Job description

Overview

Position Title: Political Specialist

Opening Period: 12/15/2021 – 01/17/2023

Duration Appointment: Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period

The work schedule for this position : Full Time (40 hours per week).

Summary:

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

Responsibilities

Duties:

The incumbent, the senior LE Staff member in the Political Section, serves as the senior policy advisor to the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Political Section staff.
The incumbent leads a four-person LE Staff team covering the full spectrum of political issues in Kenya and U.S.-Kenya relations. Within the four-person team, the incumbent is the line supervisor with rating responsibility for one person.
The incumbent serves as the primary liaison between the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Political Section staff and senior leaders across the full range of Kenyan society.
The incumbent maintains the Political Section’s contacts with senior Kenyan government officials at both the national, regional, and county level, including officials in the office of the president, deputy president, members of the cabinet, parliamentarians, political party leaders, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, religious organizations, multilateral organizations, and media houses.
The incumbent influences and negotiates with these Kenyan contacts in furtherance of U.S. foreign policy goals and further advises the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Political Section staff on optimal ways to undertake both private and public diplomacy outreach.
In addition, the incumbent briefs visiting U.S. officials on the stability of the Kenyan government, attitudes toward the United States, and implications for U.S. policy objectives in the region.
The incumbent possesses significant analytical writing skills, including the ability to adhere to stringent State Department writing guidelines, and produces written work that is often passed on to Washington and which requires minimal edits and supervision.
The incumbent reports directly to and receives supervision from the Deputy Political Counselor. The incumbent directly supervises one LE Staff member (Political Assistant) and is responsible for that individual’s evaluation, training, and professional development.

Requirements and qualifications

Additional education

University Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, or Business Studies is required.

Experience

5 Years

Additional experience

A minimum of five to seven years of work experience, including senior-level Kenyan government, public service, or journalism position working in multiple regions of Kenya that includes extensive knowledge of, access to, and familiarity with public security and political sector leadership. Such experience must have involved sustained interaction with diverse social interests, the international diplomatic community, and non-governmental organizations.
A close familiarity with issues and problems of democratization and governance in less developed countries and a demonstrated ability to analyze democracy and governance development issues is required.

LANGUAGE:

Level IV English (Fluent (read/speak/write) (This may be tested). Kiswahili Level IV (Fluent, read/speak/write) is required.

Additional skills

Must have good communication skills and the ability to interact with people more senior in authority and status and of different backgrounds.
Must have strong analytical and writing skills and the ability to work independently.
Must exercise initiative, sound judgment, and be able to interpret and apply U.S. government while interacting with senior Kenyan government officials, senior business leaders, and other U.S. mission personnel.
Must be adept in Word, Outlook, Excel, and Contact Relations Management (CRM) and possess proficient keyboarding and numerical skills.
Must have the ability to prepare analytic and spot reports of significant depth and complexity using precise and accurate language under tight deadlines.
Must be able to interpret and anticipate the needs of the Ambassador, DCM, and Political Section staff for coverage of political events section staff for coverage of political events.

Terms and conditions

How to Apply: Interested candidates for this position must submit their application to the following link for consideration:https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/vacancy/viewVacancyDetail.hms?_ref=bex0s1rbpt0&returnToSearch=true&jnum=42212&orgId=25
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.
Applications should be submitted by 17th January 2023