Press and Media Assistant at Embassy of The United States

Duties

The Press and Media Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Public Diplomacy Officer (SCC/Media) or PAO designee. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Monitors Kenyan press and media coverage of issues of importance to the U.S. Identifies and advises Mission leadership on strategies for promoting accurate, balanced Kenyan press and media coverage of U.S. foreign policy and American interests; correcting misinformation; and countering disinformation. Builds productive relationships with press and media professionals in person and online.

Qualifications and Evaluations

EXPERIENCE:  

• A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in a media outlet, think tank, university, NGO, international organization, foreign embassy, government office or corporation is required, with responsibility for public relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, marketing, managing public relations, outreach events, press conferences, and other media interactions as significant parts of the job.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:  

• Detailed knowledge of U.S. foreign policy objectives and American interests in Kenya, especially as they apply to press and media professionals, outlets and online publications is required. 
• Comprehensive understanding of Kenyan press/media institutions and professional journalism standards and practices, as well as trends in audience preferences for information consumption (print, TV, radio, online) is required. 
• Must have an understanding of communication trends in the region and internationally as they affect the Kenyan information landscape and must be familiar with influence patterns in information flow. 
• Knowledge of marketing techniques, market analysis and audience analytics in Kenya.
• Understanding of U.S. historical, political, economic, social and cultural forces that shape U.S. foreign policy are all required and of U.S. press and media standards, norms and practices. 
• Detailed knowledge of Department Of State (DOS) Public Diplomacy (PD) engagement tools, and the policies and procedures required for each.

Education Requirements:

• A university degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, Economics or local equivalent is required.