Political Specialist at Embassy of The United States

Basic Function of the Position:

As the LES Political Specialist, incumbent works in conjunction with the peer LES Political Specialist and assists in monitoring, reporting, and analyzing political and social issues and developments, acquiring and analyzing information from published sources and contacts and reporting the information. S/He will research and draft cables and congressionally mandated reports, research, analyze, and brief section and mission staff on domestic political and social developments and assist in drafting briefing materials for the Front Office. S/He will also develop and maintain contacts and communication with the senior echelon of the political class; help Embassy staff develop contacts and arrange meetings with a wide range of Somalis; and travel to Somalia as necessary. The incumbent is supervised by the Political Officer and reviewed by the Political/Economic Chief

Qualifications and Evaluations

EXPERIENCE:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in social science research and analysis, newspaper reporting of political matters, civil society advocacy, government policy making, or university teaching is required. A close familiarity with issues and problems of security, democratization, and governance in less developed countries and a demonstrated ability to analyze these issues are required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: 

• Thorough knowledge of Somali political institutions, personalities, structure, political parties and system, and historical development.
• Must possess an in-depth understanding of the Somali clan system and affiliations, religious groupings, and regional dynamics. An extensive knowledge of U.S. foreign policy vis-à-vis Somalia is required.

Education Requirements:

• University degree in political science, international relations, history or journalism is require