Political Assistant (Open to USEFMs Only) at U.S. Embassy Accra

Duties

The Political Security Assistant facilitates bilateral cooperation between the United States and Ghana on civilian security and governance issues including maritime and border security, cybersecurity and cybercrime, the administration of justice, good governance, and anti-corruption efforts.  The incumbent serves as a liaison between the US Embassy and the Government of Ghana, as well as the US Embassy and the international donor community for security-related foreign assistance programs and engagements, which focus on institutional capacity building, interagency cooperation, security strategy development, and security sector reform. 

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: 

At least two years experience with program or project management or in government, business, security, or development (e.g. non-profit, military, US government, intelligence, legal, private sector)

or

Experience working across agency/organizational lines (e.g. a VIP visit coordinator who liaises with host government, GSO, RSO, and the interagency to plan high level visits: project manager who deals with customer requirement and management constraints; staff assistant who coordinates interagency meetings, host government functions, and Washington priorities)  

Education Requirements:

Required bachelor’s degree in security studies, international relations, political science, international development, business administration, or related field. 

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: Fluent oral and speaking English is required.  (This may be tested).

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 Accra, Ghana may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.

For 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:

For the current COVID-19 Requirements please visit the following link.

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.