The U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana is seeking an individual for the position of CULTURAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (EXCHANGES) in the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy.

Position Number: A00108

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

•   Under the supervision of the Cultural Affairs Officer (CAO), the incumbent administers academic exchange programs including those exchanges under the auspices of the Fulbright and Humphrey Fellowship programs; assumes total responsibility for managing the day-to-day aspects of all educational exchanges; develops personal contacts and maintains liaison at the mid-to upper-level of the host country ministries of education, universities and other scientific and educational institutions. Based on these contacts, incumbent prepares suggested guest lists for programs and representational functions and advises the CAO on host country educational trends and issues.

•   Incumbent helps recruit and identify applicants based on Mission objectives, specific program descriptions and knowledge of host country institutions; handles all logistics for academic program selection panels, and participates in all applicant interviews. Incumbent coordinates with selected participants from application process through the completion of the program and provides all required logistical and programmatic support including reviewing applications and drafting selection panel comments/reports, compiling orientation and program support materials and conducting pre-departure and returnee briefings. Coordinates with appropriate Consular Officers on visa applications and interview processes. Visits key host country Universities and other institutions, and maintains contacts with mid-and high-level officials to facilitate coordination in the administration of the exchange program.

•   Incumbent ensures that all academic exchange programs are administered according to determined regulations and budgets. Maintains files on American and Ghanaian academic exchange programs and participants to help with statistical record-keeping, exchange program administration and representational planning. Prepares reports/evaluations on academic exchange programs as required by the Department and academic exchange implementing partners.

•   Incumbent keeps abreast of host country educational issues, and advises on trends and programming opportunities; maintains background files of information on relevant academic exchange programs and Ghanaian institutions; and performs other duties in the Cultural Affairs Section as needed.

Qualification Required & Experience

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

•   A university degree in education, Liberal Arts and/or a closely related field that includes specialized training in student exchanges or programming is required.
•   Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in managing either academic exchanges or working in higher education administration is required.
•   Level IV (Fluent) in English is required. High degree of proficiency in both the written and spoken language, including the ability to translate. Level IV fluency in one or more Ghanaian languages is required in order to conduct daily interactions with contacts outside the Embassy. On occasion, the job holder may need to act as an interpreter. Language proficiency will be tested.
•   Must have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; have extensive knowledge of both Ghanaian and American higher education institutions and educational systems; as well as both Ghanaian and American social customs, traditions and educational systems.
•   Must be able to draft correspondence and other documents for Cultural Affairs Officer (CAO). Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Salary: GH¢42, 824 p.a. (Starting salary)

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

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

1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) as a locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174): or
2. A combination of both: i.e. Section 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 US Veteran 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.
6. A telephone number, post office box and/or e-mail address where we can contact you to schedule an interview.
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. Copied at: ghanacurrentjobs.com

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, & 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 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, Location)
O. U.S. Eligible Family Member and Veterans Hiring Preference
P. Education
Q. License, Skills, Training, Membership, & Recognition
R. Language Skills
S. Work Experience
T. References

NOTE:

1. All applications must have the Position Number and Position Title identified.
2. All “Hard Copy”/printed applications must be submitted to the Mail Room at the
Chancery. Hard Copy Applications submitted through any other office will not be accepted. You may apply on-line using the email address.:-

AccraHRO@state.gov

This is the preferred means of applying for a position with the American Embassy.

3. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE FOR AN OPEN/ADVERTIZED POSITION. APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED FOR A JOB WILL NOT BE HELD/CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE JOBS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, YOU MUST RE-APPLY.  

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Human Resources Office
Through the Mailroom, Chancery
American Embassy, Accra
P.O. Box GP194, Accra

POINT OF CONTACT:

Telephone: 0302-741000
Fax: 0302-741389
E-mail: AccraHRO@state.gov

Closing Date: 26 May, 2015

NOTE: ALL U.S. AND NON-GHANAIAN CITIZENS, WHO ARE NOT FAMILY MEMBERS OF USG EMPLOYEES OFFICIALLY ASSIGNED TO POST AND UNDER CHIEF OF MISSION AUTHORITY, MUST ATTACH COPIES OF THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. NO RELOCATION EXPENSES ARE PROVIDED TO THE JOB LOCATION: ACCRA, GHANA. IF TRANSPORTATION TO ACCRA IS REQUIRED, IT WILL BE THE EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSIBILITY.