U.S. Embassy and Consulate in South Africa Press and Media Specialist Jobs in South Africa

U.S. Embassy and Consulate in South Africa Press and Media Specialist Jobs in South Africa

Duties

The Press and Media Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Public Diplomacy Officer/Deputy Spokesperson (PDO/SPOX) or Public Affairs Officer (PAO) designee. Supervises a Press and Media Coordinator (National/Regional) and a Press and Media Coordinator (Community/Local) (grades and position numbers TBD).

Oversees press and media operations for Mission South Africa, promoting understanding of and support for U.S. policy. Serves as chief advisor to the Mission on policy advocacy through media engagement.

Identifies long-term trends and emerging policy-relevant issues and advises on strategies for promoting accurate, balanced South Africa press and media coverage of U.S. foreign policy and American interests; correcting misinformation; and countering disinformation. Monitors, analyzes, and reports on South African press and media coverage of issues of importance to the United States.

Builds productive relationships with press and media professionals, including media owners, editors, producers, journalists, media-related professional associations, and university journalism departments. Develops and coordinates media tours and journalist training and exchange programs.

Designs and oversees programs and projects to counter disinformation and promote media development, professionalism and literacy. Plans and implements U.S. speaker programs to promote and defend media freedom and counter malign influence.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Experience:

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a media outlet, think tank, university, NGO, international organization, embassy, government office, or communications, marketing, managing public relations, outreach events, press conference, or other media interactions as significant parts of the job.

At least one year of supervisory experience is required.

Education Requirements:

A university degree in Journalism, Communications International Relations, Political Science, Economics or local equivalent is required.

Evaluations:

Language:

Level 4 (fluent)Speaking/Reading/Writing English is required and Level 4 (fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing one additional South African official language is required. (This may be tested).

Skills and Abilities:

Analytical Skills

Must be able to interpret South African political, economic, and social history and trends.

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 strong analytical skills to match specific U.S. foreign policy objectives with relevant South African attitudes, perceptions, and stereotypes, and the ability to conceptualize how best to use the full range of PD communication and program tools to move attitudes in positive ways.

Must have the ability to advise senior PD/Mission leaders of opportunities to promote Mission objectives.

Must be able to perceive significant changes in the

South African 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 successfully.

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 reports, press releases, and other products; engage in online forums; and contribute to publications in English and local language. Must be able to tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations.

Must be able to brief senior U.S. officers and high-level visitors on a variety of issues and interpret informally between English and local language.

Management Skills:

Strong event management skills are required.

Must be able to organize and run events such as press conferences, speeches, interviews, workshops, and journalism training seminars, often on short notice or in emergencies.

Must be able to negotiate agreements with partner institutions and manage fulfillment.

Technical Skills:

Good keyboarding and data skills are required; good familiarity with electronic discovery tools.

Thorough, detailed knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft is required.

Detailed knowledge of and ability to use digital platforms, tools, and products are required.

Must have good numerical skills to develop budget projections and press and media analytics, and to manage projects budgets.

Must have detailed knowledge of TV and radio production skills and familiarity with podcase creation.

Ability to use social media and mobile platform, photo editing software, and video sharing sites is required.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word is required. (This may be tested)

Familiarity in Microsoft Excel is required. (This may be tested)

Must be available to work nights and weekends when called upon for special events or other Mission priorities.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; U.S. Embassy and Consulate in South Africa Press and Media Specialist Jobs in South Africa

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