Ambassade des Etats Unis d’Amérique : Un assistant aux Affaires Politiques qui sera basé à Kinshasa

Duties

Basic Function of Position
Under the supervision of Deputy Political Counselor, incumbent maintains contact with official and private Congolese at all levels.  Keeps Political Counselor informed of political developments and current events.  Prepares analytical and biographical reports.  Introduces Embassy officials to Congolese contacts.  Makes appointments for official calls.  Assists political officers in travel to the interior.  Acts as official greeter for large Embassy receptions.  Translates documents from French to English and from English to French.  Serves as official Embassy translator and interpreter providing simultaneous interpretation as required.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1.      This job requires an unusual range of contacts as well as thorough knowledge of the Congolese political system.  The incumbent monitors local press and radio news on a daily basis.  He briefs Officers of the political section four times a week on what people are saying – everything from the street gossip that reflects perceptions of the ordinary citizen to insider political maneuvering.  He serves as the section’s ear, and also as a vital link between the section and Congolese who wish to make contact with the Embassy in a discrete manner.  For this reason the job also requires an exceptional degree of discretion and judgment.  Political issues and the role the American Embassy plays in Congolese politics are highly sensitive.  In a society where little information is made public, knowledge is an important asset, and it must be used with discretion and in the interest of the Embassy.

2. The incumbent also sets up meetings and social events for Embassy Officers with selected contacts.  At major Embassy receptions, he identifies guests at the door and introduces them to the appropriate Embassy official.  These functions require that the incumbent know a broad range of official and unofficial Congolese and be able to obtain access to them on short notice.  In this context, the incumbent is also an essential element of the Mission’s biographic program, collecting and maintaining unclassified biographic files on political active Congolese.

3. The incumbent accompanies Embassy Officers on reporting trips to the outlying regions, including assisting with arrangements through the GDROC to ensure that appropriate officials are notified of the trip and that appointments are made.  On the trip he plays a key role in meetings and in keeping administrative arrangements on track.

4. Translation/interpretation Responsibilities:                  

Translates from English into French official U.S. correspondence to the Government of Congo.  This includes demarches on arms control and other highly technical material, highly arcane aspects of international law and organization, including health, postal, nuclear, legal and financial subjects.  Many of the subjects with which the translator deals are inherently very difficult, with terminology unique to that subject.  Since deadlines are usually tight, he must often master an unaccustomed vocabulary almost instantaneously, requiring not only complete understanding of the linguistic and subject-matter intricacies, but also clear, sure supple and aggressive manipulation of the two languages to achieve a polished persuasive and effective presentation.  The translator is held responsible for the accuracy of translations.

Serves as interpreter for visiting U.S. delegations during meetings with host Government officials and other Embassy contacts.  The interpreter must be able of interpreting from English to French and from French to English.  Interpretations must be provided simultaneously so that listeners will be able to follow conversations as they develop without interruption.

Qualifications and EvaluationsRequirements:

EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum five years of Political Affairs experience in DRC, Kinshasa preferably.
• Professional experience using English is required.
• Education Requirements:

EDUCATION: Possession of a Collegiate Degree in Political Sciences, International Relations, History or related field. Collegiate level study in/of English Evaluations.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES : Ability to use computer (Level 1) for Bio files, text message, use email and be proficient at Word and Excel is required. Must be able to work independently, problem solve, and be willing to travel throughout the DRC.  The position requires strong interpersonal and time management skills.

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 medical and security certifications.

Benefits and Other InfoBenefits: Agency Benefits:Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.
 

The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.
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.

How to ApplyHow to Apply:All candidates must be able to obtain and hold medical and security clearances. 

To apply for this position click the “Submit Application” button.  For more information on how to apply visit the Embassy internet site.
Required Documents:

• Residency and/or Work Permit (if applicable)
• Degree (not transcript)
• DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
• SF-50 (if applicable)

Next Steps: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. Embassy in Kinshasa.