About the Role
The Public Engagement Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Public Diplomacy Officer – Established Opinion Leaders (PDO [EOL]). The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The PEA coordinates Mission Public Diplomacy outreach to EOL audiences through Department of State exchange programs, including YALI, Fulbright, IVLP, and newly established initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Works with U.S.-Kenya exchange alumni to develop activities to engage strategic audiences through targeted programming, networking, and coalition-building.
- Designs, develops, identifies co-sponsors and funding sources, plans and oversees a range of outreach activities in support of Mission goals.
- Assists with recruitment and placement for Kenyan exchange program participants.
Job Knowledge & Qualifications
- Detailed knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and American interests as they apply to Kenya and especially to the EOL sector.
- General knowledge of USG and DOS structure, as well as PD Bureaus within the Department.
- Detailed understanding of the full range of PD tactics and tools designed to engage EOL audiences, and general knowledge of cross-cultural communications.
- Knowledge of Department standards for project management, including defining project objectives, outcomes, and assessment methods.
- Full understanding of PD-specific funding authorities and planning/reporting tools.
- Thorough understanding of the attitudes and preferences of the EOL audience sector in Kenya, including regional, ethnic, socio-economic, cultural, linguistic, religious, and educational factors.
- Knowledge of customer service and marketing tools designed to engage EOL audiences in Kenya, including trends in universities, creative economy, and private sector.
- Awareness of technical and regulatory requirements associated with public engagement activities in Kenya.
- Knowledge of primary influencers in popular culture, as well as Kenyan institutions, government structures, and policies.
- Knowledgeable of digital communication tools and practices trending with Kenyan audiences.
Education & Experience
- College or University studies (no specific field required).
- 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a multilingual, multicultural, multinational, government, or museum environment with marketing, public relations, communication, or education duties.
Language & Skills
- Language: Level IV (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing of English.
- Analytic Skills: Strong analytic skills to conceptualize experiential learning opportunities to attract EOL audiences; ability to advise senior leaders and evaluate activity impacts.
- Communication/Interpersonal: Excellent customer relations and cross-cultural communication skills; public speaking, interviewing, and report writing capabilities.
- Management Skills: Strong project management skills, including negotiating agreements and leading group activities.
- Technical Skills: Good keyboarding and data entry skills, proficiency in MS Word, Excel, social media, mobile platforms, podcasts, photo/video tools, and budget oversight.
- Availability: Must be available to travel throughout Kenya.
