Political Specialist at American Embassy Kigali Mission Rwanda

Political Specialist

Vacancy Announcement: KIGALI-2024-024R

The Embassy of the United States of America in Kigali is recruiting for Political Specialist. The position is open to All Interested Candidates/All Sources and available to start immediately.

Duties: The Political Specialist seeks to strengthen the U. S. Embassy’s understanding of Rwanda’s government, political parties, and civil society organizations, and their intersection with culture and current events. By undertaking original research and developing and maintaining a range of contacts at appropriate levels in government, political parties, and civil society, s/he ensures Embassy leadership and Department of State officials remain informed of how political developments in Rwanda are and/or may impact U. S. government interests. The incumbent takes initiative to facilitate cooperation between Rwandan government and society and the U. S., proactively identifying opportunities for engagement in pursuit of U.S. interests. The Political Specialist reports to the FS-03 Senior Political Officer The position will also receive direct tasking from the FS-02 Political and Economic Chief. Incumbent works independently, with priorities set by the political section and front office.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five (5) years professional experience working with the Government of Rwanda, a political party, civil society organization, and/or private sector, with a thorough understanding of local protocols in government and the private sector. Must have a mastery of current local political and economic activity.

Education Requirements:

University degree in political science, international relations, journalism, law, or history is required.

Evaluations:

You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
You must complete the application form and provide the required documents. Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

Qualifications:

• All applicants under consideration will be required to undergo a background investigation. This position requires Public Trust clearance. And may be subject to a pre-employment exam.

Language: 

• Fluency of English; speaking/reading/writing, may include the ability to translate.

• Fluency of Kinyarwanda; speaking/reading/writing, may include the ability to translate.

Job Knowledge:

Detailed knowledge of Rwandan political system including understanding of and relationships with Rwanda's political parties, members of parliament, cabinet officials, and military officers. An in-depth understanding of international relations, particularly political and military developments in the Great Lakes region (e.g. relations between Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi). Understanding of Rwandan social, political and diplomatic customs.

Skills And Abilities:

• Excellent English language drafting and briefing skills.

• High degree of initiative and resourcefulness.

• Ability to work independently in line with Front Office and Political and Economic Section priorities.

• Fluent English and Kinyarwanda, Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required.

• Attention to detail.

All applications must be submitted via Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) by September 20, 2024.

Full announcement and application procedures are available on https://rw.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note that e-mailed applications are not accepted. Only applications submitted through our Electronic Recruitment Application will be considered.