U.S. Mission: Nairobi  

Announcement Number: Nairobi-2023-022

Position Title: Senior Communication Specialist (PEPFAR)  

Opening Period: 03/20/2023 – 03/31/2023

The U.S. Mission in Nairobi is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Information Specialist (Media).

• Under the direct supervision of the PEPFAR Kenya Country Coordinator, the Senior Communications Specialist- will develop and implement a comprehensive communications and media relations program for the PEPFAR Kenya program to promote public understanding of U.S. government health programs and accomplishments.
• As the lead communications officer for the PEPFAR program and PEPFAR Coordination office, the incumbent plans and coordinates the dissemination of health information relating to PEPFAR programs, objectives, achievements, activities, and functions to internal U.S. government audiences, and the general public.
• This position leads and directs the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication and marketing program, including the establishing of goals and objectives, instituting policies, programs, and activities and ensuring integration with other research, surveillance, and prevention activities. 
• Provides coordination and quality assurance for all communication and marketing activities, assures the health information is accurately and appropriately represented to diverse constituencies; applies communication and marketing solutions for complex and controversial problems; and participates in internal and external government venues requiring knowledge and understanding of PEPFAR’s communication and marketing and applicable programmatic activities, goals and objectives

• Five years of media or public relations experience is required. International media experience a plus.
• Extensive existing contacts among both key Kenyan and Kenya-based international media outlets/reporters.
• Proven ability to write a high-quality, media-friendly press releases, media advisories, and other materials for public use. Application package must include professional references and published news releases.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

Comprehensive understanding of overall communications principles, guidelines and procedures related to the management of public relations is required. Working knowledge of U.S. governmental protocols, procedures and public relations strategies. Working knowledge of the structure and functions of the Agency’s role and function in support of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is required. The job holder must also have a working knowledge of Kenya’s health programs. Must have demonstrated in-depth understanding of computerized writing and graphics programs such as Microsoft Publisher. Mastery of grammar, style, and layout, and ability to adapt style, manner of presentations, and format to the requirements of the audience.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are required, to include ability to write a full range of informational and promotional materials clearly and concisely (e.g., brochures, fliers, press releases, announcements, reports, letters and other items as assigned) and the ability to speak to the press on programmatic matters. Must have the ability to disseminate information to all levels of management and outside public, media, private or governmental agencies.  Excellent inter-personal skills are required to coordinate with U.S. government colleagues, partners, and host government representatives to ensure cooperation. The ability to assess problems and develop realistic solutions is required. Ability to translate technical legal language quickly and carefully into understandable and easy to read written documents is required.  Ability to manage the public relations needs of an organization is required.  The ability to work effectively under the pressure of tight time frames and rigid deadlines is also considered essential.  Intermediate user level of word processing, graphics, and spread sheets and databases is required. Keyboarding skills that include both speed and accuracy are required. Photography skills to capture the essence of program activities are also required. Intermediate level of numerical skills are required to understand PEPFAR data and translate into communication materials for headquarter or official, and public consumption, and to formulate budget for communications through Excel. 

Skills sufficient for presenting ideas in written materials in new ways that will increase understanding among Kenyan and American audiences with varying levels of comprehension of PEPFAR Kenya programs and policies, or opposition or indifference to PEPFAR Kenya’s program objectives.

• Expert level proficiency is required in oral and written communications skills.
• The incumbent must also have strong writing, editing and proofreading skills, including the ability to evaluate and edit content, structure and format of a wide range of written materials.
• Incumbent is also required to have advanced computer skills and the ability to use office software packages, including word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheets.
• The position requires well-developed oral communication skills for effective communication of information regarding methodologies and procedures for implementing best practices in program activities.
• The position also requires demonstrated skill working with graphic design and editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Publisher and infographic development software such as smartdraw or Tableau.
• The ability to use independent judgment in managing and imparting information which often includes sensitive materials is required.
• Ability to lead project teams and workgroups and to develop effective working relationships with national and international working partners is required.
• The incumbent will be expected to exercise considerable ingenuity, tact and diplomacy in applying guidelines to unique and different settings, as the work is highly complex and of importance to high-level stakeholders.
• Influencing and persuading skills are needed in generating interest in global health programs and activities on the part of media representatives.
• Demonstration of care and compassion in oral communications is also required when communicating sensitive social and cultural issues associated with the prevention, care and treatment of individuals with infectious diseases.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. 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.

Interested applicants to click the link to apply before 31st March 2023.

https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/ken/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms