U.S. Embassy in Pretoria Political Specialist

NOTE: ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR PERMANENT RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria is seeking an individual for the position of Political Specialist in the Political Section (POL).

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications Required: NOTE:  ALL APPLICANTS MUST ADDRESS EACH SELECTION CRITERION DETAILED BELOW WITH SPECIFIC AND COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION SUPPORTING EACH ITEM.  Items 1- 5 are ALL REQUIRED 1.      Education:  Bachelor’s degree in political science, social science, international relations, history, international law, or journalism or related field is required.2.      Experience:  Three years of progressively responsible experience in social science research and analysis, newspaper reporting of political or social science matters, university teaching, or closely related field is required.3.      Language:  English level IV (fluent) reading/writing/speaking is required.  Level IV (good working knowledge) of one other South African language is required.  (This will be tested).4.      Knowledge: -          Specialized knowledge of political science in general and the South African political system is required.-          Must have the ability to understand a complex process such as drafting of legislation, documents, and research techniques for public surveys.5.      Skills and Abilities:-          Ability to identify influential and up-and coming individuals in SA Government, political parties, and other influential organizations.-          Ability to develop and maintain contacts.-          Ability to obtain, review, interpret and synthesize material from a wide variety of sources, then prepare and deliver clearly written analyses and reports in a timely fashion.-          Ability to independently anticipate and respond to Mission and Washington needs for coverage of current developments.-          Ability to manage grant program.-          Ability to prepare and present oral reports and briefings.-          Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite 2007 is required. (Word and Excel will be tested)

Job Specification

Basic Function of Position: The incumbent develops expertise in an assigned portfolio of politics, government, and international relations topics and provides the Political Section and other mission members with contacts, information, analysis and reporting within that portfolio.  Independently cultivates and maintains contacts helpful to the assigned portfolio and arranges introductions for the Political Section; provides briefing and oral/written reports of both factual/analytical nature on political issues; independently identifies relevant topics for analysis and reporting within assigned portfolio; maintains key contact for and drafts assigned sections of annual, congressionally-mandated reports; independently organizes and attends  meetings; arranges and accompanies political officers and, on occasion, high-level officials, on meetings/site visits; reviews newspapers/publications and translates articles when necessary; maintains section’s reference and biographic files. Closing date:  October 9, 2012 For more details on the Application and Selection process, please go to: Please note that this link will take you to the p-net site. http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/job_opportunities.html Register and Apply via:  http://americanembassy.pnet.co.za only.