Public Engagement Specialist (Press and Media) (open to all)

at  Embassy Brussels

Hiring Path:

• Open to the public

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:
For USEFM - FP is 04. Actual FP salary determined by Washington D.C.
All Interested Applicants / All Sources
!!! Post policy update: Inbound USEFM applicants DO NOT have to wait until they are within 90 days of arriving at post to apply. !!!
If the candidate meets all of the onboarding criteria they could start working effective February 2025.
Security Clearance Required:
Public Trust - Background Investigation
Appointment Type
Permanent
Appointment Type Details:
Indefinite subject to successful completion of initial one-year contract.
Marketing Statement:
We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.
Summary:
The work schedule for this position is Full Time (38 hours per week)
Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time (15 weeks) of receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.
If the candidate meets all of the onboarding criteria they could start effective February 2025.
Supervisory Position:
No
Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:
No

QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATIONS

Requirements:
EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a media outlet, think tank, university, NGO, international organization, embassy, government office or corporation is required, with responsibility for public relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, marketing, managing public relations, outreach events, press conferences, or other media interactions as significant parts of the job.
JOB KNOWLEDGE: Detailed knowledge of Belgian political, economic, social and cultural policies and trends is required. Detailed knowledge of U.S. foreign policy objectives and American interests in Belgium, especially as they apply to press and media professionals, outlets and online publications is required. Comprehensive understanding of Belgian press/media institutions and professional journalism standards and practices, as well as trends in audience preferences for information consumption (print, TV, radio, online) is required. Must have detailed understanding of communication trends in the region and internationally as they affect Belgian information landscape and must be familiar with influence patterns in information flow. Knowledge of marketing techniques, market analysis and audience analytics in Belgium.
Education Requirements:
A university degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, or related.
Evaluations:
LANGUAGE: Fluency in English, French and Dutch. This may be tested.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Analytic skills: Must be able to interpret Belgian policy, economic and social history and trends. 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 analytic skills to match specific U.S. foreign policy objectives with relevant Belgian 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. Must have the ability to advise senior PD/Mission leaders of opportunities to promote Mission objectives with key audience segments and identify creative approaches to address sensitive challenges. Must be able to perceive significant changes in the Belgian influence landscape, and to adjust press/media operations and products to maximize balanced coverage for priority audiences.
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. Must be able to communicate effectively in formal and informal situations on nuances of U.S. policy; must have excellent written and oral communication skills in order to speak publicly; write reports, press releases and other products; engage in on-line fora; and contribute to publications in English, Dutch and French. Must be able to tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations. Must be able to brief senior U.S. officers and high-level visitors on a variety of issues and interpret between English, Dutch and French for written materials, press events, and programs.
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. Must be able to negotiate agreements with partner institutions and manage their fulfillment.
Technical skills: Excellent keyboarding and data entry skills are required; excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, in particular the Internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures are required. Thorough, detailed knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases, as well as PD-specific software, databases, and reporting tools is required. Knowledge of PD-specific funding authorities is required. Detailed knowledge of and ability to use digital platforms, tools and products are required. Must have good numerical skills to develop budget projections and press and media analytics, and to manage project budgets. Must have detailed knowledge of TV and radio production skills. Ability to use social media and mobile platforms and photo editing software, photo and video sharing sites is required.
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.
Qualifications:
All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications. All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) certification.

The Press and Media Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Deputy Public Affairs Officer (or PAO designee). Oversees press and media operations for the Mission, promoting understanding of and support for U.S. policy. Serves as chief advisor to the Mission on policy advocacy through media engagement. Identifies long-term trends and emerging policy-relevant issues and advises Mission leadership on strategies for promoting accurate, balanced Belgian press and media coverage of U.S. foreign policy and American interests; correcting misinformation; and countering disinformation. Monitors, analyzes and reports on Belgian press and media coverage of issues of importance to the U.S. Builds productive relationships with press and media professionals, including media owners, editors, producers, and journalists. Develops and coordinates media tours and exchange programs.