Senior Communications Officer, FP-3*/FSN-12

OPEN TO:                 All Interested Applicants
POSITION:               Senior Communications Officer, FP-3*/FSN-12
OPENING DATE:      March 30, 2015
CLOSING DATE:      April 13, 2015
WORK HOURS:       Full Time (40 hours/week)
SALARY:                 *Not Ordinarily Resident: FP-3 (Starting salary to be determined by Washington)
Ordinarily Resident (OR): Starting Salary – 22,784 USD per year                      
(Position Grade:  FSN-12)
NOTE:   For ordinarily resident employees, salary will be paid in local    currency using the established exchange rate.
 
NOTE:  ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
 
NOTE: The U.S. Mission does not pay relocation costs or housing. 
 
The U.S. Mission Addis Ababa is seeking an individual for employment in country for the position of Senior Communications Officer in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office in Ethiopia. 
 
 
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
 
As the lead communications officer job holder develops and implements a comprehensive communications program for CDC-Ethiopia to promote public understanding of CDC programs and accomplishments.  Plans and coordinates the dissemination of information related to the organization's programs, objectives and functions through various media.
           
A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities is available in the Human Resources Office. Contact (251-11-130-60-00, Ext. 6383)
 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
 
NOTE:  All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.  Supporting documentations (e.g., letters of employment, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above should also be submitted.
 
 

1. Required Education: Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public health or public administration is required.
2. Required Experience: A minimum of 6 years of progressive professional level experience in the development and management of a communications program with some background in health is required.
3. Language Requirement: Level 4 (Fluency) Speaking/Reading/Writing English is required.  English Language proficiency will be tested.
4. Job Knowledge:  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 Ethiopia’s health programs. Demonstrated in-depth understanding of computerized writing and graphics programs such as Microsoft Publisher. Mastery of grammar, style,  layout, and ability to adapt style, manner of presentations, and format to the requirements of the audience.
5. 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. 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.  Ability to manage the public relations needs of an organization.  The ability to work effectively under the pressure of tight time frames and rigid deadlines is essential. Advanced skill to use software programs for internal presentations and outside the Mission is required.  Proficiency in MS Publisher and Front Page or similar desktop publishing and web-page design software is required.  Outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multicultural work environment is required. Advanced keyboard/data entry and IT software skill level is requires. Photography skills to capture the essence of program activities are also required.

 
When fully qualified, U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and U.S. Veterans are given preference.  Therefore, it is essential that the candidate specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.
 
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
 
 

1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
3. Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
4. Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
5. Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.
6. As a condition of employment the candidate must be granted a medical and security certification.

TO APPLY
 
Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for consideration of the application:
 

1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174); or
2. A combination of both; i.e. Sections 1-24 of the Universal Application for Employment along with a listing of the applicant’s work experience attached as a separate sheet; or
3. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the UAE; plus
4. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans’ preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.  Candidates who claim conditional U.S. Veterans’ preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application.
5. All Ordinarily Resident applicants must submit a copy of proof of their work and/or residency permits to be eligible for consideration.
6. Any other documentation (e.g., letters of employment; essays, certificates, awards; driving license; and copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

If an applicant is submitting a resume or curriculum vitae, s/he must provide the following information equal to what is found on the UAE.
Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.
 

1. Position Title
2. Position Grade
3. Vacancy Announcement Number (if known)
4. Dates Available for Work
5. First, Middle, & Last Names as well as any other names used
6. Date and Place of Birth
7. U.S. Citizenship Status (Yes or No) & status of permanent U.S. Resident (Yes 
          or No; if yes, provide number)
8. U.S. Social Security Number and/or Identification Number
9. Eligibility to work in the country (Yes or No)
10. Special Accommodations the Mission needs to provide
11. If applying for position that includes driving a U.S. Government vehicle, Driver’s License Class / Type
12. Days available to work
13. List any relatives or members of your household that work for the U.S.  Government (include their Name, Relationship, & Agency, Position, Location)
14. U.S. Eligible Family Member and Veterans Hiring Preference
15. Education
16. License, Skills, Training, Membership, & Recognition
17. Language Skills
18. Work Experience
19. References

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO U.S. Embassy Human Resources Office P.O. Box: 1014 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Preferred Method to submit applications is by e-mail.  Please e-Mail: HROaddisababa@state.gov

POINT OF CONTACT Human Resources Office Telephone: 251-11-130-60-00, Ext. 6383 E-Mail: HROaddisababa@state.gov FAX: 251-11-124-24-03

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: April 13, 2015

The U.S. Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 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.  The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

 
The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation.  Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.
 
 
                       

Appendix A
DEFINITIONS
 
 
1.  Eligible Family Member (EFM):  An individual related to a U.S. Government employee in one of the following ways:
 

• Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610);
• Child, who is unmarried and under 21 years of age or, regardless of age, is incapable of self-support.  The term shall include, in addition to natural offspring, stepchildren and adopted children and those under legal guardianship of the employee or the spouse when such children are expected to be under such legal guardianship until they reach 21 years of age and when dependent upon and normally residing with the guardian;
• Parent (including stepparents and legally adoptive parents) of the employee or of the spouse, when such parent is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support;
• Sister or brother (including stepsisters and stepbrothers, or adoptive sisters or brothers) of the employee, or of the spouse, when such sibling is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support, unmarried, and under 21 years of age, or regardless of age, incapable of self-support.

 
 
 
2.  U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM):  For purposes of receiving a preference in hiring for a qualified position, an EFM who meets the following criteria:
 
 

• U.S. Citizen; and,
• EFM (see above) at least 18 years old; and,
• Listed on the travel orders of a direct-hire Foreign, Civil, or uniformed service member assigned to or stationed abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and either:

 
 

1. Resides at the sponsoring employee's or uniformed service member's post of assignment abroad or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; or
2. Resides at an Involuntary Separate Maintenance Allowance (ISMA) location authorized under 3 FAM 3232.2.

 
3.  Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM):  EFM (see above) eligible for a Family Member Appointment for purposes of Mission employment: 
 

• Is a U.S. citizen; and

Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610) or a child of the sponsoring employee who is unmarried and at least 18 years old; and
Is listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report, of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad at a U.S. mission, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and who is under chief of mission authority; and
Is residing at the sponsoring employee's post of assignment abroad or, as appropriate, Office of the American Institute in Taiwan.
Does not receive a Foreign Service or Civil Service annuity.
 
4.  Member of Household (MOH):  An individual who accompanies a  direct-hire Foreign, Civil, or uniformed service member permanently assigned or stationed at a U.S. Foreign Service post or establishment abroad, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan.  An MOH is:
 
 

• Not an EFM; and,
• Not on the travel orders of the sponsoring employee; and,
• Has been officially declared by the sponsoring USG employee to the COM as part of his/her household.

 
A MOH is under COM authority and may include a parent, unmarried partner, other relative or adult child who falls outside the Department’s current legal and statutory definition of family member.  A MOH does not have to be a U.S. Citizen.
Members of Household are not covered under the Bilateral Work Agreement and therefore would need the appropriate authorization to work in country.  Please contact HR for further Clarification. 
 
 
5. Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR) – An individual who:
 
 

• Is not a citizen of the host country; and,
• Does not ordinarily reside (OR, see below) in the host country; and,
• Is not subject to host country employment and tax laws; and,
• Has a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).

 
NOR employees are compensated under a GS or FS salary schedule, not under the LCP.
 
6. Ordinarily Resident (OR) – A Foreign National or U.S. citizen who:
 
 

• Is locally resident; and,
• Has legal, permanent resident status within the host country; and,
• Is subject to host country employment and tax laws.

 
EFMs without U.S. Social Security Numbers are also OR.  All OR employees, including U.S. citizens, are compensated in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan (LCP).