Information Specialist

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:
Using highly developed expertise in all facets of media and communications, the incumbent serves as the Senior Locally Employed Staff advisor and assistant to the Ambassador, Public Affairs Officer and the Country Team in planning, scheduling and administering a country-wide public affairs strategy and program of broad scope and complexity. Under the general guidance of the PAO and Assistant Public Affairs Officer the incumbent establishes, maintains and utilizes relationships with the Swedish and international media and government offices. Incumbent advises Embassy officers on media developments, alerting officers to breaking news, advises of patterns of reporting and commentary, and identifies new contacts in all sectors of the media.
Organizes press conferences and interviews for Embassy staff and visitors, both U.S. Government employees and non-official Americans. Drafts press releases, media announcements, prepares materials for posting on the Embassy website. Monitors Swedish media, including websites, for information relevant to Embassy goals, also reviews Swedish media for placements of Embassy information. Assists Swedish journalists visiting the U.S. with issues of logistics and substance. Travels within Sweden to organize media events for Ambassador, Embassy staff and visitors.
Please see homepage for a detailed summary of duties: http://www.usemb/vacancy

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

- University degree required. Specialized training in media or equivalent work experience required.
- Four to six years of progressively responsible media experience required. Supervisory experience desirable.
- Post Entry Training
- Initial training provided through visit to/contact with Information Specialists at U.S. Embassies in neighboring countries.
- U.S. travel and training subsequently provided through the Foreign Service Institute.
- Level 5 written and spoken Swedish and English required.
- Thorough knowledge of Swedish media, political, economic, social and educational structure. Knowledge of key figures within media, government, professions.
-Ability to develop and maintain high level contacts within the media. Ability to identify new working level contacts. Ability to identify, analyze and inform PAO/APAO of trends in the media. - Ability to write or select material for media distribution. Ability to research, plan and execute public affairs outreach. Intermediate computer skills, ability to use digital video equipment.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
- This position is available to Swedish nationals or permanent legal residents as well as to American citizens with permanent residence permits in Sweden, under the terms of the Rockefeller amendment authorizing Embassies to hire Americans abroad for FSN positions, and Embassy American Family Members.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Applicants are selected for appointment on the basis of education, experience, and suitability for the position to be filled.
-The selected applicant is subject to medical clearance and limited security investigation and clearance.