Administrative Investigator (ICE) – Internal Applicants Only

The U.S. Mission in Kenya is seeking an eligible and qualified candidate for the position of Administrative Investigator (ICE) at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. The role supports the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), through investigative, administrative, operational and regional support functions.

Key Job Information

• Announcement Number: Nairobi-2026-126
• Hiring Agency: Embassy Nairobi
• Position: Administrative Investigator (ICE) – Internal Applicants Only
• Series/Grade: LE-0705 10
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Vacancies: 1
• Salary: KES 3,864,600 per year
• Work Schedule: Full-time, 40-hour work week
• Appointment Type: Permanent, indefinite subject to successful completion of the probationary period
• Promotion Potential: LE-10
• Security Clearance: Public Trust – Background Investigation
• Telework: Not eligible
• Travel: 50% or less; travel may be required throughout the host country, regionally and occasionally to the United States
• Open Period: 19th August 2026 to 18th September 2026

About the Role

The position is assigned to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent serves as a Foreign Service National Investigator while also providing support services to the ERO Attaché in support of the ERO law enforcement mission.

The role provides investigative and administrative support for DHS/ICE/ERO programmes across a regional area of responsibility covering Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea and Djibouti. It also involves liaison with multiple countries and operational support for the immigration law enforcement mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide investigative and administrative support to DHS/ICE/ERO programmes within the regional area of responsibility.
• Serve as an investigator and liaison with relevant countries in support of the DHS/ICE/ERO immigration law enforcement mission.
• Provide guidance and support the operational execution of immigration law enforcement activities.
• Assist with procurement actions and track expenditures, payments and funding cables.
• Monitor and track the ICE ERO International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) budget for ICE/ERO at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
• Provide direct assistance in managing, implementing and coordinating ICE/ERO Nairobi’s regional footprint.
• Develop and execute investigative and operational plans as required.
• Conduct case management activities and investigations involving individuals subject to removal from the United States and fugitives from justice.
• Conduct interviews, including with uncooperative individuals, as required during investigations.
• Prepare clear, detailed and comprehensive reports and memoranda in English.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, Business, Business Administration or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of law enforcement or diplomatic experience in criminal or administrative investigations.
• Fluency in English, including speaking, reading and writing.
• Fluency in Kiswahili, including speaking, reading and writing.
• Detailed knowledge of the host country’s customs, official communication protocols and relevant government entities.
• Knowledge of host-country immigration and repatriation/reception laws and administrative regulations.
• Understanding of Federal Aviation Administration regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization requirements.
• Detailed knowledge of local law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and Access.
• Ability to work independently, make well-reasoned decisions and solve problems quickly.
• Ability to develop and execute investigative and operational plans and conduct case management activities.
• Strong report and memorandum writing skills in English.
• A valid and unexpired passport and availability for international travel.
• A valid driver’s license and availability to drive daily, including potential multiple-day travel when required for investigations.

Security and Employment Requirements

Selected candidates must be able to obtain and maintain the required security certification or Public Trust security clearance. All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination.

The selected candidate must be able to begin work within a reasonable period following agency authorization and receipt of required clearances or certifications.

Benefits and Compensation

The U.S. Mission offers a compensation and benefits package for local employees. Benefits listed in the vacancy announcement include an annual performance-based salary increase, an annual 13-month bonus equal to one month’s basic pay, tuition reimbursement of up to $1,500 per year for university studies, and health insurance for the employee and family with 90% of the premium paid by the Mission.

The package also includes life and disability insurance with 100% of the premium paid by the Mission, an annual pension contribution equivalent to 9.5% of basic pay, 21 paid holidays, 25 days of paid annual leave, 25 days of paid sick leave, 5 days of paid family leave, paid maternity and paternity leave, paid pre-adoptive and adoptive leave, and training and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

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

Applicants must upload all applicable required documents, including a university degree, university transcript where applicable, driver’s license, certificates or professional licenses where applicable, and a resume/CV. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

The application period closes on 18th September 2026. Candidates may edit their applications before the vacancy closing date, but a complete application must be submitted by the deadline.

Eligible Family Member applicants are subject to additional documentation and hiring considerations as specified in the vacancy announcement. The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment.