Political Assistant - USEFMs ONLY at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

Duties

• The Political Associate is responsible for a broad range of analytical reporting, information gathering, and advocacy on host country political issues.
• Assists the political section in developing policies and programs for the host country, taking into account local social and political conditions and trends and U.S. objectives. 
• Monitors media and other sources to report and advise on portfolio-relevant topics in host country, including government policy making, national initiatives, the legislative process, and civil society movements.
• Engages government and civil society contacts to promote U.S. policy objectives.  Articulates and advances U.S. policies in portfolio-relevant topics.  Leads sections efforts to build relationships with influential host-government personnel to advance U.S. and Mission priorities.
• Coordinates, researches, and drafts political section reporting on portfolio-relevant topics, including via spot reports, cables, briefing memos, and Congressionally-required reports, in cooperation with U.S. and LE colleagues from the section and across the Embassy.  
• Contributes to internal knowledge management and data tracking / processing systems, which could include tracking demarches received and their delivery as well as supporting the vetting of security force units for human rights violations.
• In support of section goals, supports travel and visits by Embassy officials and VIP visitors.  Serves as site officer or control officer for some visits.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE:

• At least three years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, communications, law, or development is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy objectives in Kenya. 
• Familiarity with Kenyan domestic affairs and regional issues.  Familiarity with U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities.

Education Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, law, history, international relations or public policy is required.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: 

• English Level 4 - Fluent; written/spoken, including the ability to translate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong oral and written communication skills are required to develop and maintain relationships with external contacts, analyze and report on human rights and political issues, and provide policy and program recommendations to Embassy officials.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high productivity environment independently with limited supervision of day-to-day activities.