US Embassy CDC Careers – Communication Specialist

Job
Title:      Communication Specialist
Organisation: United
States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda
Duty
Station:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kampala, Uganda
Salary
Grade:
FSN-12 (Ugshs 157,986,824 to 232,040,958 p.a. inclusive of
allowances).
Vacancy
Announcement Number:
110-15
About
US Embassy:
Welcome to
the United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda. 
The United States has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over
30 years.  Ambassador Scott H. DeLisi
currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. 
The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working
under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.
Among the
offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:
·        
United States Agency for International Development
(USAID)
·        
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
·        
Peace Corps
About
CDC:
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) is an international public health agency engaged in HIV
prevention and care programs and research activities in Uganda.  CDC offers excellent career opportunities for
professional growth, training, and collaboration with other health
professionals. The main CDC offices are located at the Uganda Virus Research
Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe. CDC is an agency of the United States Mission in
Uganda.
Job
Summary:
The Communication
Specialist will work closely with the Country Director and Deputy, serve as the
focal point for all public affairs, media relations, and strategic
communication activities for CDC-Uganda. The incumbent will act as the key liaison
for CDC-Uganda with Embassy Public Affairs Office and interagency public
affairs team. The job holder will offer technical support and assistance to
CDC-Uganda technical/programmatic teams as well as implementing partners. The
Communication Specialist will provide writer-editor support as needed for
high-level briefing documents, external communications with partners, remarks
for public events, and technical/programmatic documents.
Key
Duties and Responsibilities: 
·        
Work
closely with the Country Director, Deputy, and Technical Area Branch Chiefs,
develop and implement CDC-Uganda’s communication plan in alignment with CDC,
PEPFAR, and broader USG goals. Ensure that CDC-Uganda’s communication strategy
and activities advance the agency’s overarching goal of epidemic control while
also highlighting and promoting CDC’s unique contributions to the interagency
health diplomacy space. (20 %)
·        
Working
closely with CDC-Uganda leadership and technical teams and in accordance with
CDC and PEPFAR guidelines, design, develop, and supervise the production of
informational, educational, and promotional materials to ensure that all
communication materials used in-country are properly cleared, technically and
factually sound, and reflect current best practices and science. These
materials will focus primarily on CDC-Uganda’s HIV/AIDS portfolio but will also
include other activities and programs which make up CDC-Uganda’s portfolio. (20
%)
·        
Work
closely with the Embassy Public Affairs Office and in close coordination with
the Country Director and Deputy to draft and clear media releases as required
highlighting CDC and/or interagency health-focused activities. Triage and/or
respond to media inquiries directed to CDC-Uganda in accordance with both
Embassy media relations guidance and CDC/HHS requirements. Assist CDC-Uganda
leadership, technical staff, Embassy Public Affairs Officer, and/or partners in
preparation for media interviews ensuring that responses are technically sound
and communicate CDC-Uganda’s key messages. (20 %)
·        
Work
in liaison with CDC-Uganda leadership, develop and maintain a broad range of
appropriate-level external contacts within government of Uganda agencies,
CDC-Uganda implementing partners, institutions of higher learning, research
organizations, and other stakeholders working within the national HIV/AIDS
response and the health sector broadly in order to advance CDC’s work in Uganda
and ensure effective and impactful communication and interaction with these key
partners. Support these key contacts through strategic and health communication
technical assistance as needed (20 %)
·        
Work
closely with appropriate CDC headquarters contacts and represent CDC-Uganda on
both CGH and DGHT communicator working groups to ensure that CDC-Uganda’s work
is appropriately recognized, amplified, and promoted by headquarters
stakeholders and to remain current on CDC-wide global health initiatives,
communication strategies, and goals. Develop feature articles for CDC Connects
and CDC.gov as well as other communication channels. Responsible for monthly
Center for Global Health updates. Assist Management & Operations with staff
awards nominations. Support CDC technical staff during PEPFAR Annual
Performance Review to highlight CDC implementing partners’ success stories. (10
%)
·        
Provide
broad support to CDC-Uganda leadership in preparation for and implementation of
high-level site visits and delegations. In close coordination with CDC-Uganda technical/programmatic
staff and affected implementing partners, develop itineraries, arrange
appointments and prepare briefing materials, and accompany visitors as needed
and appropriate. (10 %)
Qualifications,
Skills and Experience:
NOTE:
All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with
specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.
·        
The ideal candidate for the US Embassy CDC Communication
Specialist should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Communication,
Journalism, or Public Health is required.
·        
At
least five years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of
communication, journalism or public health is required. Professional writing
and editing experience in English is required.
·        
Detailed
working knowledge of HIV-related policy and technical issues is required, along
with a demonstrated understanding of Uganda’s political, media, social and
educational structure, institutions, and key figures.
·        
Excellent
written and spoken English skills
·        
Proven
communication/interpersonal skills
·        
Computer
literacy skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Publisher
·        
Possess
demonstrated knowledge of existing and emerging social media outlets for
purposes of health communication and promotion.
·        
Language
Proficiency:
List
both English and host country language(s) by level and specialization. Fluency
in spoken and written English (Level IV) is required.
How
to Apply:
All those
interested in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their
applications and strictly adhere to the following:
·        
Universal Application for Employment as a Locally
Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174), Download it Here.
·        
Candidates who claim US Veterans preference must
provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.  Candidates who claim conditional US Veterans
preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional
preference in hiring with their application.
·        
Any other documentation (e.g. essays,
transcripts/certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements
of the position as listed above.
Submit
Application To:
Human
Resources Office
By email at
KampalaHR@state.gov
NB:
Only electronic submissions will be accepted and only shortlisted candidates
will be contacted.
Please
clearly indicate the position applied for in the subject area of the email
submission.
Please use
standard file types such as Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and
please send all documents in one file attachment.
Telephone:  0414-306001/259-791/5
Deadline:
4th January 2016
The US
Mission in Kampala 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.

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