations are recommended but none are mandatory:
Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Influenza Measles Rubella Polio
Tetanus and Diphtheria Typhoid Meningococcal Rabies pre-exposure
Anthrax (allowing at least 6 weeks before departure) Smallpox
(allowing at least 2 weeks before departure)

Employees are strongly encouraged to participate in the voluntary DNA
identification program. Blood samples are kept at the Armed Forces
Institute of Pathology repository. Samples may be collected in State’s
MED clinic/laboratory or at overseas U.S. Mission Health Units.

Ethics – Employees must receive an ethics clearance, which may require
completing and executing the appropriate Financial Disclosure form.
Ethics clearances are required to help ensure that employees do not
violate, or participate in any actions crating the appearance that
they are violating the law or standards governing ethical conduct for
employees of the Executive Branch. The Federal ethics and conflict of
interest laws and regulations are important tools intended to foster
public confidence in government.

Benefits and Other Information:

Post Differential – Employees will be eligible for post differential
and allowances in accordance with Agency regulations. Employees in
Iraq earn the foreign post differential, which is currently 35 percent
of salary, after serving 42 continuous days at post. After 42 days,
the post differential will be payable back to the first day.

Danger Pay – Employees will also be eligible to receive danger pay,
calculated as a percentage of basic pay for regular duty hours only
(currently 35% for Iraq). Danger pay begins to accrue after four hours
of service in-country, and is provided for every hour of regular duty
worked at post. Danger pay is terminated when a person leaves country.

Consultation Trips – Employees will be authorized consultation trips
to Washington, DC for every 12 months served in Iraq. The Agency will
fund consultation trips to Washington, D.C. for employees serving in
Iraq. All consultation trips will be taken in economy class. Employees
may be authorized administrative leave to take in conjunction with a
consultation trip.

In addition to the consultation visits, employees can be authorized
Personal Leave Breaks (PLB). Five days administrative leave may be
given for each. PLB trips are to be authorized at the supervisor’s
discretion with the intent to provide the member a break from post
approximately every 60-90 days. A PLB is on No-Cost government orders.
This allows the traveler to take the military flight to either Amman
or Kuwait. All lodging and onward travel during the PLB is the
responsibility of the traveler.

Employees will have a choice between two consultation visits and three
PLB trips OR three consultation visits and no PLB trips during a 12-
month period. PLBs and consultation visits are prorated for employees
who serve less than 12 months.

Training – Employees will be required to attend the seven and one-half
day Diplomatic Security Anti-Terrorism Course (DSAC-Iraq) prior to
deployment to Iraq. This training includes an overview of policy
objectives and life at post presented by the Bureau of Near East
Affairs; country and language familiarization (FSI Area Studies and
Language; and Diplomatic Security’s Iraq-specific personal security
training (emergency medical, weapons familiarization, improvised
explosives recognition, hostage survival, chemical/biological
awareness, surveillance detection, and coping with stress).

Immediate Benefit Plan (IBP) – The American Foreign Service Protective
Association (AFSPA) offers a $15,000 Immediate Benefit Plan (IBP) for
direct hire Foreign Service and Civil Service employees of the agency.

Living Conditions – Employees will work and reside within the
“International Zone“ – an area of approximately five square
kilometers, about 6 miles from the Baghdad International Airport
(BIAP). Employees are housed in modular units on the heavily guarded
and fortified Embassy Annex compound. Post will make every effort to
ensure that each permanently assigned employee on a one-year tour of
duty is the sole occupant of one room, sharing a bath with the
occupant of the other room in the modular unit. Each modular unit
consists of two separate rooms with a shared bathroom/shower. Rooms
typically contain at least one single bed, a small closet, an air
conditioning/heating unit, a small refrigerator, and a television. The
internal measurement of each living unit (minus the bathroom) varies,
but the average is 80 square feet per room.

Internet/Intranet – Internet is not available from local service
providers. The Department of State’s Open Net Plus allows Internet and
State Department Intranet access on desktops. Personal laptops may not
be networked to any Embassy network.

Money – Credit cards and travelers checks are not yet a means of
transacting business in Iraq. Shop owners only accept cash, including
the wide use of U.S. dollars. The New Iraqi Dinar currency exchange
rate is currently about 1460 NID to 1 USD, but the rate can fluctuate.

ATMs are available in Kuwait City, but they are NOT available in Iraq
at the present time. It is recommended that employees bring cash as
well as their checkbook to Iraq, where checks can be cashed at the
military finance station or Embassy cashier. Credit cards and checks
are accepted in the PX.

Morale and Welfare – employees have access to a movie theater, a DVD
library, a fully equipped gym, and a pool. Special activities are
frequently scheduled. Religious services are regularly scheduled in
the Annex Chapel.

Television, Radio and Telephone – Armed Forces Network (AFN) is
provided via satellite terminal installations in some offices as well
as housing areas, the logistic support contractor compound, and some
U.S. military encampments. Satellite cable TV is currently being
installed in all Embassy housing units. Cellular telephone
communications is currently provided by the U.S. carrier MCI.

Individuals should bring a calling card to make personal calls (i.e.,
using 800 access).

Support Facilities – The following services are provided by the
logistics support contractor: expendable supplies; motor pool; free
laundry service (both drop-off and self-service) and dry cleaning;
barber shop; beauty shop; full-service cafeteria; small theatre; gym;
swimming pool; shuttle bus, facilities maintenance, morale and
welfare; and other services. Residents are charged a nominal fee per
service for barber/beauty services.

A small Army and Air Force Post Exchange (PX) within the International
Zone usually has a good stock of basic toiletries along with snack and
quick food, beverages, basic clothing items, photo supplies, and T-
shirts. Step-down transformers, dual voltage appliances, and outlet
adapters are usually available. Those who have strong preferences in
particular brands of toiletries or cosmetics are encouraged to bring
their own supply of products, given the limited choices at the PX.

Transportation – employees are not authorized to ship or own privately
owned vehicles (POV). Official and personal travel outside the
International Zone will be in accordance with post policy in Full-
Armored Vehicles (FAV) with personal security details. Frequency of
travel may be limited due to security threats, the availability of
vehicles, personal security details, and drivers. Official travel has
priority over personal requirements. Use of public transportation is
not allowed. Travel/Transportation to Post – The logistics support
contractor transports employees to the military side of the Kuwait
airport. Meal tickets will be provided. The logistics support
contractor will issue a helmet and protective vest. There is usually a
long wait and departure schedules are not published due to security
concerns. Luggage is palletized. Employees must carry their helmet and
vest on the plane and wear them during the trip into Baghdad. Only one
briefcase or small backpack can be hand-carried onto the C-130
aircraft in addition to protective gear.

Required Application Materials: A complete resume; A Supplemental
Qualifications Statement describing your possession of the relevant
KSAs listed above; . Demonstration tapes (audio and/or video) and
writing samples

HOW TO APPLY: (FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED MATERIAL AND KSA
STATEMENTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION NOT BEING CONSIDERED)
DO NOT ATTACH ANY ADDITIONAL FORMS THAT ARE NOT REQUESTED IN THIS
ANNOUNCEMENT.

To submit the documents requested, follow the instructions below: Your
resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal
Employment (OF-612), or any other written format you choose to
describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted by fax, mail
or by hand-deliver. Please ensure that your resume contains your full
name, address, phone and your social security number.

In addition to the Supplemental Qualifications Statement,
demonstration tape and writing samples, your resume or application
must contain:

JOB INFORMATION – Announcement number and Title of the position for
which you are applying.

PERSONAL INFORMATION Full Name, mailing address (with zip code) and
day and evening phone numbers (with area code) Social Security Number
Country of Citizenship (U.S. citizenship is required) Veteran’s
Preference Reinstatement eligibility Highest Federal civil grade held
(provide job series and dates held)

Instructions on submitting resume and supporting documents in hard
copy via fax or mail.

If you fax your documentation you must use a cover page. The vacancy
ID number, your Name, and SSN should be written accurately and neatly.
If the information is inaccurate or incomplete it will delay the
processing of your application or you may not receive consideration
for this position.

You can mail or hand-deliver your application materials to the address
below:

International Broadcasting Bureau, 330 Independence Avenue SW, ATTN
Office of Human Resources, Room 1543 Cohen Building, Washington, DC
20237, Attention: JoAnn Lusby
AGENCY CONTACT INFO: JoAnn Lusby Phone: (202) 619-1109 FAX: (202) 401-
0557 or (202) 205-8427 Internet: jlusby @ ibb.gov