Duties

Basic Function of the Position:

• 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 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.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

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.

Education Requirements:

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

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE:  Level IV (Fluent) English speaking/reading/writing (This may be tested). Kiswahili III (Good working knowledge) speaking/reading/writing is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 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

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 medical and security certifications.