INFORMATION SPECIALIST – U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy, in Gaborone is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the following positions:

INFORMATION SPECIALIST; FSN-10; Gaborone-2022-026 (P428,441 Starting salary per year + benefits) based in Gaborone.

Duties: The Information Specialist will develop and implement a comprehensive communications and media relations program for the PEPFAR Botswana program to promote public understanding of USSG 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 USG audiences, and the general public.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Education: Master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field is required.

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: Five years of experience working in a communications or public affairs environment is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Must have an in-depth understanding of overall communications principles, guidelines and procedures related to the management of public relations is required. Working knowledge of 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 Botswana’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.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: Level IV English (Fluency, reading/speaking/writing) is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are required, to include ability to clearly and concisely write a full range of informational and promotional materials (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 in order to coordinate with USG colleagues, partners, and host government representatives to ensure mutual cooperation. The ability to assess problems and develop realistic solutions is required. Ability to quickly and carefully translate technical legal language 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.

 

Applicants must address each required qualification listed with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.

TO APPLY: The HR Office uses

https://bw.usembassy.gov/ to advertise its positions. This site has a list of U.S. Embassy’s vacant positions and instructions to log on and apply. Candidates interested in applying for these positions must apply via the https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/bwa/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms site and follow the application instructions to submit an application.

For best results the HR Office recommends the use of the internet web browser Google Chrome.

N.B. CANDIDATES NOT INVITED FOR INTERVIEWS, WILL NOT RECEIVE REJECTION LETTERS. ANY CANDIDATE NOT CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WITHIN ONE MONTH OF THE CLOSING DATE SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.

Closing date: November 16, 2022