Description
The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS (Relief (PEPFAR) has an opening for the position of Communication Specialist. The position will be available immediately. Closing date for this position is February 15, 2013.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in social sciences, humanities, International studies or communications media is required.
Five years of media or public relations experience is also required.
Must have detailed understanding of media environment in Kenya and an in-depth knowledge of the media environment across East Africa. Detailed knowledge on a range of media coverage techniques.
Level IV fluency in English required. Level IV proficiency in Swahili also required.
Other Criteria
Must have specialized training in press and publications.
Must have extensive existing contacts among both key Kenyan and Kenya-based international media outlets/reporters.
Must have proven ability to write high-quality, media-friendly press releases, media advisories, and other materials for public use. Application package must include professional references and published news releases.
Must have thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications.
Must have basic photography skills
Job Specification
The incumbent will serve as the Mission expert for media outreach and analysis related to developing and executing a comprehensive and innovative communication strategy for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Kenya and the Global Health Initiative, including managing and monitoring all aspects of media relations, in-house and public newsletters, website development, and promoting PEPFAR and GHI across traditional and non-traditional media outlets. The Communication Specialist will actively promote and disseminate information about the PEPFAR and GHI program in Kenya, particularly success stories for the Kenyan media and Kenya’s citizens and government officials. S/he will also coordinate with Washington counterparts, particularly the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, to share the same information for domestic consumption. The Communication Specialist will also work closely with the USG PEPFAR- GHI Agencies HR offices in order to support and inform the more than 700 Kenyans employed by the U.S. Mission to serve as public health resource persons and “ambassadors” of the PEPFAR - GHI program in their families and communities. The Communication Specialist will take a leading role in supporting VIP visits to Kenya, including U.S. Congressional delegations, representatives from the private sector, etc., through itinerary development, partner outreach, and delegation staffing.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Kenyan and US media relations and support for PEPFAR-GHI -----35%
cultivates and maintains high-level contacts with critical Kenyan and US media outlets and personnel to drive PEPFAR and GHI-related media coverage and ensure story placement and advance Mission goals;
implements strategy to broaden media base covering HIV issues in Kenya, including political, economic and other non-health related portfolios
regularly drafts fact sheets, media advisories and press releases on key aspects of the PEPFAR and GHI program in Kenya for clearance by PAS and country coordinator;
organizes production and dissemination of materials above to key media outlets, advising on and arranging for their prominent placement through purchase or granting of “free” airtime as most appropriate;
leads regular media tours to PEPFAR-GHI program implementation sites across Kenya;
motivates and persuades journalists to cover key PEPFAR- GHI issues on a regular basis
daily monitors international and host country news media for coverage of PEPFAR-GHI or other HIV headlines.
Strategic planning for optimum understanding of PEPFAR-GHI -----30%
reaches out and develops close working relationships with implementing agencies (USAID, DOD, CDC, Peace Corps, State) to create opportunities for documenting and profiling PEPFAR/GHI partners and to ensure that their messaging is consistent with and supports USG outreach priorities;
develops and promotes reliable third-party validation pool among critical technical constituencies including high-level GOK officials, development partners, civil society representatives and others;
writes and publishes regular in-house and public newsletters about PEPFAR and GHI in Kenya, for distribution to PEPFAR/GHI technical staff and implementing partners; this includes PEPFAR and GHI Fact sheets;
develops and regularly updates public website about PEPFAR and GHI in Kenya. Website to include extensive information about PEPFAR’s and GHI’s portfolio, contacts, current statistics, and public reports.
Public Diplomacy support to USG leadership (COM, DCM, heads of agencies, country coordinator, OGAC) -----25%
proactively identifies or creates opportunities for Mission leadership to promote PEPFAR and GHI to key Kenyan and other (especially U.S.) constituencies and advises on leveraging such opportunities to advance Mission goals;
arranges meetings of Mission/Washington/PAS officials with appropriate officials of the broadcast industry or Broadcast Ministry;
prepares media and other background materials for approved Mission leadership events;
works closely with the Deputy Coordinator and PEPFAR’s Policy/External Relations Advisor to prepare speeches, opinion pieces explaining PEPFAR and GHI policies and positions, etc., for clearance by PAS and Country Coordinator;
serves as PEPFAR Country Coordination Office’s first point of contact responding directly to enquiries for OGAC/PAS;
initiates “no surprises” approach to communication with OGAC/PAS so that all news from Kenya originates from the Mission rather than other sources;
provides OGAC/PAS with PEPFAR and GHI Kenya success stories and partner profiles for use in headquarters public affairs, congressional relations and related activities.
Support for oversight/inspection visits related to PEPFAR- GHI in Kenya -----10%
supports the Deputy Coordinator and PEPFAR’s Policy/External Relations Advisor, Embassy front office, implementing agencies, and HQ to assure adequate preparation and support for visits by high-level State Department, HQ agency, congressional and staff delegations, and other U.S. government VIP visitors;
liaises with identified PEPFAR and GHI program implementation sites to assure minimal disruption to programs activities and coordinates all PEPFAR and GHI-related media coverage connected with such visits to optimize exposure for visitors.
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