OPEN TO: All Interested Candidates / All Sources
POSITION: Information Assistant
CLOSING DATE: September 29, 2017
WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours/week
SALARY: Ordinarily Resident (OR): FSN-08
The U.S. Mission in Yaounde, Cameroon is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Information Assistant. This position is located in Yaounde, Cameroon.
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION
Under the direct supervision of the Information Specialist and the general supervision of the Information Officer, the incumbent co-manages the day-to-day activities of the press section and carries out a variety of assignments in support of the Embassy's information/press programs
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities for Information Assistant:
- Assists the Information Specialist in the planning, implementation, and execution of all Information Section Programs. These include, but are not limited to, Speaker Programs, televised interactive, digital video conferences, workshops/seminars for journalists, press conferences, interviews with the Ambassador and other Mission personnel, and improving press support for activities of all mission. Monitor print, audio-visual, online media on a regular basis. 20%
- Prepares media reaction to Washington. Advises mission staff on press relations and possible media reaction to certain government policies. Prepare MAT entries and content for websites. 15%
- Prepares and disseminates to appropriate media Press Releases in both English and French, in support of all Sections of the Mission. Ensures coverage for all events at Post by the local Press. 15%
- Assist in the development of Post's Media Guidance and the development of Strategies to Convey them to the media and the public. Handles News Conferences and other Press events at Post. Arrange transportation and accommodation for the traveling press. Assists in the writing and reviewing of speeches for the Public Affairs Section. 15%
- Reviews IIP daily products, ARS weekly summary and other USG news sources and adapts articles for sending and possible placements in the local press. Manages the production of the Daily IIP File.. Assist in producing and disseminating podcasts produced at Post. 5%
- Cultivates and maintains working relationships with mid-to high-level journalists, producers, editors and Government Officials. Liaises with local media and assists the Voice of America to manage affiliation contracts with local media. Depending upon the sensitivity of the issue involved, channels to supervisor or handles directly inquiries from the press and the public. 10%
- Alternates with Information Specialist to conduct press briefings for Ambassador and other section heads of the Mission. Handles the Cameroon Daily Media Highlights and supervises its distribution within the Mission and to Washington as prescribed or solicited. Sets up interviews, briefings and press chats for the press with Mission Officials. Serves as backup to Information Specialist, for all Press Section activities. Assists in planning and managing of media outlets to put out to the public long-term messages. 10%
- Serves as focal point of DAO's activities for PAS. Work closely with DAO to assist the section in outreach program. Liaison between DAO and the media on DAO and military related issues. Facilitate the public understanding of AFRICOM and its activities in Cameroon and the continent. When necessary serve as interpreter during planning military exercise and bilateral military visits. 10%
Job holder performs all other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
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 Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communication, Information Science, Information Technology, The Liberal Arts, Public Relations, International Relations, Political Science, or related field is required.
EXPERIENCE: At least two years of work experience in communications, media, journalism, broadcasting, writing, public relations, advertising, or related field is required.
LANGUAGE: Level IV (Fluency) Speaking/Reading/Writing English and French are required and will be tested.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have the ability to carry out multiple tasks under tight time pressure, in particular good writing skills while meeting deadlines;
- Must be flexible in adjusting priorities;
- Must be able to develop and maintain good working relationships with the media and government officials.
- Must have excellent skills in MS Office – MS Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access. Skills and abilities may be tested.
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
- Must have thorough working knowledge of host country media, and of Cameroon political, economic, educational, and social structures;
- Must have general knowledge of public relations and information technology.
- Must be well versed with the media landscape in the country and have a very solid contact database in both the media and government circles.
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.
