The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Scientist (Veterinarian) to support animal and plant health programs across multiple countries in the region. This position is ideal for professionals seeking agricultural scientist jobs in Nairobi, veterinary science careers, or international regulatory and trade-focused roles in agriculture.

Key Job Information

• Position: Agricultural Scientist (Veterinarian) – USDA-APHIS
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Series/Grade: LE-1515, Grade 11
• Salary: KES 5,676,423 – KES 9,649,886 per year
• Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
• Promotion Potential: LE-11
• Appointment Type: Permanent, indefinite, subject to successful completion of probation
• Security Clearance Required: Public Trust – Background Investigation
• Open Period: 30 December 2025 – 14 January 2026
• Travel Required: Up to 50% within the region

About USDA-APHIS at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi

The USDA-APHIS office at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi plays a critical role in safeguarding U.S. agriculture, promoting regional trade, and supporting animal and plant health programs across ten countries in East Africa. Careers with USDA-APHIS offer professionals opportunities to work at the intersection of veterinary science, agricultural regulation, and international trade, providing technical expertise to government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners.

Working with USDA-APHIS provides exposure to high-level policy discussions, capacity-building programs, and technical interventions to mitigate or eradicate animal and plant pests and diseases. Agricultural scientist careers within the U.S. Mission allow professionals to contribute directly to U.S. agricultural interests abroad while applying scientific expertise to real-world trade, regulatory, and development challenges.

Job Description

The Agricultural Scientist (Veterinarian) will apply expert knowledge in animal and plant health sciences, regulatory standards, and international trade policies to advance U.S. interests across the designated countries of coverage. The incumbent works closely with regional government officials, international organizations, and private stakeholders to provide technical consultation, develop and implement sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, and facilitate the import and export of U.S. agricultural commodities.

This role includes designing and executing capacity-building initiatives, workshops, and seminars to strengthen regulatory frameworks and mitigate pest and disease risks. The position requires balancing scientific rigor with diplomatic acumen, as the incumbent represents USDA-APHIS in trade negotiations, bilateral meetings, and regional conferences, providing authoritative guidance on technical barriers, quarantine procedures, and agricultural health regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultation on U.S. import and export regulations for animal and plant health programs across ten countries.
• Develop and implement sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, quarantine procedures, and treatment protocols.
• Coordinate and deliver capacity-building projects, technical workshops, and seminars for foreign officials and stakeholders.
• Analyze regional trade issues, socio-political factors, and regulatory challenges impacting U.S. agricultural exports.
• Represent USDA-APHIS in trade negotiations, bilateral meetings, and regional conferences.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local laws, international SPS agreements, and regulatory policies affecting agricultural trade.
• Travel within the region to monitor agricultural programs, facilitate training, and resolve technical trade or regulatory issues.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Agriculture/Agronomy, Plant Pathology/Entomology, Animal/Veterinary Sciences, or Biology.

Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in agricultural science, veterinary practice, or related fields.
• Experience in developing, directing, or evaluating agricultural health programs, regulatory frameworks, or SPS-related initiatives.
• Proven ability to navigate complex regional trade policies, quarantine regulations, and international cooperative agreements.

Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of animal and plant health sciences, quarantine regulations, and regulatory compliance procedures.
• Ability to analyze complex regional agricultural issues, make informed decisions, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and French (Level IV – fluent, including translation ability).
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and execute work while coordinating with multiple stakeholders across ten countries.
• Proficiency in interpreting scientific literature, applying regulatory standards, and providing technical advice in diplomatic settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in international agricultural trade, regional regulatory agencies, or U.S. government agricultural programs.
• Prior exposure to capacity-building initiatives, workshops, or technical training in agriculture or veterinary sciences.

Benefits and Other Information

• The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees.
• Eligible Family Members (EFM) should discuss benefits directly with the HR Office.
• Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.
• Hiring preferences apply to AEFM/USEFM, U.S. veteran preference-eligible EFMs, and FS or CS employees with reemployment rights.
• Equal employment opportunity is provided regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates seeking agricultural scientist jobs in Nairobi, veterinary science careers, or USDA-APHIS positions abroad should apply by clicking the “Apply to This Vacancy” button on the U.S. Embassy Careers portal. Applications must include:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant field
• Resume/CV detailing relevant experience and qualifications
• Residency and/or work permit (if applicable)
• EFM Applicants: Sponsor’s Travel Orders/Assignment Notification, passport copy, DD-214 or other veterans’ documentation, and SF-50 (if applicable)

Applicants may edit their application before the closing date (14 January 2026). Incomplete applications may be disqualified. For further information, contact the HR Office at [email protected] or call 0203636000.