Political Assistant - USEFMs ONLY

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting and Analysis: Coordinate, research, and draft political section reporting on portfolio-relevant topics, including via spot reports, cables, briefing memos, and Congressionally-required reports, in cooperation with U.S. and Locally Employed (LE) colleagues.
• Advocacy and Engagement: Engage government and civil society contacts to promote and articulate U.S. policy objectives. Build and lead efforts to maintain relationships with influential host-government personnel to advance Mission priorities.
• Monitoring: Monitor media and other sources to report and advise on portfolio-relevant topics in the host country, including government policy-making, national initiatives, the legislative process, and civil society movements.
• Support and Visit Coordination: Support travel and visits by Embassy officials and VIP visitors, serving as a site officer or control officer for designated visits.
• Knowledge Management: Contribute to internal knowledge management and data tracking/processing systems, including tracking demarches and supporting the vetting of security force units for human rights violations.
• Policy Development: Assist the political section in developing policies and programs for the host country based on social and political trends.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience: At least three (3) years of experience in a role involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international relations, international business, economics, education, communications, law, or development is required.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, History, International Relations, or Public Policy is required.
• Language Proficiency: English Level 4 (Fluent); written and spoken, including the ability to translate.
• Job Knowledge: Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy objectives in Kenya, Kenyan domestic affairs, regional issues, and U.S. national security priorities.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills to maintain external contact relationships and analyze political issues.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-productivity environment with limited supervision of day-to-day activities.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official U.S. Embassy recruitment portal (Electronic Recruitment Application - ERA). Follow the link to the U.S. Embassy to Kenya application page which will redirect you to the erajobs.state.gov portal.