Communications Specialist; FP-3; FSN-12 in Uganda at CDC

CLOSING DATE: June 30, 2011

POSITION TITLE: Communications Specialist; FP-3; FSN-12

POSITION LOCATION: CDC Entebbe

HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week

"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."

The Centers for Diseases Control is seeking an individual for the position of Communications Specialist.

Note: All applicants who are not family members of USG employees officially assigned to post and under Chief of Mission authority must be residing in country and have the required work and/or residency permits to be eligible for consideration.

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
Develop and implement a communication strategy that promotes information sharing and learning between CDC-Uganda and other local and international agencies and organizations, as well as the general public. The incumbent will be the official spokesperson and Public Relations representative for CDC-Uganda.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

1. Education Required: A Bachelor's degree in communications including degrees in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Affairs, Public Relations and Policy, Information Science, Political Science and Public Health Communication is required.

2. Work Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications- including but not limited to print/electronic media, publishing, public relations, web design and data base management, professional writing and editing in English is required.

3. Language Requirement: List both English and host country language(s) by level and specialisation with Level IV (fluent) in written and spoken English ability is required.

4. Knowledge: A keen knowledge of HIV-related issues is required. Understanding of Uganda’s political, media, economic, social and educational structure, institutions, and key figures in influential institutions is required. Must have knowledge of public policies and main issues within the planning and implementation of these initiatives.

5. Skills and Abilities: Must have excellent public relations, professional writing/editing and speaking skills in English. Must have proven communications and interpersonal skills as the work requires substantial contact and interaction with technical offices, Mission management, and U.S. Embassy and CDC-Atlanta staff. Computer literacy, with proficiency in applications such Microsoft Word, Power Point and Desk Top publishing software is required. The incumbent must have strong electronic design and editing skills for presentations, databases and web pages.

SELECTION PROCESS

When equally qualified, Eligible Family Members and U.S. Veterans will be given preference. Therefore, it is essential that all candidates address the required qualifications above in the application.

After an initial application screening, applicants will be invited to a testing process that may include a written examination and oral interviews. The selected candidate must pass pre-employment medical and security investigations before beginning work. The initial appointment period is one year, subject to renewal.

Normally, candidates for employment are hired at the first step of the designated pay grade. In some instances, candidates may be hired at a higher step when exceptional qualifications or previous governmental service and pay level so warrant. The Human Resources Officer will make the decision with the concurrence of the employing section.


ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and visa status in determining successful candidacy.

2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.

3. EFMs who currently hold an EFM appointment are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of that appointment.


HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for consideration of the application:

1. Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174); or

2. A 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

3. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the UAE (see Section 3A below for more information); plus

4. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim conditional U.S. Veterans preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application.

5. Any other documentation (e.g. essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

3A. If an applicant is submitting a resume or curriculum vitae, s/he must provide the following information equal to what is found on the UAE.

Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.

A. Position Title
B. Position Grade
C. Vacancy Announcement Number (if known)
D. Dates Available for Work
E. First, Middle, and Last Names as well as any other names used
F. Date and Place of Birth
G. Current Address, Day, Evening, and Cell Phone numbers
H. U.S. Citizenship Status (Yes or No) & status of Legal Permanent U.S. Resident (Yes or No; If yes, provide number)
I. U.S. Social Security Number and/or Identification Number
J. Eligibility to work in the country (Yes or No)
K. Special Accommodations the Mission needs to provide
L. If applying for position that includes driving a U.S. Government vehicle, Driver's License Class/Type
M. Days available to work
N. List any relatives or members of your household that work for the U.S. Government (include their Name, Relationship, Agency, Position, and Location)
O. U.S. Eligible Family Member and Veterans Hiring Preference
P. Education
Q. Licenses, Skills, Training, Membership, and Recognition
R. Language Skills
S. Work Experience
T. References.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO

1. By mail:
Human Resources Office
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
P. O. Box 7007, Kampala
Telephone: 0414-259-791/5

2. By Fax:
0414-341-863 - ATTENTION: HR

3. Or by e-mail:
KampalaHR@state.gov