Description
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY American Spaces are innovative in-person and virtual engagement platforms that welcome local residents to connect – with people, with ideas and with the United States through collaboration and self-discovery. With a particular focus on youth aged 13-25, American Spaces offer a variety of dynamic, creative programs that stimulate innovation and encourage critical thinking. There are 5 American Spaces in Kenya operated in partnership with local institutions in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Lamu. This grant announcement is for the American Center Nairobi, located on the U.S. Embassy compound in Nairobi. The American Center Nairobi supports U.S. public outreach in Kenya by creating a welcoming, technology-forward space that fosters open discussion and debate, builds cultural bridges to deepen communication on U.S. government foreign policy priority issues, provides opportunities for professional and personal skill-building, and sparks creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The recipient organization will be responsible for providing a full-time Program and Outreach Specialist for the American Center Nairobi, who will work in close cooperation with the Public Affairs Section at U.S. Embassy Nairobi (PAS Nairobi). Key program activities under this cooperative agreement include: 1) hiring and providing oversight for a local staff person with expertise in program design and implementation, and outreach; and 2.) completing an innovative, technology-forward program of activities each month; and 3.) providing timely, accurate reporting on program and outreach activities each month. Decisions on staffing and program priorities will be made in close consultation with PAS Nairobi. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION American Spaces worldwide provide welcoming environments where visitors can connect with and learn about the United States. Hosted in embassies, libraries, universities, and other partner institutions worldwide, American Spaces promote open dialogue and respect for diversity, counteract negative preconceptions and disinformation, and build bridges for mutual understanding. The American Center Nairobi seeks program and outreach support to bolster its capacity to offer innovative, technology-forward programs that will leverage the ACN’s existing technology assets, reach new audiences, and equip youth with knowledge, skills, and experience that can increase their educational and employment opportunities. The types of programs envisioned include but are not limited to audio, visual, graphic, and 3D design; robotics and coding; mentorship programs; prototype challenges; programs geared toward business start-ups, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals. For the purpose of this project, the award recipient organization will act as the employer of the locally hired Program and Outreach Specialist. The award recipient will be responsible for establishing transparent and fair employment practices. All policies are subject to review by U.S. Embassy Nairobi. It is the responsibility of the award recipient to ensure that labor agreements are prepared and signed with each employee in full accordance with current Kenyan law, and, moreover, all social security and tax deductions are accurately and timely performed by the employer. The award recipient will advise all locally hired staff of the fact that although the employee is employed by a U.S. Government partner, it does not absolve him/her from paying taxes imposed by any level of government in Kenya. The U.S. Government bears no liability or responsibility for the employment, benefits or welfare of the employee under employment agreement between the award recipient and the employee, nor will any credit for employment be given by the U.S. Government should the employee ever apply for a position with the U.S. Government. Program Activities: The award recipient’s specific responsibilities for this program include, but may not be limited to: 1) Hiring a Program and Outreach Specialist as outlined above, and recruiting new staff as needed; 2) Developing programs and events at the ACN and ensuring that programs are held regularly – on a weekly basis – at the ACN. 3) Marketing the ACN to target audiences, ensuring that an optimal number of visitors and program attendees visit the ACN every week; 4) Providing weekly updates on program attendance and a monthly report on ACN programs and outreach to PAS Nairobi; 5) Cooperating with the Regional Security Office’s (RSO) requirements for security and submitting new hires’ information through PAS Nairobi to the RSO for vetting in a timely manner. In a cooperative agreement, U.S. Embassy Nairobi is substantially involved in program activities above and beyond routine award monitoring. The Embassy’s activities and responsibilities for this program are as follows: 1) Provide a Program and Outreach Specialist position description and participate in the candidate recruitment, interview, and selection process; 2) Approve selected candidate/s; 3) Provide policy guidance on key themes to be promoted in program development.