The U.S. Embassy Mogadishu (located in Nairobi) is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Public Engagement Specialist (Emerging Voices).
Description
- The Emerging Voices (EV) Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Public Affairs Officer. Is the leading LE Staff adviser for the Mission’s Public Diplomacy (PD) engagement with the EV audience sector: primarily youth, minorities, and others who are able to influence host-country attitudes toward the U.S. using new, often digital, communication networks rather than prominent protocol positions or established institutions. Plans, develops, coordinates, oversees, and evaluates impact of all PD activities, projects, and initiatives to engage EV audience sectors. Tracks trends in emerging networks through direct engagement, research, polling and statistical analysis and analytics. Designs and recommends PD strategies to connect with EV audience sectors to promote understanding of and support for of U.S. policy and dispel inaccurate perceptions.
- Coordinates activities of American Corner Mogadishu by way of a Memorandum of Understanding; monitors performance and obtains results from the American Corner Coordinator. Receives direct supervision from the PAO
Education
- A four-year university degree in communications, journalism, international affairs, American or intercultural studies, or marketing, is required
LANGUAGE: English Level IV (Fluent, Reading/Speaking/Writing) (This may be tested) and Somali Level IV (Fluent, Reading/Speaking/Writing) is required.
More Details on Experience
- This position requires at least four years of progressively responsible experience in a multilingual, multicultural, or multinational work environment with marketing, public relations, communication, or education duties as a significant part of the job is required. Experience with audience or market analysis and managing social media accounts is required.
More Details on Skills
Analytic skills: Must have strong analytic skills and the ability to conceptualize how best to use PD tools to move host-country attitudes in positive ways. Must be able to advise senior Mission leaders of opportunities to promote Mission objectives; identify, analyze, predict and assess EV audience attitudes; evaluate the impact of projects and modify approaches for greatest outcomes. Must be able to perceive the emergence of new influencers and adjust operations and programming accordingly.
Communication Interpersonal skills: Must have excellent customer relations, interpersonal cross-cultural communication skills, and be able to identify and engage key figures critical to shaping local public opinion. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, interviewing for evaluation purposes, and writing reports and material for publication. Must be able to tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations and different ethnic, religious and linguistic cultures. Must be able to brief on a variety of issues and interpret between English and the host-country language for public programs.
Management Skills: Strong project management skills are required, including the ability to develop and oversee project budgets and to organize, run, and present projects such as workshops, seminars, digital video conferences, panel discussions, lectures and camps. Must be able to negotiate agreements with partner institutions and manage their fulfillment.
Technical Skills: Good keyboarding and data entry skills and excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, in particular the Internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures are required. Thorough, detailed knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, graphic design and photo editing software, and PD-specific software, databases, and reporting tools is required. Detailed knowledge of and ability to use social media and mobile platforms, photo and video sharing sites, podcast creation, and basic photo and video skills are all required. Must have good numerical skills to be able to develop and manage project and grant budgets; must be able to develop descriptive statistical analysis of target audience composition and measure the impact of EV activities and initiatives.
Availability: Must be available to travel throughout the host country to support EV activities
Terms And Conditions
Qualifications: All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply: All candidates must be able to obtain a Local Security Certification.
Interested candidates for this position must submit their application to the following for consideration: https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/ken/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms
Required Documents: Please provide the required documentation listed below with your application:
- Residency and/or Work Permit (If applicable)
- DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Mandatory)
- University degree in communications, journalism, international affairs, American or intercultural studies, or marketing, is required. (Mandatory)
What to Expect Next: Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
For further information: the complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained from the recruitment website.
https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/ken/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms
