Position Title: Economic Commercial Associate
Opening Period: 8/02/2022 – 8/19/2022
Series: 1505
Grade: FP-04
Salary: USD 60,061 p.a. (Actual FS salary determined by Washington D.C.)
For More Info: Human Resources Officer: Bridget C. Kissinger
Who May Apply: Current Employees of the Mission – All Agencies and/or U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs); Eligible Family Members (EFMs); or declared Members of Household (MOHs); dependents of U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) who are assigned under COM – All Agencies
Security Clearance Required: Secret security clearance
Duration Appointment: FMA not to exceed 5 years
Marketing Statement: We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply (https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Eight-Qualities-of-Overseas-Employees.pdf)
Summary: The U.S. Mission in Uganda is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Economic Commercial Associate.
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 following receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.
Supervisory Position: No
Duties: The incumbent assists with reporting and advocacy for Embassy Kampala on economic and commercial issues and spearheads the development of the Political and Economic (P/E) Section’s Environment, Science, Technology, and Health (ESTH) portfolio. (S)he is also responsible for promoting bilateral trade by providing commercial services and advocating for U.S. business interests. (S)he works in a combined P/E Section of five American officers, three Eligible Family Member (EFM) employees, and four Locally Employed (LE) staff. (S)he reports to the Economic and Commercial Officer, and through him/her to the Deputy Political and Economic Counselor.
Qualifications and Evaluations
Education: A Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Trade, Business, or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required.
Requirements:
EXPERIENCE: Four years of progressively increasing responsibilities in a career field related to commerce, environmental protection, and/or science and technology, whether in the governmental or private sector, is required.
JOB KNOWLEDGE: Must have detailed understanding of U.S. foreign policy, State Department and Embassy Political/Economic policies and directives on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, trade and investment. Thorough understanding of the “language” of business and economics, to successfully interact with the U.S. and Ugandan business communities. Incumbent must have knowledge of the economic and commercial patterns and business.
Download: Detailed Position Description | PD Economic-Commercial Associate Kampala AFRCC 6-2022
Evaluations:
LANGUAGE: Fluent English in speaking, reading and writing required. This may be tested.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Astute judgment, quick decision-making skills and the ability to form thoughtful connections between different economic/commercial developments is required. Ability to demonstrate significantly high diplomatic communications skills to engage with private and public companies, economic and commercial contacts, government officials, civil society, and other relevant ESTH stakeholders is required. Incumbent is required to use Microsoft Office Suites and advanced spreadsheet features for data analysis and reports. Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance is required. This may be tested.
Qualifications: All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.
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.
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”), 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: https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/VA-Definitions-and-Additional-Employment-Considerations.pdf
FURTHER, THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO EFMs, USEFMs, and AEFMs ONLY:
1. Current employees who used a hiring preference to gain employment who are within their first 90 calendar days of employment are not eligible to apply.
2. Candidates with a hiring preference who have already accepted a conditional offer of employment may NOT be extended a second conditional offer of employment unless and until they withdraw their candidacy for the first position in writing.
3. The following may also be considered when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, etc.
4. If selected, EFMs are expected to serve in the position for at least one year from the date of hire, and their sponsor’s tour of duty must allow sufficient time for this.
How to Apply: All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Secret security clearance.
All applications must be submitted online. Applicants shall be required to register under the careers page for U.S. Embassy Kampala following instructions on the link below
https://ug.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/
- For further assistance call 0414-306001
- You will receive confirmation of registration and proceed to apply.
- On completion of this process, you will receive an auto response via your email.
Required Documents: Please provide the required documentation listed below with your application:
- Degree Transcripts
- Copy of Orders
- DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
- SF-50 (if applicable)
What to Expect Next: Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
For further information: the complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources office.
Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission in Uganda.