To Department of Labor staff, 10 April 2006.

As you may know, in previous years some DOL staff volunteered and were deployed to Iraq to help rebuild the country's government and infrastructure. The Department is again looking for volunteers to assist with the Iraq reconstruction efforts, which are so vital to building stability and democracy in that country.

Specifically, the Department of Labor has been asked to provide detailees for two positions at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The first position requires labor law experience and a background in pension and labor law reform and government employment restructuring. This position is a one-year assignment in the embassy in Baghdad.

The other position requires public affairs experience and this person would work as part of a team assisting journalists covering the Iraq reconstruction. This position is typically a three-month assignment in the embassy in Baghdad.

Individuals volunteering for service at the U.S. Embassy would continue to be employees of the Department of Labor during their service and would retain all current pay and benefits. Additional compensation may also be authorized. Assignments would probably begin this Spring or early Summer, but dates certain have not yet been set.

Full text of the post is found online.

To Department of Commerce staff, 7 April 2006

Public Affairs - Global Outreach (GO) Team

Commerce Employee detailed to Department of State's Iraq Reconstruction Management Office

Report to U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer

Open to Commerce Permanent Career and Political Public Affairs Professionals

Multiple positions available - 3 to 12 month assignments

Language: not required

Position Description: GO Team members generally will serve in Iraq on a three-month rotational basis; some members may be detailed or assigned to Baghdad for a full year. Supervises all media aspects of news conferences, press events, media day trips and media interaction with all high level U.S. visitors including Congressional Delegations. Coordinates media day trips highlighting reconstruction projects and progress in governance at the provincial level. Works with Iraqi Government officials at the local level to develop, plan and implement media events showcasing progress in various regions of Iraq. Develops relationships with American press corps, International press, Regional Arabic press, US and Coalition Military Forces, and the Iraqi press to help facilitate media coverage of events throughout Iraq.

GO Teams will consist of 8-12 persons whose focus is building a sustained capability to facilitate media coverage throughout Iraq, building upon the success of three previous iterations of Public Diplomacy "Surge Teams." Go Teams will supplement US Embassy Baghdad's Public Affairs Office, work in conjunction with MNF-I public affairs officers, and support public affairs outreach activities of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and Regional Embassy Offices (REOs) located outside of Baghdad.

Full text of the post is found online.

To Department of Energy staff, 7 April 2006.

In response to the President's directive to provide support for the reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Iraq, the Secretary of State has requested that DOE assist in finding a qualified Petroleum Industry Expert and Public Affairs Specialists willing to work at the U.S. embassy in Iraq. The job descriptions are below.

The Petroleum Industry Expert will assist the Ministry of Oil to help strengthen management and transparency, including monitoring contracting activities. The candidate should possess a strong background in the petroleum sector, from production to marketing. This detail will be for 1 year.

The Public Affairs - Global Outreach Team Member positions (8-12) are open to all Government public affairs professionals. Selectees will generally serve on a 3-month rotational basis, although some members may be detailed or assigned to Baghdad for a full year. (Candidates should identify what duration they are interested in, subject to their manager's approval.) These positions supervise all media aspects of news conferences, press events, media day trips, and media interaction with all high level US visitors; work with Iraqi Government officials at the local level to develop, plan, and implement media events showcasing progress in various regions in Iraq; and develop relationships with the American press corps, International press, Regional Arabic press, US and Coalition Military Forces, and Iraqi press to help facilitate media coverage of events throughout Iraq.

The positions are duty stationed in Baghdad, Iraq. Both offices and living quarters are in the International (Green) Zone, secured by U.S. military personnel and Department of State Diplomatic Security, although there is apt to be travel outside the International Zone under the protection of security forces.

Interested Federal employees must obtain concurrence from their Resource Manager in Headquarters or head of their field element. DOE Federal employees will be on a non-reimbursable detail to the State Department.

These vacancy announcements will remain open until filled. The hiring/deployment process is quite lengthy and includes attendance at a 7-day class on security and cultural issues in Arlington, VA prior to departing the U.S. and a medical clearance.

Full text of the post is found online.