Overview

Hiring Path:

• Open to the public

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:

•    All Interested Applicants / All Sources

Security Clearance Required:

Public Trust – Background Investigation

Appointment Type

Permanent

Appointment Type Details:

.  Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period

Marketing Statement:

We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.

Summary:

The work schedule for this position is:
Full Time (40 hours per week)Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time ( 5 weeks) of receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Supervisory Position:

No

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:

No

Travel Required:

Occasional Travel
Successful applicants will be travelling to the provinces whenever the ambassador or DCM has a provincial trip to make.

Duties:

Under the supervision of the Ambassador’s Office Manager, incumbent serves as Protocol Assistant to the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), their spouses with regard to official business, and other members of the Mission, by providing guidance on all protocol matters; arranging meetings with host government officials, key members of the local community, and of the diplomatic corps; maintaining the contact database; liaising with the Official Residence Staff (ORE Staff) on official matters.

Qualifications and Evaluations:

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in government, protocol, and/or office administration is required. Experience must be related to the local government, diplomatic missions, civil society, non-profit governmental organization, local political or economic scene.
JOB KNOWLEDGE:  Must have advanced knowledge of host country protocol, traditional customs, differences in host country geographic and cultural areas, government structure, its politics, business, civil society structure, and the international community. Drafting of USG diplomatic correspondence, producing event-related materials, familiarity with local protocol procedures, attention to detail, customer service skills, and the ability to appropriately handle communication with VIPs are essential to the position.

Education Requirements:

 A university degree in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Management, Administration, Communication, Literature, or Linguistics is required.

Evaluations:

Post may choose to add the phrase “This may be tested” after a language, skill, and/or ability.  Review the VA template for specific information.
LANGUAGE:  Mandatory:  Level IV (Fluency) speaking/reading/writing of English; Level III (Good Working Knowledge) listening/speaking of Krio. This may be tested.SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Advanced computer skills. Must be able to perform technical research related to diplomatic subjects (political, economic, military, etc.). Excellent listening and judgment skills as well as strong interpersonal skill are essential. Must be able to develop and maintain contacts with key internal/external clients of the Mission.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 Info

Benefits:

Agency Benefits:

Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in Freetown may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits:
Housing/Rent Allowance 25% (Annual Basic salary) paid yearly.Transportation Allowance 30% (annual Basic Salary) paid Bi-Weekly.Leave AllowanceMeal Allowance13^th Month BonusMiscellaneous Benefit AllowanceFor 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”), 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.