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 cultural and outreach programs. . Works under the supervision of the Cultural Affairs Officer 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, arts and cultural institutions, sports commissions, youth organizations, the private sector, and civil society. These include ; Ministers, Commissioners and other high-level officials of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Youth, Sports, Federal Affairs and Foreign Affairs; plus influential individuals and institutions such as think tanks, syndicates, labor unions, professional associations, and civil society organizations. Keeps PAO and CAO informed of changes and trends in Ethiopia’s cultural, social, economic and political structures. Assists PAO and CAO in implementing the U.S. Mission’s Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) and builds relationships with arts and cultural institutions as well as civil society organizations in Ethiopia.
Plans and carries out public diplomacy programs designed to further ICS goals and to create a better understanding of U.S. foreign policy and American society and culture among the Ethiopian public. Examples of such programs are cultural and professional exchanges as well as outreach programs. These may include, but are not limited to the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, IIP and Mission Speakers, the American Film Showcase, American Music Abroad, Center Stage, Dance Motion USA, Sports Envoys as well as thematic portfolios covering Arts and Culture, Democracy, Economics, Environment, and Security.
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, cultural, professional, and/or volunteer activities with one year (inclusive) supervisory experience is required.
3. Language: List both English and host country language(s) by level and specialization. English 4/4. Amharic 5/5. Other indigenous language (e.g. Afan Oromo/Oromiffa) a plus. (English language proficiency will be tested).
4. Skills and Abilities: A thorough knowledge of Ethiopia’s political, economic, social, cultural and educational structure; institutions, political parties and cultural movements, historical development; and key figures in the arts and cultural fields. Ability to develop and maintain extensive high-level contacts in cultural, governmental 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 cultural and thematic portfolio programs, and to draft program materials and reports in English. Ability to offer guidance in identifying and developing cultural exchanges as well as cultural and thematic portfolio programs. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement initiatives to work effectively with cultural institutions and other bodies. 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 structures and institutions, political parties and cultural movements; historical developments; and key figures in the government, academia, religious communities, mass media, professions and military. Excellent knowledge of U.S. society, culture, education, social and political processes.