Duties

Summary

This position is located at the Voice of America's Horn of Africa Service. Incumbent conceives, writes, translates (English to Amharic targeted to Ethiopia and Eritrea), edits and produces multimedia stories for radio, TV and digital platforms and promotes content on social media (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube). Incumbent must have a proven track record as a journalist with experience writing/adapting stories that are unique, comprehensive and have global or original appeal.
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Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Researches, writes and produces original material including scripts, segments, news reports and interviews for on-air programs and digital distribution.

Incorporates production elements into reports as appropriate, such as visual and audio elements, music, maps, graphics, bulleted highlights and web-related material.

Incorporates Skype sessions, as well as potentially collecting messages from mobile phones, texts, emails or other social media.

Reports on special events in Washington and travels as needed to other locations in the United States and beyond to cover important events.

Prepares/presents news/feature materials in studio or on location for radio/TV/Facebook Live, and other digital platforms.

Works productively and harmoniously as part of a team.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
12

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants MUST be a Non-US citizen.
• Country of citizenship MUST be indicated on CV/resume.
• Candidate may be required to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Suitability Determination: If selected, you will be subject to a security investigation to establish your suitability for federal employment. The security investigation will include, among other aspects, a review of your credit and legal history.
• Candidates MUST complete online questionnaire.
• This is a sensitive or national security position.
• If selected, this position requires the completion of the SF-86.
• THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY A UNION AGREEMENT
• This vacancy is being advertised under Excepted Service (NC) procedures and is open to all Non-US citizens.
• Your application to this NC vacancy announcement will only allow consideration for this announcement. We cannot electronically or manually move your application to the corresponding DE announcement.
• US citizen applicants MUST apply to announcement DE-10590722-19-LM.

Qualifications

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level which is directly related to this line of work AND fluency in the English and Amharic languages.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Applicant's fluency in the Amharic language must demonstrate the following: (1) Knowledge of journalism, news production and reporting for a major international or national news organization; (2) Experience as an on-air talent with proficiency with social media, delivery techniques and style; and (3) Knowledge of how news is presented on competing websites and other digital media.

Education

Applicants cannot substitute education for experience.

Additional information

If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your Personnel Command which states that date you entered active duty, the date you are separating, and the campaign medals you have received.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment with this agency.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once your resume or application is submitted, a review of your qualifications will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements and competencies required for this position.

Competencies:

• Journalism
• Language Profiency-TA
• Production
• Social Media
• Teamwork
• Web Technology

Possession of competencies may be address in a cover letter and/or resume. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):

• Resume

Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants.

• Cover letter
• DD 214 (Member copy 4)
• Other Veterans Documentation, (SF-15, VA Letter, Statement of Service)
• Transcripts

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD 214 (Member copy 4) or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an Application of 10-point veterans' preference (SF-15) plus the proof required by that form. If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your Personnel Command which states the date you entered active duty, the date you are separating, and the campaign medals you have received.

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you cannot complete the application package online, please contact the Human Resources Office.