Information Specialist at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

Major duties and responsibilities

Media Advisor – 30%

•  Serves as the expert media outreach advisor to the IO, PAO, and other Mission agencies and personnel as needed for information program planning, media outreach, and analysis.
• Advises the IO, PAO, and other Mission Agencies and personnel as needed on the local cultural sensitivity of materials ( op-eds, releases, etc.) prepared at Post and by Washington for placement in the Kenyan media; advises in the same manner on proposed Embassy and USG outreach activities involving the Kenyan media; provides an assessment of the individual and collective value of proposed materials and outreach activities to the Mission and to USG objectives; advises on alternatives; and monitors publication, broadcasts, and overall coverage of materials and activities and reports on their efficiency, economy, and effectiveness.
• Contributes to Mission strategic plan media components, formulates target audience evaluation process; plans, directs, and advises on overall information programs. Coordinates activities of other PAS media staff. Advises IO/PAO on the selection, targeting, and placement of USG and Mission press materials to meet MPP objectives.

Analysis – 30%

•  Advises the IO, PAO, other Mission Agencies and the Ambassador on media reaction, current public and media opinion, and media and story trends of significance to the United States. Works with other PAS staff to review and edit daily press reports and media reaction products and provides analyses and interpretation of the local media treatment of stories of interest to the United States for distribution to Mission staff and visiting VIPs. Directly drafts media products (including releases and advisories) on an as-needed basis. Monitors media freedom issues and drafts media input for the Department's Annual Human Rights Report, and other annual reports as needed.
• May be required to interpret in the host country language Mission/USG presentations and to translate materials for placement in local Print and electronic media. Holds final responsibility for the policy accuracy of all local language translated materials, including official statements by the highest U.S. public and private authorities.

Media Relations – 30%​​​​​​​

• Cultivates and maintains media contacts at all levels, including with media owners (at the highest level), managing editors, and station managers in press, radio, and TV to advance MPP goals. Periodically serves as traveling press liaison for Washington and Mission officials. Coordinates: press interviews and materials; invitations to representational functions; Mission media briefings; and cultural activities. Coordinates countrywide information activities, including Mission media strategies and cultural programs, press conferences and press materials; assists the social media coordinator in identifying and locating websites of local bloggers and Kenyans in the Diaspora as part of Mission outreach program.

PAS Support – 10%​​​​​​​

• Reports on media activities via the Mission Activity Tracker (MAT) and other reporting mechanisms. Serves as backup to other PAS locally engaged staff during periods when other staff are on leave, traveling in support of Mission goals, involved in high-level visits, and/or engaged in media-related activities that take them away from their duties. These responsibilities can include, but are not limited to, drafting daily materials, posting outreach material online, and sending media releases and advisories through electronic means.
• Note: "This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency."

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

• All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Security clearance. 
• All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam. Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

• Must have a bachelor's degree in the social sciences or humanities, preferably in International studies or Communications media. Must have specialized training in media as well as in publications and/or public relations.
• Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

Evaluations:

• You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. 
• You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• You must complete the application form and provide the required documents. 
• Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. 

Qualifications:

Experience:

• Minimum of five years experience in a reputable media house, private company media relations department, public relations organization, or government agency (if doing media work). Must possess advanced writing and analytical skills, with excellent public relations approach.
• Close Date: 02/26/2026