Public Engagement Assistant (USEFMs)

EXPERIENCE: Four years of experience is required in a media outlet, international organization, government or the private sector. Must have experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or public affairs.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of international defense, political, and economic policies and trends as well as an understanding of U.S. foreign policy objectives and American interests in NATO’s sphere of influence, especially as they apply to press and media professionals, outlets and online publications is desired. Understanding of international press/media institutions and professional journalism standards and practices, as well as trends in audience preferences for information consumption (print, TV, radio, online) is also important.

University degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, History, Economics, or related major is required.

LANGUAGE: Fluency in English. This may be tested.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Analytic skills: 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 NATO audience attitudes, perceptions, and stereotypes, and the ability to conceptualize how best to use the full range of PD communication and program tools to move those attitudes in positive ways.

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.

Management skills: Strong event and 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission 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.

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in Brussels may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.

The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:
1. AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. AEFM / USEFM
3. FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **

• 
  IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability dated within the past six months, equivalent documentation, or certification. A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.

** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.

For more information (i.e., what is an EFM, USEFM, AEFM, MOH, etc.?) and for additional employment considerations, please visit the following link.

All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Secret clearance.

To apply for this position click the “Submit Application” button. For more information on how to apply visit the Mission internet site.

To qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide requested information, or the information is insufficient to verify eligibility, may result in disqualification for this position.

Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.

For further information - the complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Office.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission in Brussels.