BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION   

 

The Public Engagement (Press and Media) Assistant monitors local press and media coverage in three languages on issues relevant to the United States. The role identifies media and public opinion trends and advises Embassy leadership on strategies to promote accurate and balanced reporting on U.S. foreign policy and American interests.

 

The Assistant analyzes local and regional media, prepares daily summaries of coverage, and delivers regular oral and written briefings to Embassy staff. Responsibilities include drafting press releases, fact sheets, and background materials in English, Latvian, and Russian, as needed. In coordination with the Public Diplomacy (PD) team, the Assistant occasionally develops content for the Embassy’s digital platforms and online outreach.

 

Additionally, the role recommends and organizes initiatives to engage effectively with the media—whether in response to coverage or to proactively initiate dialogue on specific issues—and builds strong professional relationships with journalists and media representatives, both in person and online.

 

The position may also require providing interpretation and translation services in all three required languages. 

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS    

 

University degree in one of the following: Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, Economics.

 

A minimum of four years of work experience in a media outlet, think tank, university, NGO, international organization, foreign embassy, government office or corporation is required, with responsibility for public relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, marketing, managing public relations, outreach events, press conferences, and other media interactions as significant parts of the job.

 

Language requirements: Level 4 (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing is required in English, Latvian, and Russian. 

 

Analytic skills: The role requires the ability to assess, anticipate, and continually monitor the attitudes of press, media, and information audiences across diverse policy areas. Strong analytical skills are needed. The ability to spot changes in Latvia’s media and influence landscape and adapt press and media strategies to maintain balanced coverage for key audiences is essential.

 

Communication/Impersonal skills: Strong customer service, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communication skills are essential. The individual must be able to clearly and effectively explain nuances of U.S. policy in both formal and informal contexts, with excellent written and spoken abilities to do public speaking, prepare reports and press materials, engage in online discussions, and contribute to publications in English, Latvian, and Russian. The role requires adapting communication styles to suit different audiences and settings. It also involves providing clear, concise media briefings to the Embassy senior staff, and visitors, as well as interpreting between English, Latvian, and Russian during public programs.

 

Management skills: Strong organizational and event management skills are essential. The role requires the ability to plan and execute press conferences, interviews, workshops, and journalism training sessions—often on short notice or during urgent situations. The candidate must also be able to meet tight deadlines for daily press materials, media proposals, and related events.

 

Technical skills: Advanced proficiency in electronic research tools, including the Internet, and standard information retrieval methods is required. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is essential. The role also requires solid experience using digital platforms, tools, and products. Good numerical and statistical skills are needed for press and media analytics. Proficiency in social media and mobile platforms, along with basic photo editing software and photo/video sharing sites, is also required.

 

Availability: Must be available to travel throughout Latvia in support of Embassy press and media engagement activities. Flexibility to work outside regular business hours, as needed, is required.

 

Start date: The candidate must be able to start within four weeks of receiving authorization and required clearances, or the application may be closed.

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications. 

 

Agency Benefits: The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees.

Locally Employed Staff working at the U.S. Mission in Riga, receive a compensation package that includes health benefits (medical insurance is provided through a vendor, fully paid by the Mission, covering hospitalization, outpatient care, dental, vision, and more). LE Staff receive both Latvian and U.S. holidays as paid days off. 

The U.S. Embassy Riga offers a robust wellness program to support employee health and well-being. LE Staff may participate in on-site wellness activities—including use of the Embassy gym, exercise classes, walking or running on compound pathways, and more—during the workday, with supervisor approval and as work requirements permit. Additional amenities include outdoor seating areas, a community garden, and reservable meeting spaces for wellness activities. The program is flexible, voluntary, and designed to foster a healthy, productive work environment. Staff also have access to online wellness resources provided by the Department of State.

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.