Revised: 10/01/2024; 10/17/2024

Assists in developing and implementing programs to promote the City of Laredo's role at an International level through facilitating targeted international initiatives, supporting protocol activities, and writing reports and conducting research.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Assists with initiatives in the Sister Cities Program.
• Keeps up with current agreements and the process of drafting MOUs and maintaining communications with Consular offices for new ones.
• Coordinates donations programs.
• Coordinates foreign travel by elected officials, which includes city planning the agenda and logistics for the visit.
• Assists in planning and coordinating visits by foreign dignitaries by arranging itineraries, receptions, press conferences, briefing and meetings with officials.
• Conducts research on international topics for the purpose of creating the necessary briefings and reports required in fulfillment of duties.
• Prepares written correspondence related to international relations for the Director, Mayor, City Council members, City Manager, and other City officials.
• Assists in City-wide efforts to establish and maintain relationships with international cities interested in international trade.
• Maintains and updates databases, including those related to calendar of events, contacts, delegations, diplomatic corps, partners and official gifts.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of international relations and/or international business.
• Knowledge of protocol procedures.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skills in writing.
• Skills in research for work related information.
• Ability to speak more than one language and familiarization with other cultures.
• Ability to make presentations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and outside organizations.
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements
Position will have the following exposures.

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Never

• Construction site
• Confined space

Seldom

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Vehicles

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel
Position will require the employee to travel

Frequently

• International travel

Sometimes

• Local travel
• Regional travel
• National travel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in International Relations, International Studies, Communications, Political Affairs or related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience in international relations, international studies, communications, political affairs or related field.

*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.) Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.


Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.


Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.


A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.