Political Specialist American Embassy Kenya

Introduction

The Somalia Unit has an opening for the position of Political Specialist. The position will be available immediately. The closing date for this position is December 28, 2011.

Minimum Requirements

à A university degree in political science, international relations, journalism, or other related field is required. à A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in areas related to Somalia affairs is required. Experience required in aspects of international affairs and social science research/analysis, preferably in the fields of politics, political developments, or a closely related field. Such experience must have involved sustained interaction with diverse social interests, the international diplomatic community, and/or non-governmental organizations. 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. à Level IV English and Level IV Somali ability is required. à Must have thorough knowledge and a deep understanding of Somali political institutions, personalities, civic leaders, social and development issues, and history. Must possess an in-depth understanding of the Somali clan system and affiliations, religious groupings, and regional dynamics. Must understand political trends and the operations of key stakeholders in the political, military, economic, social, and humanitarian sectors. An extensive knowledge and understanding of U.S. foreign policy objectives vis-à-vis Somalia is required. à Must have strong analytical and writing skills and ability to work independently.

Job Specification

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION


Incumbent serves as senior advisor to the Special Representative for Somalia (SRS) and the Somalia Affairs Unit on political affairs and related security, democracy, governance, and human rights issues. Incumbent serves as liaison between the Unit and Somali Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) officials and any subsequent federal political entities that may derive. Incumbent also serves as liaison between the Unit and established regional administrations such as Puntland, Somaliland, and Galmuduug officials; emerging administrations; Somali armed forces; civil society organizations; and leaders of other key groups. On instruction by immediate supervisor (FS-03 Political Officer –subject to change) or others in the chain of command, incumbent influences and negotiates with these contacts to advance U.S. policy goals, especially outreach, reconciliation, and peace-building. The incumbent further advises the Unit and facilitates U.S. government activities to strengthen security and encourage the TFIs to focus on key tasks to ensure a political transition to a permanent, popularly-elected government in Somalia, including but not limited to the adoption of a federal constitution and parliamentary reform. In the future, this may include political party development and elections.


MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 100 % OF TIME

Information Gathering and Analysis – Through research in published and unpublished sources and a broad contact base both inside and outside of Somalia, gathers information and develops analyses on political, governance and human rights and military developments across Somalia. Tracks security and military developments in all regions of Somalia, including areas where there are active hostilities. Compiles information to prepare written reports and regular briefings on these developments. -- 30 percent of time

Reporting – Takes the lead in drafting congressionally-mandated reports on human rights, trafficking in persons, international religious freedom, labor practices, child soldiers, and terrorism. Exercises judgment to assess breaking news and verify information to draft analytical cables on security, political, and social developments across Somalia. Undertakes other reporting, as requested by supervisor and others in the chain of command, including forecasts of likely future political and security developments and trends. Collaborates with the security sector assessment team to engage with police and military leadership to provide accurate reports for material support and reform efforts. -- 25 percent of time

Contact Development – Cultivates and expands high level and sensitive contacts inside and outside of Somalia, across clan, political, ideological, and geographic spectrums. Maintains key contacts with top political and military officers, faction leaders, traditional clan elders, civil society organizers, women and youth leaders, development, and human rights and humanitarian workers. Guides and advises the SRS and Unit on critical personalities. Prepares in-depth and detailed biographic reports on political figures using published and unpublished sources, personal knowledge, and consultations with others. -- 20 percent of time

Advisor and Interagency Liaison – Offers insights and breaking news to the SRS and the Unit on political, social and development issues during regular policy discussions. Serves as a resource to other agencies and offices in the Kenya Mission, providing cultural, religious, and other specialized information needed to help formulate policy and programs. Works closely with USAID and public affairs staff to ensure that programs and outreach activities target the right audiences with appropriate messages to advance U.S. policy. Briefs and participates in briefings of visiting officials. -- 15 percent of time

Logistic and Translation – Recommends and organizes meetings for the SRS and the Unit to advance U.S. policy. Translates during high-level discussions between key contacts and the SRS and Unit. Guides the Unit on the design and execution of travel to promote outreach, reconciliation, relationship building, and other U.S. policy priorities. -- 10 percent of time

Selection Process:

WHEN EQUALLY QUALIFIED, U.S. CITIZEN ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBER (USEFMs) AND U.S. VETERANS WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE. THEREFORE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE CANDIDATES SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS ABOVE IN THE APPLICATION.


Additional Selection Criteria:

à Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy. à Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
à Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their
most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
à Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for
advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
à Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised
positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually
Employed (WAE) work schedule.
à Applicants must be available for an interview and for proficiency testing as required by the selecting official.

Selection Process: WHEN EQUALLY QUALIFIED, U.S. CITIZEN ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBER (USEFMs) AND U.S. VETERANS WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE. THEREFORE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE CANDIDATES SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS ABOVE IN THE APPLICATION.

Additional Selection Criteria:

à Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining
successful candidacy.
à Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
à Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or
Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
à Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to
apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
à Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for
advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a
position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.
à Applicants must be available for an interview and for proficiency testing as required by the selecting official.

The U.S. Mission in Nairobi 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. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied Equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

DEFINITIONS

1. Eligible Family Member (EFM): An individual related to a U.S. Government employee in one of the following ways:

• Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610);
• Child, who is unmarried and under 21 years of age or, regardless of age, is incapable of self-support. The term shall include, in addition to natural offspring, stepchildren and adopted children and those under legal guardianship of the employee or the spouse when such children are expected to be under such legal guardianship until they reach 21 years of age and when dependent upon and normally residing with the guardian;
• Parent (including stepparents and legally adoptive parents) of the employee or of the spouse, when such parent is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support;
• Sister or brother (including stepsisters and stepbrothers, or adoptive sisters or brothers) of the employee, or of the spouse, when such sibling is at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support, unmarried, and under 21 years of age, or regardless of age, incapable of self-support.

2. U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM): For purposes of receiving a preference in hiring for a qualified position, an EFM who meets the following criteria:

• U.S. Citizen; and,
• EFM (see above) at least 18 years old; and,
• Listed on the travel orders of a direct-hire Foreign, Civil, or uniformed service member assigned to or stationed abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; and either:

• 1. Resides at the sponsoring employee's or uniformed service member's post of assignment abroad or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan; or
  2. Resides at an Involuntary Separate Maintenance Allowance (ISMA) location authorized under 3 FAM 3232.2.

3. Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM): EFM (see above) eligible for a Family Member Appointment for purposes of Mission employment:

· Is a U.S. citizen; and

· Spouse or same-sex domestic partner (as defined in 3 FAM 1610) or a child of the sponsoring employee
who is unmarried and at least 18 years old; and

· Is listed on the travel orders or approved Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residence and
Dependency Report, of a sponsoring employee, i.e., a direct-hire Foreign Service, Civil Service, or
uniformed service member who is permanently assigned to or stationed abroad at a U.S. mission, or at
an office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and who is under chief of mission authority; and

· Is residing at the sponsoring employee's post of assignment abroad or, as appropriate, office of the
American Institute in Taiwan.

· Does not receive a Foreign Service or Civil Service annuity

4. Member of Household (MOH): An individual who accompanies a direct-hire Foreign, Civil, or uniformed service member permanently assigned or stationed at a U.S. Foreign Service post or establishment abroad, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan. An MOH is:

• Not an EFM; and,
• Not on the travel orders of the sponsoring employee; and,
• Has been officially declared by the sponsoring USG employee to the COM as part of his/her household.

A MOH is under COM authority and may include a parent, unmarried partner, other relative or adult child who falls outside the Department’s current legal and statutory definition of family member. A MOH does not have to be a U.S. Citizen.

5. Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR) – An individual who:

• Is not a citizen of the host country; and,
• Does not ordinarily reside (OR, see below) in the host country; and,
• Is not subject to host country employment and tax laws; and,
• Has a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).

NOR employees are compensated under a GS or FS salary schedule, not under the LCP.

6. Ordinarily Resident (OR) – A Foreign National or U.S. citizen who:

• Is locally resident; and,
• Has legal, permanent resident status within the host country; and,
• Is subject to host country employment and tax laws.

EFMs without U.S. Social Security Numbers are also OR. All OR employees, including U.S. citizens, are compensated in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan (LCP).