Regional English Language Programs Specialist

Duties

• The Regional English Language Programs Specialist is the leading Locally Employed LE Staff strategist/advisor on the use of English language programs for Public Diplomacy PD engagement by the 13 embassies and consulates in the Regional English Language Office RELO's area of responsibility. Designs PD strategies to leverage English language programs to reach Mission priority audiences in both the Emerging Voices EV and Emerging Opinion Leaders EOL audience segments. Guides the development, implementation, and assessment of in-person and virtual English language teaching and learning projects and activities that advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. Networks with national, provincial, and local education officials, NGO staff, university administrators and faculty, and other relevant host-country contacts to advance Mission priorities related to English language training and acquisition. Travels throughout South Africa and the broader region to expand outreach and build and maintain contacts in the field.

Qualifications and Evaluations Requirements: All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a:

Public Trust security clearance.

• All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.
• Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time 12 weeks upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements

• A Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second/Other Language, Applied Linguistics, English Education, Educational Leadership, or Educational Administration is required.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

Evaluations

• You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement.
• You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• You must complete the application form and provide the required documents. Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed. If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

Qualifications: Experience:

• This position requires at least four 4 years of progressively responsible experience in a multilingual, multicultural, multinational, academic, or governmental work environment, with communications, project management, or education duties as a significant part of the job.
• At least one 1 year of supervisory experience is required.

Language

• English - Fluent; speaking/reading/writing. may include the ability to translate. this may be tested
• Any other official language of South Africa - Fluent; speaking/reading/writing. may include the ability to translate. this may be tested

Job Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the fields of Teaching English as a Second/Other Language TESOL and Applied Linguistics, including current methodological approaches and key sub-fields e.g., English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes, Language Planning and Policy.
• Broad understanding of regional socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, political, and historical factors and the influence of religious, cultural, and educational institutions in shaping Southern Africa public perceptions of the United States.
• General understanding of U.S. historical, political, economic, social, and cultural forces that shape U.S. foreign policy.
• Must have knowledge of project management, including defining project objectives, outcomes, and assessment methods.

Skills And Abilities

• Analytic Skills: Must have strong analytic skills and the ability to conceptualize how best to use English language programs and activities to move host-country attitudes in positive ways. Must be able to advise senior PD and Mission leaders of opportunities to promote Mission objectives; identify, analyze, predict, and continually assess audience attitudes; and evaluate the impact of projects and modify approaches for the greatest outcomes. Must be able to perceive the emergence of new influencers and adjust operations and programming accordingly.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Must have excellent customer relations, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communication skills and be able to identify and engage key figures critical to shaping local public opinion. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, interviewing for evaluation purposes, writing reports, and contributing materials for publication in both English and at least one of South Africa's other official languages. Must be able to tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations and different ethnic, religious, and linguistic cultures. Must be able to brief U.S. officers and visitors on a variety of issues and interpret informally between English and local languages for public programs.
• Management Skills: Strong management skills are required, including the ability to develop and oversee project budgets and to organize, run, and present professional and cultural projects such as workshops, seminars, digital video conferences, panel discussions, lectures, and professional and academic programs. Must be able to negotiate agreements with partner institutions and manage their fulfillment.
• Technical Skills: Good keyboarding and data entry skills and excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, in particular the Internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures are required. Thorough, detailed knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides is required. Detailed knowledge of and the ability to use social media and mobile platforms and basic photo and video skills are required. Must have good numerical skills to be able to develop and manage project and grant budgets; must be able to develop descriptive statistical analyses of target audience segments and the impact of PD English language program activities and initiatives.

Deadline:3rd September,2026