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 Secret clearance for handling classified information.
Qualifications and Evaluations
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.
Benefits and Other Info
Benefits:
Agency Benefits:
Benefits for EFMs should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.
The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.Other Information:
HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:
1. AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. AEFM / USEFM
3. FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **
* IMPORTANT:
Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), equivalent documentation, or certification.
A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant.
The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted for the preference to be given.
** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.
For more information (i.e., what is an EFM, USEFM, AEFM, MOH, etc.?) and for additional employment considerations, please visit the following link.
How to Apply
How to Apply:
All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Secret clearance.
To apply for this position click the “Submit Application” button. 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.
