Press and Media Assistant - All Interested Applicants at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

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

Requirements:

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.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: Level 4 (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing English is required.  (This may be tested) Level 4 (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing Swahili is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Analytic skills:  Ability to identify, analyze, predict and continually assess attitudes of press and media outlets and information consumers across a wide range of thematic policy areas. Strong analytical skills to match specific U.S. foreign policy objectives with relevant Kenyan attitudes, perceptions, and stereotypes, and the ability to conceptualize how best to use the full range of Public Diplomacy (PD) communication and program tools to move those attitudes in positive ways.  Ability to advise senior Public Diplomacy /Mission leaders of opportunities to promote Mission objectives. Must be able to perceive significant changes in the Kenyan influence landscape, and to adjust press/media operations and products to maximize balanced coverage for priority audiences.
• Communication/Interpersonal skills:  Must have excellent customer relations, interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.  Ability to identify influential voices in both traditional and digital information outlets, and engage them to positive effect; ability to communicate effectively in formal and informal situations on nuances of U.S. policy; excellent written and oral communication skills in order to speak publicly; write reports, press releases and other products; engage in online fora; and contribute to publications in English and Swahili; ability to tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations; ability to brief U.S. officers and visitors on a variety of issues and interpret between English and Swahili for public programs. 
• Management skills:  Strong event and management.  Must be able to organize and run events such as press conferences, interviews, workshops and journalism training seminars, often on short notice or in emergencies. 
• Technical skills:  Good keyboarding and data entry skills are required; excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, in particular the Internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures.  Detailed knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases, as well as Public Diplomacy-specific software, databases, and reporting tools. Knowledge of Public Diplomacy-specific funding authorities is required.  Ability to use digital platforms, tools and products, good numerical skills to develop budget projections and statistics for press and media analytics.  Basic familiarity with TV and radio production skills to oversee logistics for press and television coverage.  Ability to use social media and mobile platforms and photo editing software, photo and video sharing sites, and to create podcasts. 
• Availability:  Must be available to travel throughout Kenya to support Mission press and media engagement activities
• 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.

Closing Date: 02/29/2024