Political Assistant Re-advertised – Closing 8/7/2018

 U.S. Mission                           Uganda

Announcement Number:       Kampala-2018-036

Position Title:                         Political Assistant Re-advertised

Opening Period:                   7/25/2018 – 8/7/2018

Series/Grade:                         1605 FSN 09/FS-5

Salary:                                     UGX 75,718,515 – UGX 110,993,513

For More Info:                        KampalaHR@state.gov

Download Position description

Who May Apply:                     All Interested Applicants / All Sources

Security Clearance Required: Local Security Certification or Public Trust

Duration Appointment:        Indefinite

Marketing Statement:          We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.

https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Eight-Qualities-of-Overseas-Employees.pdf

Summary: The U.S. Mission in Uganda is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Political Assistant.

The work schedule for this position is:

  • Full Time, 40 hours per week

Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time following receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Supervisory Position: Yes

Duties: The incumbent is a Political Assistant in the Political and Economic Section.

The incumbent drafts and researches required annual reporting as well as voluntary reporting as assigned.  The incumbent takes meetings independently as well as scheduling meetings for U.S. officers.  The incumbent briefs colleagues within the section, other Embassy officials including the Ambassador, and visiting officials on current and political developments and trends.  The incumbent occasionally travels independently within Uganda, and frequently supports travel of U.S. officers.  Incumbent must maintain a wide range of contacts at the highest level inside and outside government.  The incumbent must also work closely with other sections in the Embassy.  The incumbent assists in organizing representational events, including by recommending and liaising with appropriate invitees.

Qualifications and Evaluations

EDUCATION:  Completion of a university degree in ether political science, political economy, economics, history, journalism and human rights is required.

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE:  Five years’ experience in foreign policy, business, politics, social development, academia or journalism is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Thorough knowledge of the host country’s political, economic, social structure and regional security environment.  Must be able to quickly develop a comprehensive understanding of U.S. foreign policy, U.S. interests in Uganda, and U.S. development assistance to Uganda.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE:  Level IV fluent English in speaking, reading and writing required.  Level III local language skills also required. (This may be tested)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  (This may be tested.)

Excellent writing, research, and editing skills.  Highly advanced interpersonal, analytical, communication, planning and organizational skills.  Ability to develop and maintain an extensive range of high-level contacts within the host country government, local political parties, security forces, local NGOs and civil society. Must also be able to plan, organize and execute complex research projects and prepare precise, accurate and factual analytical reports often on sensitive topics that require a high degree of personal courage given prevailing political circumstances in Uganda.

Qualifications:  All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

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.

Other information:

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS:  Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below.  Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:

(1)        AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*

(2)        AEFM / USEFM

(3)        FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **

* IMPORTANT:  Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), equivalent documentation, or certification.  A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.  Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.

** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.

For more information (i.e., what is an EFM, USEFM, AEFM, MOH, etc?) and for additional employment considerations, please visit the following link: https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/VA-Definitions-and-Additional-Employment-Considerations.pdf

How to Apply:  All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Local Security Certification or Public Trust clearance.

  1. All applications must be submitted online.
  2. Applicants shall be required to register under the careers page for U.S. Embassy Kampala using the link below http://usembassykampala.myafricanjobs.com/. For further assistance call 0414306001
  3. You will receive confirmation of registration and proceed to apply.
  4. On completion of this process, you will receive an auto response via your email.

What to Expect Next:  Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.

For further information:  the complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources office.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission in Uganda.