For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:

• Served for a minimum period of fifteen (15) years in the foreign service and have been an Ambassador at the grade of CSG 41 or CSG 4.
• Served for at least one term of forty-eight (48) months on Foreign Posting/Tour of Duty.
• A Master’s Degree in International Studies, International Relations, Law, Economics, or any other relevant discipline from a university recognized in Kenya.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction and effective implementation of strategic objectives for the State Department.
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills, outstanding professional competence, and managerial skills/competencies.
• Demonstrated strong personal and professional integrity and respect for national values.
• Be visionary with strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Be self-driven, innovative, a team player, results-oriented, and committed to continuous learning.
• A clear understanding of the National Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the role of Foreign Service in the achievement of Kenya Vision 2030.
• Note: Proficiency in a United Nations (UN) Foreign language will be an added advantage.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing strategic leadership and guidance in the development and implementation of Kenya’s Foreign Policy.
• Providing oversight on the operations of Kenya’s diplomatic missions and technical directorate at the headquarters.
• Providing guidance on engagements by the government of Kenya with the diplomatic corps and Kenya missions.
• Coordinating briefings for the diplomatic corps in Nairobi on Kenya’s foreign policy priorities.
• Providing technical engagements at bilateral and multilateral levels.
• Advising and coordinating the opening of new diplomatic missions and multiple accreditation arrangements.
• Advising on the identification, vetting, and appointment of Kenya’s honorary consuls.
• Guiding on media briefings, press, and policy statements for the State Department.
• Coordinating foreign policy research and analysis.
• Advising and providing assistance to foreign governments seeking to establish diplomatic missions in Kenya.
• Coordinating the formulation, implementation, and review of the Foreign Service Act and attendant Regulations.
• Coordinating performance management for technical directorates and Kenya Missions.
• Performing other duties as may be assigned by the Principal Secretary.