Internal/External Communication Specialist

Closing date of the position: August 12, 2013

ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

The US Embassy is seeking an individual for the position of Internal/External Communication Specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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.

1. Education: The position requires a minimum of Bachelor’s level degree in communications, journalism or marketing.
2. Prior Work Experience: The position requires 3 years’ working experience in communications or journalism.
3. Post Entry Training: Specific CDC-sponsored post entry courses required: ISSO open.net training.
4. Language proficiency: Level IV (Fluent) in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required.
5. 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.
6. 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:

1. 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


2. 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


3. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the UAE (see section 3A below for more information); plus


4. 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.


5. 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

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 or 2294970

CLOSING DATE OF THE POSITION: August 12, 2013