Political Assistant with substitution – USEFMs ONLY at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

Hiring Path:

• Open to the public

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:

For USEFM - FP is 05.  Actual FP salary determined by Washington D.C.
Only one Open-to category should remain:
U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) - All Agencies

Security Clearance Required:

Top Secret Clearance

Appointment Type

Permanent

Appointment Type Details:

Definite not to Exceed (5 Years)

Marketing Statement:

We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.

Summary:

The work schedule for this position is:

• • Full Time (40 hours per week).

Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.  

Post management is temporarily suspending the use of Highest Previous Rate (HPR) to establish initial salaries at levels above Step one of the grade of the position.  This policy will apply to all EFMs newly hired on FMA appointments.

Supervisory Position:

No

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:

No

Travel Required:

Occasional Travel

Position requires travel outside Nairobi to meet local officials and civil society leaders.

The Political Associate is responsible for a broad range of analytical reporting, information gathering, and advocacy on host country political issues. Assists the political section in developing policies and programs for the host country, taking into account local social and political conditions and trends and U.S. objectives. Must be able to obtain and hold a Top Secret clearance for handling classified information.

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE:

Option 1

Education: A bachelor’s degree in political science, law, journalism, international relations, or public policy is required.

EXPERIENCE: At least three years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, human rights, communications, law, or development is required.

OR

Option 2

Education: 2 years of college/university studies

EXPERIENCE: At least five years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, human rights, communications, law, or development is required.

OR

Option 3

Education: High School diploma

EXPERIENCE: At least seven years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, human rights, communications, law, or development is required

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Extensive knowledge and understanding of U.S. foreign policy objectives in Kenya, particularly related to democratic and governance sector is required. Thorough knowledge and deep understanding of Kenyan political institutions and social and development issues is required. Good understanding of host country constitution, laws, and legal decisions related to human rights issues, political trends and the operations of NGOs in the democracy and governance sector is required.

Education Requirements:

Option 1

Education: A bachelor’s degree in political science, law, journalism, international relations, or public policy is required.

EXPERIENCE: At least three years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, human rights, communications, law, or development is required.

OR

Option 2

Education: 2 years of college/university studies

EXPERIENCE: At least five years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, human rights, communications, law, or development is required.

OR

Option 3

Education: High School diploma

EXPERIENCE: At least seven years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, human rights, communications, law, or development is required

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: English Level 4 - Fluent; written/spoken, including the ability to translate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong oral and written communication skills are required to develop and maintain relationships with external contacts, analyze and report on human rights and political issues, and provide policy and program recommendations to Embassy officials. Strong organizational skills. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high productivity environment independently with limited supervision of day-to-day activities.

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.

Qualifications:

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

How to Apply:

All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Secret clearance. 

To apply for this position click the https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/vacancy/viewVacancyDetail.hms?_ref=ahllr0hrpt0&returnToSearch=true&jnum=70127&orgId=25 . 

For more information on how to apply visit the Mission internet site.

Required Documents:

To qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide requested information, or the information is insufficient to verify eligibility, may result in disqualification for this position

Eligible Family Member Applicants:

• • Degree (not transcript)

• • Copy of Sponsor's Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)

• • Passport copy

• • DD-214 - Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)

• • SF-50 (if applicable)

Next Steps:

Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email. 

For further information - the complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Office.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission in Nairobi/Kenya.