U.S. Mission Uganda
U.S. Mission Uganda
Announcement Number: Kampala-2023-065
Position Title: Political Assistant
Opening Period: 08/21/2023 – 09/01/2023
Series/Grade: FSN 09/FP-5
Salary: UGX 86,951,739
For More Info: KampalaHRLERecruitment@state.gov
Who May Apply: All Interested Applicants / All Sources. (Actual FS salary determined by Washington D.C.)
Security Clearance Required: Local Security Certification or Public Trust.
Duration Appointment: Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period.
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: No.
Duties: The incumbent is a political assistant at U.S. Embassy Kampala, who serves as the Locally Employed staff member handling a portfolio that includes political and economic reporting support with a focus on human rights; religious freedom issues; political affairs; security, health, counterterrorism/countering violent extremism, child labor, and trafficking in persons. S/he is one of two political assistants in a 13-person section and reports directly to the Political Specialist and is reviewed by the Deputy Political Counselor. 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.
Download: Detailed Position Description | PD – Pol Asst – Kampala – AFRCC
Qualifications and Evaluations
EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, history, journalism, or human rights is required.
Requirements:
EXPERIENCE: Three years of experience performing political analysis and reporting duties.
Evaluations: (This may be tested)
LANGUAGE: Level IV (fluent) speaking/reading/writing English is required. Level III (good working knowledge) speaking/understanding Luganda or Swahili is required.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Highly advanced interpersonal, analytical, communication, planning and organizational skills are required. Ability to develop and maintain an extensive range of high-level contacts within the host country government, local parties, security forces, local NGOs and civil society is required. Ability to plan, organize and execute complex research projects and prepare precise, accurate and factual analytical reports often on sensitive topics (such as human rights) that require a high degree of personal courage given the prevailing political circumstances in Uganda is required. Must be proficient user of MS Office applications.
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.
Required Documents:
In order to qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you will not be considered for this position.
- Copy of Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
- Degree certificate with transcript
- DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
- SF-50 (if applicable)
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.
All applications must be submitted online. Applicants shall be required to register under the careers page for U.S. Embassy Kampala following instructions on the link below:
https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/
- For further assistance call 0414-306001
- 3. You will receive confirmation of registration and proceed to apply.
- 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 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