Public Engagement Assistant

About

KABUL-2021-082

Hiring Agency:

Embassy Kabul

Basic Function of Position:

Under the direct supervision of the LE Staff Information Specialist (Country Media Advisor), the general supervision of the Information Officer (IO) and the overall guidance of the Public Affairs Counselor, the Public Engagement Assistant (Information Assistant) bears responsibility for advising the U.S. Embassy on media trends, media climate, and dealing with the media on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues. Develops and maintains contacts with Afghan media outlets and their owners, commentators, analysts, thought leaders and senior government officials, and others and advises the IO on appropriate contacts for different policy priorities. Recommends placement of USG policy-related materials. The incumbent functions in an extremely sensitive political environment in which an ongoing insurgency adds to the urgency of accurate media reporting to make key security decisions, which requires skill and tact when dealing with contacts, military officials, Afghan government, media and civil society representatives. Analyzes general trends in local media, provides advice to PAS and Embassy senior leadership in design of proactive messaging, and makes recommendations to ensure that U.S. foreign policy priorities are clearly conveyed in local and international media. Monitors and analyzes the country's media climate through monitoring print and broadcast media, to gauge the state of debate on topics of vital interest to the United States in Afghanistan, including how the U.S. is perceived and portrayed by various political and public opinion leaders, the goals, aims, and strategies of Afghan political parties, and public perception of U.S. policy. Of special focus are local current affairs, issues concerning bilateral relations between Afghanistan and the United States, and matters concerning Afghanistan's relationship with its neighbors and the international community. Coordinates with local staff in the Political, Economic, USAID and other sections on media events and media reporting requirements. Provides the full range of press events, producing regular analysis summaries and in-depth focus pieces on specific topics. Translates for senior Embassy officials during press conferences and high level meeting with a wide range of contacts, including, but not limited to, civil society leaders, public opinion influencers, political contacts, and GIRoA officials. Serves as the Acting Country Media Advisor in the absence of that employee. Performs other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: At least three years of progressive experience in broadcasting, media relation/journalism, editor, political writer, public affairs or communications is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: In-depth knowledge of Afghan media organizations and Afghan civil society. Thorough knowledge of U.S. society and its institutions as well as the issues and concerns that affect U.S-Afghan bilateral relations.

Education Requirements:

University degree in international relations, journalism, communications, political science, social sciences, or translation is required.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: Level 4/4 (Fluent) spoken and written English, Level 4 (Fluent) Dari and Pashto is required.

 “This may be tested”

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong interpersonal and cross cultural skills to enable communication and teamwork. Strong written skills. Ability to type and use computers and emails. Ability to listen to and accurately translate written Dari into well-written and grammatically accurate level IV English is required. Must be able to conduct consecutive translation of Dari or Pashto into English at press functions and vice versa.

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.

Qualifications:

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

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Benefits and Other Info

Benefits:

Agency Benefits:

Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in (insert post and/or country name) may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.

The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.

Other Information:

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:

AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*

AEFM / USEFM

FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **

* IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), equivalent documentation, or certification. A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.

** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.

For more information (i.e., what is an EFM, USEFM, AEFM, MOH, etc.?) and for additional employment considerations, please visit the following link.

How to Apply:

All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a local security clearance. To apply for this position applicants must electronically submit the documents listed below to be considered for employment. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible and qualified. To apply for this position click the “Submit Application” button. For more information on how to apply visit the Mission internet site (US Embassy Kabul Website)

Please provide the required documentation listed below with your application:

Residency/Tazkira

University degree

Required Documents:

Please provide the required documentation listed below with your application

Proof of Citizenship (Tazkara)

University Degree

Next Steps:

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 by contacting the Human Resources Office.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan