ACS Consular Assistant – Internal Applicants Only

U.S. Embassy Nairobi is seeking an ACS Consular Assistant to support the Consular Office in providing services to U.S. citizens in Kenya and Somalia. Based in Nairobi, the full-time permanent position handles emergency and routine consular matters, including citizenship, passport, welfare and whereabouts, and federal benefits services.

Key Job Information

• Position: ACS Consular Assistant – Internal Applicants Only
• Employer: Embassy Nairobi
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Arrangement: No telework
• Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 40-hour work week
• Salary: KES 2,478,361 per year
• Announcement Number: Nairobi-2026-136
• Open Period: 16 September to 30 September 2026
• Series/Grade: LE-1405 8

About the Role

The ACS Consular Assistant provides U.S. citizen services for Kenya and Somalia in accordance with U.S. Department of State and Post policies and procedures. The position handles emergency and non-emergency cases and develops working relationships with Kenyan and Somali government officials and other service providers to assist U.S. citizens.

The employee may also accompany an American officer on outreach activities, jail or hospital visits and meetings with government officials in cities throughout Kenya and Somalia. The position is non-supervisory and involves occasional travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle special consular cases involving deaths, arrests, destitution, repatriation, medical and psychiatric emergencies, child custody, abduction, and welfare and whereabouts checks.
• Process passport, citizenship and Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications.
• Deliver newly issued documents to applicants or contracted courier services.
• Manage Federal Benefits applications, verifications and distribution of benefit checks.
• Monitor and enroll U.S. citizens in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Maintain appropriate records and information in accordance with applicable Department regulations and FAM guidelines.
• Develop contacts with government officials, police, immigration officials, airlines, funeral homes and other service providers.
• Respond to telephone, email and written inquiries, congressional inquiries and emergency cases.
• Provide translation between Kiswahili or Somali and English for officers and review documents in these languages.

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma and 2 years of college/university are required.
• At least 4 years of progressively responsible work experience involving public contact, customer service and application of regulatory material.
• English Level 4 proficiency, including speaking, reading and writing, with translation ability where applicable.
• Somali or Kiswahili Level 3 proficiency in speaking, reading and writing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong keyboard and highly accurate data-entry skills.
• Ability to understand regulatory documents, including relevant sections of 7 and 8 FAM and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Knowledge of Kenyan and Somali law and society, as relevant to citizenship and immigration matters.

Benefits and Compensation

• Annual salary: KES 2,478,361.
• 13th-month bonus: Equal to one month’s basic pay.
• Tuition reimbursement: $1,500 per year for university studies.
• Health insurance: 90% of the premium paid by the Mission for the employee and family.
• Life and disability insurance: 100% of the premium paid by the Mission.
• Pension: 9.5% of basic pay contributed annually.
• Paid holidays: 21 days per year.
• Annual leave: 25 days.
• Sick leave: 25 days.
• Family leave: 5 days of paid family leave per year.
• Parental and adoption leave: Paid maternity, paternity, pre-adoptive and adoptive leave.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the official U.S. Department of State Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) system by selecting the “Apply to This Vacancy” option. Applications must address all relevant experience, education, language skills and job-related requirements.

The application must be complete and submitted by 30 September 2026. Required documents include a residency permit and work permit where applicable, university degree, university transcripts, high school certificate and resume/CV.

Eligible Family Member applicants must additionally submit the applicable sponsor’s travel orders or assignment notification, passport copy, DD-214 or other veteran documentation where applicable, and SF-50 where applicable. Selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a security certificate or Public Trust security clearance and will be subject to a background investigation.