Public Affairs Specialist

Full Job Description

This is a TEMPORARY, INTERMITTENT position located in Office of the Executive Director, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

The incumbent serves as a Public Affairs Officer responsible for providing expertise in public diplomacy in Washington and at overseas posts, communicating with and through a variety of media to promote U.S.

interests abroad. This announcement is for up to 2 vacancies.

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience advising senior U.S.

Government leaders (e.g., Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission, or equivalent) on public diplomacy, public affairs, or strategic communications in an overseas or international affairs environment.

Experience leading the planning, coordination, and evaluation of public diplomacy, strategic communications, or outreach and engagement strategies supporting U.S.

priorities overseas, including in complex or sensitive cross-cultural environments.

Experience analyzing foreign political, social, or media environments and producing written products that inform senior-level U.S. foreign policy decision-making.

Experience creating and coordinating communications materials and high-visibility public engagements in an international setting, ensuring accurate, timely messaging aligned with U.S.

Government priorities. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position.

To be considered well-qualified, in addition to meeting minimum qualifications, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all of the major aspects of the position. Major Duties:

• Advises Chief of Mission by assessing the impact of U.S. interests of developments in the host country, evaluating the impact of U.S. policies and programs on public opinion with host country, and suggesting tactics to attain U.S. objectives.
• Supports the Public Affairs Section at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate by advising on planning and monitoring day-to-day work to meet objectives.
• Analyzes information, writing, and special reports and interprets developments of interest to the U.S. Government to ensure the Public Diplomacy section is fully prepared with messaging information.
• Formulates and coordinates implementation of the Bureau's press and outreach plans to explain initiatives and issues to the American people through media outlets, civic groups, and academic and public interest fora.
• Produces written information, brochures, and media materials relating to U.S. policy and goals. Plans, organizes, and arranges the interviews, roundtables, etc.