4 Job Openings at U.S. Embassy to Kenya – Apply by May 11, 2026

Four positions are open. Political Assistant. Consular Associate. Senior Political Specialist. Community Liaison Office Coordinator.

Some roles are open to all qualified candidates. Some are for U.S. Eligible Family Members only. Read carefully before you apply.

Deadline: May 11, 2026.

If you have the qualifications, do not wait. Embassy jobs are competitive. Apply early.

USEFM = U.S. Eligible Family Member. These roles are for family members of U.S. government employees stationed in Kenya.

1: Political Assistant (USEFMs ONLY)

Job Type: Full Time

Qualification: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: 3 years

Location: Nairobi

Job Field: Media / Advertising / Branding / Political Affairs

What You Will Do

The Political Associate handles a broad range of analytical reporting, information gathering, and advocacy on host country political issues.

You will assist the political section in developing policies and programs for Kenya, taking into account local social and political conditions and U.S. objectives.

You will monitor media and other sources to report on government policy making, national initiatives, the legislative process, and civil society movements.

You will engage government and civil society contacts to promote U.S. policy objectives. You will lead efforts to build relationships with influential host government personnel.

You will coordinate, research, and draft political section reporting. This includes spot reports, cables, briefing memos, and Congressionally required reports.

You will support travel and visits by Embassy officials and VIP visitors.

Requirements

Experience: At least three years in a job involving research, analysis, advocacy, or program management on political science, national security, international business and economics, international relations, education, communications, law, or development.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, law, history, international relations, or public policy.

Language: English Level 4 (Fluent), including ability to translate.

Skills: Strong oral and written communication. Strong organisational skills. Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment.

2: Consular Associate (USEFMs ONLY)

Job Type: Full Time

Qualification: High School completion

Location: Nairobi

Job Field: Administration / Secretarial

What You Will Do

Under the direct supervision of a Consular Officer, the Consular Associate handles responsibilities in the American Citizen Services Unit, Nonimmigrant Visa Unit, Immigrant Visa Unit, or Fraud Prevention Unit.

You may provide consular services to U.S. citizens. You will conduct non adjudicatory visa processing. You will assist in investigation and validation studies.

You will handle correspondence with the public, attorneys, U.S. and host governments, Congress, and other parties.

You must be able to secure and maintain a Secret level security clearance.

Requirements

Education: Completion of High School.

Language: Level IV (Fluent) English speaking, reading, and writing.

Skills: Ability to input data in consular systems with minimum errors. Demonstrated skills in MS Office Suite. Organisational skills including task management and filing. Writing skills for drafting official correspondence. Tact and good judgment when dealing with the public. Sensitivity in evaluating evidence and applying complex regulations. Good interpersonal skills.

Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DOS Secret security clearance.

3: Senior Political Specialist (All Qualified Candidates)

Job Type: Full Time

Qualification: Bachelor’s degree

Location: Nairobi

Job Field: Project Management / Political Affairs

What You Will Do

This is the senior LE Staff member in the Political Section. You will serve as the senior policy advisor to the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Political Section staff.

You will lead a three person LE Staff team covering political issues in Kenya and U.S.-Kenya relations. You will be the line supervisor with rating responsibility for one person.

You will serve as the primary liaison between Embassy leadership and senior leaders across Kenyan society.

You will maintain contacts with senior Kenyan government officials at national, regional, and county level. This includes officials in the office of the president, deputy president, cabinet members, parliamentarians, political party leaders, trade unions, NGOs, academic institutions, religious organisations, multilateral organisations, and media houses.

You will influence and negotiate with Kenyan contacts to further U.S. foreign policy goals.

You will brief visiting U.S. officials on Kenyan political stability, attitudes toward the United States, and regional implications.

You will monitor and analyse the Kenyan political and security landscape. You will produce written reports that require minimal edits and supervision.

You will facilitate roundtable discussions on political topics for Embassy leadership.

Requirements

Education: University degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Business Studies, or related field.

Language: English Level IV (Fluent). Kiswahili Level IV (Fluent).

Skills: Strong analytical writing skills. Ability to adhere to State Department writing guidelines. Ability to obtain information from senior officials not available in public domain. Ability to assess information against known biases and agendas.

4: Community Liaison Office Coordinator (USEFMs ONLY)

Job Type: Full Time

Qualification: Secondary school completion

Experience: 5 years (plus 6 months supervisory)

Location: Nairobi

Job Field: Project Management

What You Will Do

The CLO is responsible for developing and managing a program based on community demographics and post specific needs.

Your work directly impacts post morale and affects overall work performance, productivity, retention, community spirit, and individual and family well being in a foreign environment.

You will develop evaluation criteria and conduct periodic surveys to assess program efficacy.

Based on survey analysis, you will develop and implement a long range program plan that outlines goals to maintain and enhance morale.

Requirements

Experience: Minimum five years of professional work experience. Minimum six months of supervisory experience.

Education: Completion of Secondary school.

Language: Level III (Good Working Knowledge) English speaking, reading, and writing.

Job Knowledge: Pertinent DOS regulations, programs, and policies. Host country laws, practices, and mores. Critical to duties in employment liaison, education liaison, crisis management, and security liaison.

Skills: Standard knowledge of Microsoft computer environment. Ability to draft and edit material for correspondence and publication. Good interpersonal customer service skills.

How to Apply

Use the links below to apply on the U.S. Embassy career portal.

Or search “U.S. Embassy Kenya jobs” on Google. Look for the official Embassy website with .gov domain.

Application Tips for Embassy Jobs

Embassy job postings are detailed. Every requirement matters. If you miss something, your application is disqualified.

Follow instructions exactly.

If they ask for specific documents in a specific format, provide exactly that. Do not improvise.

Address every qualification.

Your application must address all position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and skills. If you leave something out, your application may be disqualified.

Prepare for testing.

You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test. Be ready.

Be patient.

Embassy hiring processes take time. Security clearances take even longer. Do not expect a quick response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kenyan citizens apply for USEFM only roles?

No. USEFM means U.S. Eligible Family Member. These roles are not open to Kenyan citizens.

Which roles are open to Kenyans?

The Senior Political Specialist position appears to be open to all qualified candidates. Read the full announcement on the Embassy website to confirm.

Do I need a visa to work at the Embassy?

If you are a Kenyan citizen hired by the Embassy, you work as a Locally Employed staff member. You do not need a U.S. visa. You work in Kenya.

How competitive are these jobs?

Very competitive. The U.S. Embassy receives hundreds of applications for each opening. Only the most qualified candidates advance.

What if I miss the deadline?

May 11, 2026 is the cutoff. Applications after that date are not considered. Apply early.

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