Political Assistant

Information

Common information

Duties

Basic Function of the Position: 

The position is the primary liaison for the Kyrgyz Republic’s external relations, with special focus on external politics.  The position possesses a wide range of contacts at varying seniority levels to further the section’s reporting and to facilitate the Political Officer’s engagement with Kyrgyz society from a broad range of perspectives. The incumbent will provide written and oral recommendations for section reporting, including reports, briefing memos, scenarios, and information to be included in annual required reporting to Washington, such as the Counterterrorism Report. The incumbent is expected to solicit information from their broad contact base to advise American officers on Kyrgyz government policy and its implications, including on the Kyrgyz government’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) efforts.  The incumbent assists with office recordkeeping.  The incumbent also assists in coordinating visits, handling logistical responsibilities, and serving as an interpreter for visiting delegations.  The incumbent serves as notetaker and interpreter at meetings of embassy officers with Kyrgyz government officials and subject matter experts.

Qualification requirements

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three years of work experience in government, an international organization or embassy, a non-governmental organization (NGO) or in a legal field focusing on foreign policy, research and analysis of government policy, or advocacy and public outreach to government.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Excellent knowledge of the Kyrgyz political systems and institutions, of political figures and parties, legislative and social issues, regional relations, and foreign policy priorities.  Comprehensive working knowledge of regional security and political dynamics, including the Kyrgyz Republic’s relations with neighboring countries. 

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, history, international relations or journalism is required.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: Fluent knowledge (speaking/reading/writing) of English is required. Fluent knowledge (speaking/reading/writing) of Russian is required. Good working knowledge (speaking/reading/writing) of Kyrgyz is required. (This may be tested).

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Excellent English and Russian drafting and oral presentation skills; strong ability to analyze political and social developments.  Ability to obtain information from varied sources and to prepare reports of factual nature in precise and accurate formal language; ability to make assessment and provide analysis of events; ability to work with minimum supervision. (This may be tested).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. embassy 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.

Duties

Benefits:

Agency Benefits:

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

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources (HR) 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”), Letter from Veterans Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability dated within the past six months, 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

Conditions

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, click the “Submit Application” button.  For more information on how to apply visit the embassy's internet site: https://kg.usembassy.gov/jobs/

Required Documents:

To qualify for this position, you MUST submit the requested 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.

• Bachelor's degree diploma


• Residency and/or Work Permit (required document for citizens of other countries only)

Next Steps:

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

The complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained by contacting the HR office.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.