Serves as one of two locally employed staff members responsible for the successful design and implementation of Cultural Affairs activities at the U.S. Mission to Ethiopia, specifically in education and academic exchange programs. Works under the supervision of the Cultural Affairs Officer as a member of the Cultural Affairs team, and manages two to three LES (Cultural Affairs Assistants and Cultural Affairs Clerks).
Establishes and maintains high-level professional contacts within relevant Ethiopian government agencies, academia, education, civil society, and the private sector. These include senior officials of Ethiopian private and public universities Ministers, Commissioners and other high-level officials of the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs; plus influential individuals and institutions such as think tanks, syndicates, professional associations, and civil society organizations. Keeps PAO and CAO informed of changes and trends in Ethiopia’s educational, social, economic and political structures. Assists PAO and CAO in implementing Post’s Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) and Higher Education Strategy, and builds relationships with secondary and tertiary educational institutions in Ethiopia.
Plans and carries out public diplomacy programs designed to further the U.S. Mission’s Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) Goals and to create a better understanding of U.S. foreign policy among the Ethiopian public. Examples of such programs are Academic Exchanges, Educational and outreach programming and English Language programs. These may include, but are not limited to Fulbright Scholars and Student Scholars, Fulbright Specialists, Humphrey Fellows, English Language Fellow, IIP and Mission Speakers, and other opportunities, tools and platforms (e.g. Education USA, grants, conferences, university linkages, DVC, etc.).
A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities is available in the Human Resources Office. Contact (251-11-130-60-00, Ext. 6383)
1. Education: MSc./MA degree in Social Science, Education, Business, or Liberal Arts is required.
2. Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in educational and/or cultural activities is required.
3. Language: List both English and host country language(s) by level and specialization. English 4/4. Amharic 5/5. (English language proficiency will be tested).
4. Skills and Abilities: Ability to develop and maintain extensive high level contacts in governmental, educational, and professional circles. Ability to explain ICS and PAS priorities and to persuade Ethiopian government officials and influential members of society to support PAS programming priorities and deconflict when necessary. Ability to plan, arrange and execute Post’s educational and thematic programs, and to draft program materials and reports in English. Ability to offer guidance in identifying and developing education-related programs. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement initiatives to work effectively with secondary and tertiary educational institutions. Ability to advance key ICS goals effectively. Ability to supervise and manage junior staff, and to coordinate work activities with peers and American officers.
5. Knowledge: A thorough knowledge of Ethiopia’s political, economic, social and educational structure; institutions, political parties and cultural movements, historical development; and key figures in the mass media, professions and military. Excellent knowledge of Ethiopia’s communities, its institutions, history, and traditions. Excellent knowledge of U.S. society, art, culture, education, and social and political process;