Political Assistant

OPEN TO: All Qualified Applicants
OPENING DATE: January 25 - February 08,2010
POSITION TITLE: Political Assistant
POSITION LOCATION: Political Section
HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week
POSITION GRADE: FP-5; FSN-9
The American Embassy Kampala is seeking an individual for the position of Political Assistant.


BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
As an expert on Ugandan politics, the incumbent provides research and reporting services on Uganda's democratic development, parliamentary politics, opposition political parties, questions of ethnicity, human rights, law enforcement, anti-corruption, and peace and security. Under the guidance of the senior local staff person and political officers, the incumbent is responsible for political and social information gathering, anaiy-sis and reporting using local media sources and contacts. The incumbent drafts correspondence, diplomatic notes and cables, and provides general administrative support to the section.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.
1. Education Required: University level degree in political science, international relations, economics, or politics is . required.
2. Work Experience: Two years progressively responsible work monitoring, analyzing, reporting on, or participating in Ugandan political, economic, legislative or judicial processes are required.
3. Language Requirement: Must be fluent in English (level 4) is required.
4. Knowledge: Thorough knowledge ot Uganda political system is required.
5. Skills and Abilities: Ability to develop aid maintain contacts with politicians, government officials, civil society leaders and Mission staff to senior levels. Ability to compile organized, well-written, arid precisely formatted reports, correspondence and diplomatic notes. Ability to plan and coordinate schedules and logistics for visiting delegations are required.


SELECTION PROCESS
When equally qualified, Eligible Family Members and U.S.
Veterans will be given preference. Therefore, it is essential that all candidates address the required qualifications above in the application.
After an initial application screening, applicants will be invited to a testing process that may include a written examination and oral interviews. The selected candidate must pass pre-employment medical and security investigations before beginning work. The initial appointment period is one year, subject to renewal.
Normally, candidates for employment are hired at the first step of the designated pay grade. In some instances, candidates may be hired at a higher step when exceptional qualifications or previous governmental service and pay level so warrant. The Human Resources Officer will make the decision with the concurrence of the employing section.


ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and visa status in determining successful candidacy.
2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
3. EFMs who currently hold a EFM appointment are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of that appointment.