Job Title: Internal/External Communications Specialist
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The Internal/External Communications Specialist, with guidance from the
Director, overseas the design, implementation, coordination and evaluation of a
broad range of PEPFAR related external communications and Department of State (open.net) internal communications activities in Tanzania.
The job holder servers as the communication liaison for all CDC related
activities and events. The job holder represents CDC Tanzania at various Public
Affairs meetings and events, including meetings with collaborators and other
donor agencies.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Planning, Coordination & Implementation
45%
Formalize and implement a CDC media strategy identifying opportunities to
highlight USG and CDC support for public health activities in Tanzania. The
strategy will support an integrated team drawing on all mission elements
including DOS, USAID, HHS/CDC, Peace Corps, and DOD. Key activities highlighted
in the strategy will include: messaging, planning and policy development
surrounding signing ceremonies, facility openings, Ambassador visits, promotion
of journalist interaction with CDC activities, programs and partners; and use
of multi-media to capture and promote positive CDC messages.
Work with Public Affairs colleagues and the Office of the PEPFAR Coordinator to
leverage interagency opportunities such as the new PEPFAR Tanzania Voluntary
Visitor Program, Ambassador’s Small Grants Programs, U.S. Guest Speaker
program, the Performing Arts Initiative and the sports Envoy Program.
Liaise with Embassy Public Affairs Office to research proper legal protocol and
local Tanzania customs for taking and using photographs in publications; with
specific attention to situations involving people being supported by public
health programs. Ensure that CDC staff and visitors are aware of these policies
and customs prior to arriving at sites. Incumbent creates formal processes and
drafts release form to be taken to events and site visits.
Formalize and implement a process for planning events and facility openings, in
order to ensure adequate USG and/ or CDC representation. Conduct regular
presentations with public affairs representatives from each partner in order to
formalize their communication strategies and policies. Additionally, incumbent
is expected to regularly liaise with CDC technical teams and relevant staff to
plan for upcoming CDC events and other media-worthy activities to ensure that
appropriate steps and staff are in place to meet requirements.
Serve as one of the main points of contact for high-level visitors who come to
Tanzania to view CDC programs, including event planning and materials
development. Liaise with CDC-Atlanta and the Embassy to determine logistics and
planning needs. Incumbent plans and coordinates multiple events, openings, VIP
visits and trainings provided by CDC Tanzania and PEPFAR. Liaises with
technical staff to ensure that they have support when technical staffs are
assigned control officer responsibilities.
Attend Public Affairs/Public Diplomacy weekly staff meetings and participate in
other interagency processes involving communication issues.
Ensure that branding guidelines (USG and/or CDC) are understood and followed by
CDC and implementing partners.
Technical Assistance
30%
Provide support to CDC program offices and implementing partner organizations
to implement the media strategy by organizing activities (press releases, media
advisories, remarks, media interviews, media trips, etc.) to ensure that
Tanzanians are aware of USG/CDC and mission themes, priorities and programs. A
critical element of this includes the drafting/ clearance of all remarks for
the CDC- Tanzania Director, Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission and
representatives of CDC- Tanzania. In addition, some materials will need to be
drafted and/ or reviewed by CDC technical teams to ensure accuracy and
consistency of all communication materials. Priority interaction is directly
with the CDC- Tanzania Director, Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission,
Office of the PEPFAR Coordinator, and Embassy/Dar Public Affairs Officer.
Additionally, clear all media advisories, press releases and public remarks
related to CDC. Specific tasks include:
Attend, document and report on multiple CDC and PEPFAR events happening in
Tanzania.
Respond to media inquiries from local media groups regarding PEPFAR related
activities.
Prepare written responses to US Embassy and PEPFAR office on CDC Activities and
progress.
Make multiple speeches at various openings and events on behalf of the US
Government.
Prepare and give presentations about CDC and PEPFAR to professional and lay
groups.
Write speeches press releases and other media publications.
Provide Technical Assistance to Locally Engaged Staff and partners who will be
giving presentations, speeches, etc.
Writing and Documentation
25%
Develop and maintain a monthly newsletter that documents current CDC
activities, accomplishments, challenges and events. Information can be gathered
from biweekly staff meetings and by checking in with CDC technical teams and
relevant staff.
Maintain electronic and paper files of newspaper clippings and media
communications that mention CDC. Gather and archive local media press releases
on CDC Tanzania. Ensure that relevant clippings are available to staff on
timely basis. For sensitive articles, ensures that key staffs are aware of the
contents and makes recommendations for follow-up.
Oversee development and maintenance of all CDC public relations materials
including: brochures, fact sheets, regional and sectorial profiles,
presentations, visual displays and success stories for publication and
reporting to Atlanta and Washington. Incumbent will also work with vendors to
create posters and print media for lay groups.
Serves as editor/reviewer of internal USG/CDC documents.
Other
Other duties as assigned by the Director.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with
specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.
Education: The position requires a minimum of Bachelor’s level degree in
communications, journalism or marketing.
Prior Work Experience: The position requires 3 years’ working experience in
communications or journalism.
Post Entry Training: Specific CDC-sponsored post entry courses required: ISSO open.net training.
Language proficiency: Level IV (Fluent) in English and Kiswahili (speaking,
reading and writing) is required.
Knowledge: The incumbent will need to learn and have an in-depth understanding
of the structure and functions of CDC Tanzania and PEPFAR, including detailed
knowledge of CDC’s role and function in support of PEPFAR and other emerging
infections program and activities; CDC and USG policies, guidelines and
procedures for effective communications; and intra-agency procedures for
coordination with CDC Atlanta and the American Mission in Tanzania. The
position requires a basic knowledge of communication and Public Relations
principals. Good working knowledge of overall administrative requirements,
budgeting and fiscal management in support of contracts/cooperative
agreements/grants/ purchase requisitions is required.
Skills and Abilities: Excellent oral and written communications skills to
develop and maintain effective, sustainable working relationships with national
and international health partners are required. The incumbent will be expected
to exercise considerable ingenuity and tact in applying guidelines to unique
and different settings. Considerable innovation will be required to influence
other collaborative organizations engaged in Public Affairs to adopt
appropriate strategies for their program activities. Intermediate user level of
word processing, spreadsheets and databases is required. A strong skill in
interpretation of PEPFAR and CDC programs into writing for a variety of
audiences is required.
SELECTION PROCESS
When fully qualified, US Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and US
Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate
specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and
residency status in determining successful candidacy.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for
consideration of the application:
Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family
Member (DS-174). A hard copy of the application form (DS-174) is also available
at the American Embassy, gate 3; or
A combination of both; i.e. Sections 1 -24 of the UAE along with a listing of
the applicant’s work experience attached as a separate sheet; or
A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found
on the UAE (see section 3A below for more information); plus
Candidates who claim US Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form
DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim conditional US Veterans
preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional
preference in hiring with their application.
Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the
qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
3A. If an applicant is submitting a resume or curriculum vitae, s/he must
provide the following information equal to what is found on the UAE.
Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.
A. Position Title
B. Position Grade
C. Vacancy Announcement Number (if known)
D. Dates Available for Work
E. First, Middle, & Last Names as well as any other names used
F. Date and Place of Birth
G. Current Address, Day, Evening, and Cell phone numbers
H. U.S. Citizenship Status (Yes or No) & status of permanent U.S. Resident
(Yes or No; if yes, provide number)
I. U.S. Social Security Number and/or Identification Number
J. Eligibility to work in the country (Yes or No)
K. Special Accommodations the Mission needs to provide
L. If applying for position that includes driving a U.S. Government vehicle,
Driver’s License Class / Type
M. Days available to work
N. List any relatives or members of your household that work for the U.S.
Government (include their Name, Relationship, & Agency, Position, Location)
O. U.S. Eligible Family Member and Veterans Hiring Preference
P. Education
Q. License, Skills, Training, Membership, & Recognition
R. Language Skills
S. Work Experience
T. References
How to apply;
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO
American Embassy
Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 9123
Dar es Salaam
POINT OF CONTACT
Telephone: 229 4000, Ext: 4137/4148/4233/4024
Fax: 2294726
CLOSING DATE OF THE POSITION: 2nd March, 2013
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
The US Mission in Tanzania 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. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal
employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity
enhancement programs.
The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they
have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political
affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the
appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices,
and/or courts for relief.
