OPEN TO: All Interested Candidates / All Sources
POSITION: Cultural Affairs Assistant
CLOSING DATE: August 16, 2017
WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours/week
The U.S. Mission in Yaounde, Cameroon is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position Cultural Affairs Assistant. This position is located in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities for Cultural Affairs Assistant:
The Cultural Affairs Assistant (CAA) is responsible for planning and implementing all Public Affairs Section cultural outreach programs. Such programs include lectures, seminars, exhibits, musical performances, and visits by U.S. speakers and specialists. The incumbent is also responsible for the management of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) programs at Post. These include: the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the American Music Abroad (AMA) Program, and the Arts/Sports Envoys program. The CAA is also responsible for the flagship Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) e Cultural Affairs Officer (CAO) and Public Affairs Officer (PAO) on all aspects of post cultural and educational programs. The CAA receives direct supervision from the Cultural Affairs Specialist (CAS) and general supervision from the CAO and PAO.
The incumbent:
Implements the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Programs and activities at Post. Coordinates the selection process of Mandela Washington Fellows (MWFs). Proposes Alumni Engagement plans and follows up on projects designed and implemented by MWFs and the YALI network. Provides reports on YALI's growth in Cameroon and engages MWF alumni, Regional Leadership Center alumni, and YALI network members. 30% of time
Designs and organizes U.S exchange programs to Cameroon (such as, Arts Envoys, IIP Speaker, Basketball Envoys, American Music Abroad) and implements thematic programs such as: MLK Day, World AIDS Day, Earth Day, International Day of the Girl Child, Global Entrepreneurship Week, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), etc. 20% of time
Supervises and monitors thematic projects – such as the Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), Mission Driven Alumni Outreach (MDAO), the Secretary of State's Full Participation Fund, and other PD projects from Washington. Works with implementing partners to ensure the execution of each benchmark of the projects, evaluates and writes reports on each project. 20% of time
Monitors the Trans Saharan Counter Terrorism Partnership (TSCTP) Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) project execution. Works with implementing partners to ensure the adequate implementation of the project, assesses each benchmark, evaluates impact and proper use of USG funds – according to Federal Assistance Award. 10% of time
Proposes strategies and innovatives engagement of youth and women audiences, to increase U.S Mission's outreach to this target audience; such as with the U.S Mission's Gender Equity Working Group, Youth participation in Elections, and USG alumni engagement in their communities. 10% of time
Serves as a backup for the Techwomen Exchange Program and the African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP). Recommends influential Cameroonians with a track record of leadership to the program and implements follow-up activities for returned visitors. 5% of time
Performs other duties as assigned by American supervisors. Plans, prepares and executes exhibits and cultural events which do not fall within the normal speaker's program, but meet mission plan objectives. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for identifying local resources, cosponsors, and funding organizations. Keeps the CAO and PAO informed of relevant developments at all times. 5% of time
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION
Under the direction of the Public Affairs Officer (PAO), the Cultural Affairs Officer (CAO) and the Cultural Affairs Specialist (CAS), the Cultural Affairs Assistant (CAA) is responsible for planning and implementing Public Affairs Section cultural outreach programs in support of Mission goals. Such programs include lectures, seminars, exhibits, musical performances, and visits by U.S. speakers, specialists, and performers. The incumbent is also responsible for the management of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) programs at the embassy. These include: the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the American Music Abroad Program, and the Arts and Sports Envoys program.
In coordination with the CAS, the CAA advises the CAO and PAO on all aspects of the embassy's cultural and educational programs. As requested by the PAO or CAO, the CAA advises Public Diplomacy (PD), Political-Economic, and other Mission Officers on the country's influence structure and appropriate contacts; recommends topics for inclusion in the mission plan; and serves as backup in the management of the IVLP exchange program, including the proposal process of candidates. The CAA receives direct supervision from the CAS and general supervision from the CAO and PAO.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
EDUCATION: A university degree in the liberal arts, social sciences, or international relations is required.
EXPERIENCE: Three years of progressively responsible experience in planning and implementing cultural activities such as art exhibitions, music festivals, conferences, workshops, or other related NGO activity.
LANGUAGE: Level IV (Fluency) Speaking/Reading/Writing English and French are required. (This will be tested.)
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The incumbent must have the ability to communicate orally with a variety of audiences and high-level officials in English and French, and draft all program-related correspondences and reports in English and French. The jobholder must be able to develop and maintain contacts with target NGOs, civil society institutions and mid to high-level officials in the host country; design invitations, leaflets, brochures, etc., for the Embassy programs using desktop publishing software; design and maintain a database of exchange program alumni; and find relevant information on the internet using common search engines. He or she must be able to work under minimal supervision, adhere to timetables and meet deadlines, and take initiative to identify programming and outreach opportunities. (Skills and abilities will be tested)
JOB KNOWLEDGE: The incumbent must have a good working knowledge of Cameroon's socio-cultural and educational structures, institutions, political parties, NGOs and key civil society institutions. He or she must also have a good working knowledge of U.S. society, educational systems, arts and culture.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
- Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174), which is available on our website or by contacting Human Resources. (See “For Further Information” above);
- Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. transcripts, degrees, etc.)
WHERE TO APPLY:
Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 817, Tel.: 222-201-500, Ext 4006, U.S. Embassy Yaounde, Cameroon
- E-mail Address: ydeapplicants@state.gov
- Indicate the position title on the subject line.
