Political Assistant

Overview

Opening Period: 11/02/2023 – 11/17/2023

Security Clearance Required: Local Security Certification

Duration Appointment: Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period

Summary: The U.S. Mission in Nairobi is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Political Assistant.

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.

Responsibilities

• Incumbent advises the Political Section and develops expertise on Kenyan national security and foreign affairs policy, including Kenyan efforts to engage in multilateral diplomatic fora.
• Responsibilities include collecting, monitoring, organizing, analyzing, and summarizing open-source and privately collected information as well as researching national security and foreign affairs developments.
• He or she leads outreach efforts and development of Embassy contacts in Kenyan strategic think tanks and academic institutions, supports visits of U.S. government officials, and arranges meetings and events related to his/her portfolio.
• The Political Assistant may be required to brief the Ambassador, DCM, and/or high-level visitors on areas of expertise. The individual reports directly to a Unit Chief and through him or her to the Deputy Political Counselor.

Additional education

• Completion of a University degree in political science, security studies, international relations, history, or law is required.

LANGUAGE: Level IV (fluent) English (read/speak/write) (This may be tested), and Kiswahili Level III (read/speak/write) is required.

Experience

Additional experience

• Five years’ experience in the political/economic arena or related professional field is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Must have knowledge of PC and Internet-based software, especially word processing programs, MS-Office.
• Must have general understanding of geopolitical relationships, government institutions, and the role of academia/think tanks in public policy formulations.
• Must have specific knowledge of U.S.-Kenya relations and Kenyan national security and foreign affairs policy.

Additional skills

• Demonstrated research, writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop an information database, obtain information from varied sources, as well as quickly summarize materials is required.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under tight deadlines and balance a diverse portfolio is required.
• Attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality is required.
• Knowledge of PC and Internet-based software, especially word processing programs, MS-Office.

Terms and conditions

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.

How to Apply: All candidates must be able to obtain a Local Security Certification.

Interested candidates for this position must submit their application to the following for consideration:

https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/ken/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms

Required Documents: Please provide the required documentation listed below with your application:

• Residency and/or Work Permit (If applicable)
• DD-214 - Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
• SF-50 (if applicable)
• University degree in political science, security studies, international relations, history or law.
• Curriculum-vitae (CV)

What to Expect Next: 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 from the recruitment website.