Under the supervision of the Information Officer (IO), the incumbent advises the IO on matters related to the print, broadcast, and digital media in Ghana, and assists the Information Specialist and Digital Engagement Coordinator to monitor host-country press, media coverage of, and social media reaction to issues of importance to the United States. Supports Information Specialist to identify and advise IO and Public Affairs Officer (PAO) on strategies for promoting accurate, balanced host-country press and media coverage of U.S. foreign policy and American interests, to plan and implement journalist capacity building programs, and arrange media coverage of Mission events and high-level visits.
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 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 is required.
Education Requirements: A university degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, or Administration is required.
Evaluations: Post may choose to add the phrase “This may be tested” after a language, skill, and/or ability. Review the VA template for specific information.
Language: Mandatory: Level 4 (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing English is required. (Language proficiency will be tested).
Analytic skills: The 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 is required. Must have the ability to match specific U.S. foreign policy objectives with relevant host-country attitudes, perceptions, and stereotypes, and to provide input to strategies on how to move those attitudes in positive ways. Must be able to perceive significant changes in the host-country 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. Must be able to identify influential voices in both traditional and digital information outlets and engage them to positive effect. Must be able to communicate effectively in formal and informal situations on nuances of U.S. policy; must have excellent written and oral communication skills to speak publicly; write meeting summaries and short reports, draft press releases and other products; and engage in online fora as needed. Must be able to tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations. Must be able to brief U.S. officers and visitors on a variety of issues.
Management skills: Strong management skills with the ability to organize and run events such as press conferences, interviews, workshops, and journalism training seminars, often on short notice or in emergencies are required.
Technical skills: Good keyboarding and data entry skills and excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, particularly the Internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures are required. Thorough knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases, as well as specific software, databases, and reporting tools is required. Knowledge of PD-specific funding authorities and the ability to use digital platforms, tools, and products is required. Must have good numerical skills to develop budget projections and statistics for press and media analytics. Must have basic familiarity with TV and radio production skills to oversee logistics for press and television coverage. The ability to use social media and mobile platforms, photo and video sharing sites is a required skill.
Qualifications: All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.
Learn more about the position and apply HERE.
There are 3 other openings at the US Embassy you may want to consider. Check them here.
According to the Mission’s website, the 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. The U.S. Government also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.”
