Responsibilities or duties

• The Political Associate is responsible for a broad range of analytical reporting, information gathering, and advocacy on host country political issues. Assists the political section in developing policies and programs for the host country, taking into account local social and political conditions and trends and U.S. objectives.
• Monitors media and other sources to report and advise on portfolio-relevant topics in host country, including government policy making, national initiatives, the legislative process, and civil society movements.
• Engages government and civil society contacts to promote U.S. policy objectives. Articulates and advances U.S. policies in portfolio-relevant topics. Leads sections efforts to build relationships with influential host-government personnel to advance U.S. and Mission priorities.
• Coordinates, researches, and drafts political section reporting on portfolio-relevant topics, including via spot reports, cables, briefing memos, and Congressionally-required reports, in cooperation with U.S. and LE colleagues from the section and across the Embassy.
• Contributes to internal knowledge management and data tracking / processing systems, which could include tracking demarches received and their delivery as well as supporting the vetting of security force units for human rights violations.
• In support of section goals, supports travel and visits by Embassy officials and VIP visitors. Serves as site officer or control officer for some visits.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

A bachelor’s degree in political science, law, history, international relations or public policy is required.

Experience needed

At least three years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, communications, law, or development is required.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy objectives in Kenya. Familiarity with Kenyan domestic affairs and regional issues. Familiarity with U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities.

• Responsible for a broad range of analytical reporting, information gathering, and advocacy on host country political issues.
• Assists the political section in developing policies and programs for the host country, taking into account local social and political conditions and trends and U.S. objectives.
• Monitors media and other sources to report and advise on portfolio-relevant topics in host country, including government policy making, national initiatives, the legislative process, and civil society movements.
• Engages government and civil society contacts to promote U.S. policy objectives.
• Articulates and advances U.S. policies in portfolio-relevant topics.
• Leads sections efforts to build relationships with influential host-government personnel to advance U.S. and Mission priorities.
• Coordinates, researches, and drafts political section reporting on portfolio-relevant topics, including via spot reports, cables, briefing memos, and Congressionally-required reports, in cooperation with U.S. and LE colleagues from the section and across the Embassy.
• Contributes to internal knowledge management and data tracking / processing systems, which could include tracking demarches received and their delivery as well as supporting the vetting of security force units for human rights violations.
• Supports travel and visits by Embassy officials and VIP visitors.
• Serves as site officer or control officer for some visits.

• Research
• Analysis
• Advocacy
• Program Management
• Information Gathering
• Reporting
• Media Monitoring
• Policy Development
• Relationship Building
• Data Tracking
• Knowledge Management

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, law, history, international relations or public policy.
• At least three years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, and/or program management on issues related to political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, communications, law, or development.
• Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy objectives in Kenya.
• Familiarity with Kenyan domestic affairs and regional issues.
• Familiarity with U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities.