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Information Specialist - Russian-Language Media


U.S. Mission to the EU - Brussels Media Hub

Brussels, Belgium

Basic Function of Position:

The Russian-language media specialist supports the Department of State’s broader efforts to communicate authoritative, accurate, and timely U.S. policy information to Russian-language media throughout Europe and Central Asia. This position develops and maintains long-term knowledge of Russian-language media and contacts. Using those contacts and relying on his/her in-depth knowledge of the media landscape, he/she advises the U.S.-European Media Hub, U.S. Embassies and Consulates, and senior officials in Washington on strategies, programs, and tools for conveying U.S. foreign policy messages to Russophone media. He/she facilitates media engagement with Russian-language media outlets for the Department’s Russian-language spokesperson and other senior officials. He/she oversees the development of content for the Department’s Russian-language social media platforms, developing strategies for digital engagement in Russian. He/she monitors, analyzes, and identifies trends in Russian-language media and tracks Russian government narratives in European media coverage.

Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree in journalism, political science, international relations, or public affairs.
Experience: Minimum five years’ experience in professional positions dealing with Russian-language media, regional political and economic issues, or other foreign affairs-related fields.
Language Skills: Level IV (fluency) in English and Russian.
Job Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of economic, political, and social institutions of the Russian-speaking world. Must be an expert in the Russian-language media markets and have extensive familiarity with media issues in Russophone countries. Ability to develop high-level contacts in Russian-language media outlets around the world.
Skills and Abilities: Recognized expertise in media relations and the ability to develop and nurture effective contacts at all levels; interpersonal skills to work with a range of contacts, both in Russophone media and within the U.S. government; ability to explain and promote U.S. foreign policies in an appropriate manner and advise senior U.S. Government officials on the best approaches for explaining U.S. policy to Russian-speaking audiences; ability to analyze and interpret media and public opinion in order to advise on the most effective way to communicate with Russophone audiences; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to interpret and explain political, social, cultural, and economic issues of importance to European and Central Asian populations; expertise in effective social media practices; operational proficiency with digital platforms.

Selection Process

Qualified U.S. citizen Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) and U.S. Veterans receive preference in hiring. Therefore, it is essential that the candidates address the required qualifications above in the application.

How to Apply

Interested applicants for this position must submit the following:
PREFERRED OPTION:
Form DS-174 – Universal Application for Employment (UAE) as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member - can be downloaded from the website; or
TO BE USED ONLY IF FORM DS-174 IS NOT ACCESSIBLE
A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) with the dates of employment (month/year of start and end dates), work schedule (including average hours per week for part-time or intermittent work), and detailed descriptions of duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments for each prior position; or combination of both; i.e. Sections 1 -24 of the UAE along with a listing of the applicant’s work experience attached as a separate sheet; or
A combination of both; i.e. Sections 1 -24 of the Form DS-174 along with a current resume or CV;
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU MAY BE ASKED TO COMPLETE THE DS-174 AT ANY STAGE DURING THE HIRING PROCESS
PLUS
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.
Family members may apply for vacant positions 90 days prior to their arrival at post (counting from the closing date of the vacancy) provided that they are in possession of travel orders. A copy of the travel orders must be included in the application package.
Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

Submit Application to

CLOSING DATE OF THIS POSITION: MAY 31, 2016.
The three U.S. Missions in Belgium provide 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 (EEO) 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.