Careers at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

Duties

 Diplomatic Correspondence, Communications, and Invitations (30%)

• The jobholder drafts, formats, and reviews all outgoing diplomatic notes, ensuring accuracy, appropriate language, and adherence to protocol standards as outlined in 5 FAH-1 H-620, which governs the preparation of diplomatic notes and correspondence. Ensures that all incoming and outgoing diplomatic notes are properly archived in the SMART system to ensure compliance with official recordkeeping requirements and facilitate easy retrieval.
• The jobholder handles official invitations for the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and other senior leadership within the Mission, ensuring appropriate and timely responses. This includes managing the invitation matrix by systematically logging all incoming invitations, coordinating with relevant Mission sections to gather input and recommendations, presenting consolidated advice to the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission for final decision-making, and ensuring that all RSVPs are issued promptly and appropriately.

Protocol Guidance and Advisory (10%)

• The jobholder serves as an advisor to the Executive Office, Mission staff, and visiting delegations on all matters of diplomatic protocol. The incumbent provides expert guidance on protocol procedures, cultural sensitivities, local customs, order of precedence, dress codes, gift etiquette, and appropriate diplomatic conduct to ensure that all official engagements are executed with professionalism and cultural awareness.
• The jobholder advises on seating arrangements, titles and forms of address, and event etiquette, ensuring that interactions with host government officials and dignitaries reflect the highest standards of respect and protocol. Additionally, the jobholder provides guidance and mentoring to entry- and mid-level officers and specialists on protocol expectations and best practices. Additionally, the incumbent coordinates access and escort services for both VIP and non-VIP visitors who are scheduled to meet with the Executive Office, ensuring all guests are received with the appropriate level of courtesy and respect, in full compliance with established security protocols.

Events Management (30%)

• Event management responsibilities are carried out using a project-based approach, requiring the jobholder to lead short-term teams, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and manage multiple concurrent timelines to ensure the successful execution of high-level diplomatic engagements that involve Planning, Coordination, Execution, Monitoring, and Closure. This role requires managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, adapting to last minute changes in guest attendance or scheduling, and ensuring strict adherence to diplomatic protocol in high visibility settings.
• The incumbent, along with the Protocol team, supports the planning and execution of representational and official events hosted by the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, approximately 80 annually, including small meetings, courtesy calls, large-scale receptions, ceremonial, and special events, and Independence Day reception. The jobholder is responsible for preparing a comprehensive post-event attendance report and submitting a reimbursement voucher form with all supporting receipts to the Executive office within three business days.

Contact Relationship Management (20%)

• The jobholder is an expert user of the CRM software and responsible for maintaining accurate contact database in the CRM software for the Executive office contacts including managing and updating biographies of host government officials and key personalities. The jobholder fully utilizes the CRM software to manage guest lists with complete and accurate details such as name, title, address, and contact information.
• The jobholder designs and sends email invitations via CRM software, track RSVPs, creates seating charts, and generates reports from the CRM software. Additionally, the jobholder tracks all incoming and outgoing gratuities for the Executive office, records them with photos in the CRM Gratuities module, and generates gratuities reports for the Gift Officer’s review and approval. The incumbent assists Embassy staff with CRM account requests and reactivations, and actively utilizes the mobile version of the CRM software during events to support real-time guest check-in.

Holiday Gratuities (10%)

• The jobholder plays a key role in the Executive Office’s gift protocol by identifying and recommending appropriate gifts for the Ambassador, DCM, and other senior leadership to present to VIPs and mid-level officials, in accordance with established diplomatic gift etiquette. With the Executive office approval, the incumbent coordinates with the Management Office and GSO/Procurement to facilitate the timely acquisition of chosen gifts and holiday cards, compiles recipient lists on behalf of the Executive Office, and oversees the complete process of wrapping, labelling, tracking, and delivery. 

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

• All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a security certificate; or Public Trust security clearance. 
• All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam. 
• Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

• University degree in Political Science/International Relations, Business/Management, Public Relations/Communications, or related is required.
• Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

Evaluations:

• You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. 
• You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. 

Qualifications:

Experience:

• A minimum of three years’ experience in administrative, secretarial, protocol, event management, or public relations.
• Deadline- 03/27/2026

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Duties and Responsibilities

• Protocol Liaison and Contact Development  60%
• The incumbent serves as an expert in navigating protocol issues with the Kenyan government and other diplomatic entities.  The incumbent develops an extensive range of contacts and manages meetings with key officials from the Government of Kenya, international organizations resident in Kenya and managing staff from private companies and non-governmental organizations.  
• Uses these contacts to provide information, analysis, and advice to the Executive Office.  Serves as the Ambassador’s principal liaison with the Kenyan government and Protocol Offices within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President.  Establishes a good working relationship with various ministries.  Develops the necessary networks to acquire documents and information as needed by the Mission. Given the relationship-based nature of dealings in Kenya, combined with the size of the Mission, the incumbent should be versatile and skilled at communicating and building relationships across Kenya.  The incumbent should be knowledgeable about and able to identify and advise on key decision-makers and influential people in Kenya.  The incumbent participates in the Mission’s strategic planning, policy development, and operations for the Protocol Office. 
• Independently keeps abreast of issues requiring outreach to key contacts.  Makes suggestions of meetings and contacts to reach out to, based current events.  In coordination with Embassy political, economic, and public affairs counterparts, proactively advises the Ambassador and DCM on protocol and related government matters.
• Event Management  30%
• Oversees the event preparation logistical support by the three Protocol Assistants, assuming event lead for certain events.
• The incumbent is required to make suggestion for events, in planning them as well as providing input and guidance on the expected pattern of official functions.  Is responsible for supervising the preparation of guest lists, issuance and distribution of invitation cards, and seating arrangements for official and social functions hosted by the Ambassador.  Follows up on invitations and coordinates with the Residence Manager and the Executive Office Managers on representational events at the official residences.  Instructs Residence Manager on best practices for maintaining representational wine stocks.  Analyses event staffing levels and budgets and oversees Protocol’s preparation of financial claims for Executive Office approval.
• Attends key diplomatic functions, including on some evenings and weekends to supervise Protocol staff and give counsel to the Ambassador and DCM.    Personally identifies, meets, greets, escorts and introduces VIP guests to the Ambassador during representational events and meetings.  Directs the Protocol staff’s coordination with the Regional Security Office informing and requesting access for VIP and regular visitors to the Ambassador’s Residence and Chancery.  Gives feedback after events.
• Correspondence and Communication  10%
• Advises the Ambassador and DCM on strategic written communication with Kenyan officials as well as appropriate internal messaging to local Embassy employees.  Follows up, formally and informally, with relevant Kenyan government offices to ensure that Embassy meeting requests and other important inquiries are addressed.  Participates in senior staff discussions related to the Ambassador’s travel and outreach.  Prepares culturally and situationally appropriate remarks for the Ambassador and DCM at ceremonial events.
• Note: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by incumbent. The incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

• All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a security clearance. 
• All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam. Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Relations, Political Science, Liberal Arts, Public Relations, or related is required.
• Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

Evaluations:

• You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. 
• You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. 

Qualifications:

Experience:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in protocol, executive level office management, business, political, or external relations is required.  Experience in organizing high-level events/meetings in an international setting is required.  In addition, two years of supervisory experience is also required. 
• Deadline- 03/27/2026

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• The Strategic Content Coordination Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Strategic Content Coordination Specialist (SCCS) or PAO designee, and has no supervisory responsibilities. Is responsible for the production of all visual and multimedia elements of Mission public engagement, including design, creation and/or acquisition of customized visual and multimedia content, which is disseminated online, in person or via traditional broadcast. Creates compelling visual content for all Mission outreach materials by assessing visual aspects of the Kenyan media environment, public preferences for visual content formats and dissemination channels, and the impact of Mission visual materials.

Implementation (70% of time)

• Plans, designs, creates, and delivers all visual, written and multimedia elements for Mission engagement with targeted audiences in the Kenyan public, in a variety of formats required for dissemination through online (including the embassy’s online channels - website, social media), traditional broadcast, and in-person channels. Visual and multimedia content includes: video and audio material; storyboards; graphics; artwork; photos; photo galleries and similar visual and multimedia products as well as written content and narratives for specific content packages targeting social media campaigns, digital media as well as analysis on issues of interest to Mission Nairobi.

Strategic Planning, Analysis, Evaluation, and Recommendations (10% of time)

• Researches, tracks, and analyzes countrywide and regional digital trends to identify changing audience preferences for content structure and format, including graphic, video, photo and audio components. Working with the SCC team, tracks audience demographics, interests and information consumption preferences.
• Actively plans at least six months in advance to schedule production of multimedia and other digital products required for editorial calendar of policy priorities, as well as multiple products for the projected slate of Mission programs and activities. Working with Community Manager, analyzes impact of prior visual and multimedia products to fine-tune plans for future projects and initiatives; identifies performance objectives, assessment methods and outcomes for online engagement. Contributes to PD elements of Mission’s Integrated Country Strategy (ICS), annual Public Diplomacy Implementation Plan (PDIP), and Public Diplomacy Country Context (PDCC). Recommends equipment required for Digital Production (DP) capacity to support countrywide strategic content.
• Recommends best practices for visual and multimedia components of Mission external communication. Recommends innovative online engagement initiatives and campaigns focused on visual and multimedia communication skills for Emerging Voices and Established Opinion leader sectors. Develops procedures and checklists to facilitate LE Staff’s use of visual, audio and traditional products for public engagement Recommends appropriate contractors to the PAO when there is a requirement for professionally produced video content.

Intra- and Interagency Coordination (10% of time)

• Develops strong, collaborative working relationships throughout the Mission to expand awareness of the power of visual and multimedia material in creating compelling strategic content to support Mission objectives. Encourages information sharing across the Mission, to develop procedures for producing and sharing visual and audio content. Works closely with the Consular Section to ensure the embassy website is up to date and current for the Kenyan public. Actively supports Mission elements, including American Spaces and other PD Section staff, in developing visual and multimedia components of PD activities and projects; seeks input from PD and Mission colleagues in developing and producing, SCC stand-alone campaigns.

Administrative Functions (10% of time)

• Tracks license and equipment acquisitions to build and sustain Mission DP capacity, in collaboration with the SCC team. Maintains inventory of DP equipment, software and licenses. In coordination with the SCC team, maintains required office records and files, and ensures that DP contacts are included in Mission contact databases. Drafts office correspondence in English and Kiswahili, including proposals, scripts, audience preference trends and evaluation reports. Provides informal interpretation and translation from/to English and Kiswahili when required. Provides input for PD Tools and activity tracker to the Community Management Coordinator and SCCS.
• Serves as Grants Officer Representative (GOR) for grants supporting virtual exchange projects with responsibilities as indicated in the Delegation of Authority letter.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

• All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a security certificate or a Public Trust security clearance. 
• All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.
• Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

• An associate’s degree or two years of full-time university studies in design, advertising, mass communications, or local equivalent is required.

Evaluations:

• You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. 
• You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. 

Qualifications:

Experience:

• This position requires a total of at least four years of progressively responsible experience in design, creation and packaging of visual and multimedia content for digital marketing, advertising or mass communications
• purposes, including extensive experience as an advanced end user of industry standard desktop and mobile software applications, internet and related communications technologies, and integration of visual content into
• web content management systems. [Note: candidates considered for this position must provide a portfolio of original work demonstrating visual and multimedia design competence.]
• Deadline- 03/30/2026

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• The incumbent serves as the post’s nurse with responsibilities that include the medical care of Mission employees and eligible family members under MED approved clinical guidelines, as well as maintenance and inventory of all medical equipment and supplies, implementation of a robust vaccination program, administration of group and individual health education programs, and medical emergency contingency planning for the Mission. The incumbent will work in the Medical Unit under the direct supervision of the Medical Provider (MP) or Regional Medical provider (RMO).

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE:

•  A minimum of two (2) years of post-qualification work as a professional nurse is required. 

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• The incumbent possesses critical-thinking skills and comprehends MED’s policies and procedures regarding medical evacuations, hospitalizations and insurance reimbursement methodology. Must maintain current knowledge of local and regional medical services that can provide care for all acuity levels, including betted specialists and hospitals. Is a resource for arranging the best method to transport critically ill patients and maintains a working relationship with transport facilities.

Education Requirements:

• Degree (RN Level) in Nursing or Diploma/Certificate equivalent from an accredited School of Nursing is required. Must possess and maintain a valid nursing license or a current   unrestricted Registered Nursing license from the U.S., Puerto Rico, or Western European equivalent is required.
• Required Documents:  To qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested RN license, degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide requested information, or the information is insufficient to verify eligibility, may result in disqualification for this position.

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Program management (50%)                                                                                                  

• As an expert and senior advisor in public health, health education, and health service research issues incumbent takes an active role in developing specific agency program goals and objectives for public health initiatives. Incumbent prepares directives, memoranda, policy statements and proposals to introduce new initiatives and to recommend effective operations consistent with strategic objectives of the agency’s public health programs in (country),
• The annual agency budget for the public health program the job holder supports in (Kenya) in fiscal year 2021 is $15 million.
• Job holder works closely with senior and mid-level host government ministry officials, and other multilateral partners, international and non-governmental organizations, o: a) coordinate outreach that raises awareness among civic and social organizations of public health issues and programs available; and b) influence other collaborative organizations engaged in similar programs to adopt appropriate strategies for their program activities.
• Job holder provides expert technical direction for proposals that result in a grant, contract and/or cooperative agreement for public health programs within his/her area of responsibility.
• Technical Assistance (20%)
• Incumbent provides direct technical assistance to the Government of Kenya and Ministry of Health on the implementation and establishment of high-quality programs at the national, county and sub-county level, and ensure that all services are based on the latest standards of practice. Acts as a recognized national, regional, and international resource in all matters within the job holder’s portfolio and develops global, national, and sub-national level policy, technical guidance, and training materials.
• Administrative Management (15%)
• Incumbent is responsible for providing oversight and monitoring the budgets allocated to implementing/cooperative agreement partners within the job holder's portfolio. This includes reviewing budget requests for appropriateness, monitoring use of funds for adherence to proposed activities, quarterly pipeline reviews/budget status reports, following up on irregular findings, providing advice for realignments of budgets, accruals.
• Job holder prepares regular and ad hoc progress reports on public health partner activities. Readers of these reports include agency and post management, other agency officials, U.S. headquarters offices and are ultimately used in reports to the U.S. Congress. Reporting responsibilities are monthly, quarterly, and annually. 
• Job holder maintains files and records in public health data collection specific to the activities/programs for which incumbent is responsible. Job holder is responsible for data integrity and security of information in the reporting databases that does or may relate to public health information (particularly as related to named individuals).
• Other program files include reports, meeting summaries and minutes, copies of all grants/cooperative agreements/contracts, research determinations, panels, and awards. Whenever possible these records will be filed electronically and entered into the reference system.
• Interagency Coordination (15%)
• As a regional and international expert on matters pertaining to public health programs, job holder represents CDC/Kenya at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with collaborators and donor agencies. Briefs senior agency officials, country team and interested officials of other USG agencies as appropriate on the results of such meetings and prepares written reports for submission to other interested parties. Job holder represents the agency in discussing and developing financial commitment targets for programs within his/her area of responsibility at administrative and strategic planning meetings implementing agencies (Departments of State, Defense, Labor, Commerce, and Health (including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Food and Drug Administration)and  Peace Corps). Job holder serves as chair or rotating chair on inter-agency technical working groups to ensure effective coordination of work plan development, implementation strategies, and evaluation plans for all USG agency public health activities in (country).
• Job holder serves on intra- and inter-branch and agency working groups and projects, frequently taking the project lead role. These projects are generally short-term in nature and most often have to do with special requirements for VIP visits, special projects, etc. This would include 3-4 ad hoc projects per year where position would have a lead role.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

• All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a:
• security certificate; or 
• public trust security clearance. 
• All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam. 
• Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

• Doctoral level degree: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in medicine, public health, health policy, epidemiology, or very closely related is required.

Evaluations:

• You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. 
• You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
• You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. 

Qualifications:

Experience:

• Five years of mid-to-senior level public health experience in developing, implementing and evaluating, public health, global health security or other relevant public health programs that involve coordination with an international agency or implementing partner is required. One additional year of experience at the managerial level with multiple staff is required.