Communications Advisor (U.S. Citizens only)
Develop, implement, and integrate communications strategies for CPS.
Overview
Develop, implement, and integrate communications strategies for CPS.
You have:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- A minimum of ten years of experience in communications.
- Knowledge of national security, international development, and foreign policy.
- Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills, creativity, and enthusiasm.
- Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (FSL-03) of this position.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Agency: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Organization: Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, Program Office (CPS/PO) Location of Position: Washington, DC Telework Eligibility: The position is telework eligible. Open Period: November 21, 2024 – December 4, 2024 Appointment Type: This is an excepted service, time-limited appointment, not to exceed three years. Salary: (USD) $126,164 – $183,500 annually with Washington, DC locality Number of Vacancies: One
Description of Organization: CPS is an investment in global peace and stability and U.S. national security. CPS partners with communities affected by, or vulnerable to, conflict to foster locally-owned solutions for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. From strengthening governance and citizen-centered service delivery, to empowering women’s participation in peace processes, to preventing mass atrocities, to stemming the spread of violent extremist ideologies, CPS aims to break the cycle of violence and invest in a peaceful and resilient future.
CPS/PO manages and facilitates Bureau-level planning, policy coordination, budgeting, communication, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, partnerships, and reporting. CPS/PO coordinates and leads Agency implementation and communication of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability; U.S. Strategy to Anticipate, Prevent, and Respond to Atrocities; and U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security.
Description of Position: The CPS Communications Advisor develops, integrates, and implements a broad range of public relations and internal communications activities to advance the strategic direction and positioning of CPS, its leadership, and its policies. The position reports to the CPS Program Office Deputy Director.
Duties of Position:
- Draft and implement a CPS communications plan for the Bureau’s messaging and outreach;
- Lead internal and external communications and reporting to CPS leadership and Offices;
- Liaise and partner with CPS' other Offices such as the Office of Transition Initiatives (CPS/OTI), the Center for Conflict and Violence Prevention (CPS/CVP), and the Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation (CPS/CMC) and their communications personnel to ensure the Bureau speaks in “one voice”;
- Convene the CPS Communicators Working Group, which includes communications staff from other CPS Offices, to develop internal processes for shared outreach products, common digital media efforts, and strategies and CPS communication campaigns;
- Work with CPS Offices to communicate the Bureau’s thought leadership and achievements to internal Agency and interagency audiences;
- Collaborate with the peacebuilding community of practice to advance public awareness and support for conflict prevention and peacebuilding policies and programs;
- Coordinate with the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) and the CPS Front Office for communication and outreach with Congress reflecting USAID and CPS policy and program objectives; and
- Coordinate and shape internal and external outreach to articulate and advocate for CPS’ mission, model, and accomplishments.
Qualifications:
- Must be a U.S. citizen;
- A minimum of ten years of experience in communications;
- Knowledge of national security, international development, and foreign policy;
- Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills, creativity, and enthusiasm;
- Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (FSL-03) of this position. Examples of specialized experience include demonstrated experience and leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic communications, public relations, and media management to advance organizational mission and goals; and
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- A resume/CV;
- A short written statement of interest;
- Samples of no more than three communications products (press release, success story, etc.) solely authored by the applicant, no more than 700 words each; and
- Three professional references.
Please submit your application package to cpsjobs@usaid.gov with the subject line: “FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: COMMS Advisor_CPS/PO.” Application submissions are required by 11:59 p.m. ET, December 4, 2024. Incomplete packages or packages not submitted by the deadline with the specified subject line will not receive consideration.
USAID Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commitment USAID envisions a world where all individuals are valued, have equitable access to opportunities, and are included, respected, and safe in their societies. USAID embraces diversity as outlined in USAID’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement. We seek to elevate and include the voices of the USAID workforce, recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of all stakeholders. USAID also strives to improve equity for underrepresented communities that have historically been denied fair and just treatment and improve accessibility in all facets at USAID.
Any questions concerning this notice may be directed to:
-- Ramata Diakite, CPS/AMS, (202) 712-4700, cpsjobs@usaid.gov
Notice 11170
Potential interview questions
| Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully implemented a communications plan? | This question seeks to assess your experience and strategy in communications. | Discuss a specific plan you implemented, what challenges you faced, and the outcome. |
| Describe a situation where you had to coordinate messaging between multiple departments. | The interviewer wants to know about your skills in collaboration and communication. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay informed about current trends in national security and communications? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies have you used to engage stakeholders in peacebuilding initiatives? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you describe a successful public relations campaign you've led? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |