Program Assistant - Refugee Affairs (USEFMs Only) at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

Duties

• The EFM Refugee Program Assistant in the Political Section’s Refugee and Humanitarian Affairs Unit of U.S. Embassy Nairobi reports to the Regional Refugee Coordinator.  The Refugee Program Assistant provides administrative support to the Refugee and Humanitarian Affairs Unit staffed by three FSOs and one LE staff position.  The Unit is responsible for: covering regional humanitarian assistance issues across East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes; managing all aspects of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 21 countries in East Africa, the Horn of Africa, and Southern Africa; and, overseeing PRM humanitarian assistance in Kenya and Somalia.  The Refugee Program Assistant supports all four staff in the unit and coordinates with the Political Section OMS as needed.   The Refugee Program Assistant may have opportunities for travel to refugee camps in Kenya and throughout the region.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

Experience: 

• Three years’ administrative work experience in an office setting is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: 

• Must have knowledge of office management systems and procedures.  Knowledge of refugee and humanitarian issues is desired.

Education Requirements:

• Completion of secondary-level education is required.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: 

• English Level III (Good) Speaking/Reading/Writing is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must hold at least a Secret-level security clearance.  Must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office package, especially MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.  Must demonstrate ease at drafting emails, reports, and memos on a computer.  Ability to make basic calculations using MS Excel is required.  Must be able to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.  High sensitivity to cross-cultural issues is required.  Good customer service skills are required.  Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.  Strong organizational and planning skills are required.  Attention to detail and problem solving skills is required.  Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work is required.  Must be able to work in a high-stress, high productivity environment independently with little supervisory oversight.

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 security certifications.