Director, Foreign Service / Minister II

The Public Service Commission (PSC) invites applications from qualified and experienced serving officers for the position of Director, Foreign Service / Minister II (CSG 5) within the State Department for Foreign Affairs. This opportunity is part of ongoing public service commission jobs aimed at strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic capacity and advancing national interests globally.

This senior leadership role is advertised under current public service commission vacancies and offers a platform for seasoned diplomats to contribute to foreign policy formulation, international engagement, and strategic representation of Kenya.

Key Job Information

• Position: Director, Foreign Service / Minister II
• Job Scale: CSG 5
• Organisation: State Department for Foreign Affairs
• Number of Vacancies: 37
• Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable
• Years of Experience Required: Minimum 15 years
• Eligibility: For Serving Officers Only
• Advert Date: 16-12-2025
• Application Deadline: As indicated in the official PSC advert

About the Role

The Director, Foreign Service / Minister II is a senior position within jobs at Public Service Commission, deployed either at the Ministry Headquarters or in a Kenya Mission abroad. The role is central to advancing Kenya’s foreign policy objectives, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and promoting Kenya’s interests on the global stage.

This role is ideal for officers seeking senior diplomatic PSC jobs that combine policy leadership, international representation, and strategic engagement.

Requirements for Appointment

• Minimum cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years, with at least one (1) year served at the grade of Deputy Director, Foreign Service / Minister Counsellor (CSG 6) or an equivalent position in the wider public service.
• Successful completion of at least forty-eight (48) months on a Tour of Duty in a Kenya Mission abroad.
• Bachelor’s Degree from a university recognized in Kenya.
• Master’s Degree in International Relations, International Studies, Business Administration, Law, Economics, or an equivalent discipline from a recognized university.
• Certificate in Strategic Leadership Development Programme from a recognized institution.
• Demonstrated outstanding professional competence and strong managerial and administrative capabilities.
• Visionary leadership qualities, innovation, results orientation, and commitment to continuous learning.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of Kenya’s Foreign Policy, national priorities, and the role of the Foreign Service in achieving national development goals.
• Demonstrated respect for national values and principles of governance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Deployment at Ministry Headquarters

An officer deployed at Headquarters will report to the Deputy Director General, Foreign Service, and will be responsible for:

• Assisting in coordination and management of a Directorate.
• Contributing to formulation, analysis, interpretation, and review of Kenya’s foreign policy.
• Coordinating preparation of Kenya’s positions for bilateral and multilateral engagements and conferences.
• Providing technical backstopping on foreign policy to Kenya Missions.
• Coordinating preparation of briefs, statements, speeches, toasts, aide-mémoires, and other diplomatic communications.
• Facilitating consultations, meetings, and briefings on foreign policy matters.
• Following up on implementation of reports from Kenya Missions and international engagements.
• Representing the State Department in international meetings, events, and conferences.
• Promoting Nairobi as a hub for multilateral diplomacy and host city for international organizations.
• Lobbying for Kenya’s candidatures and candidates in regional and international organizations.
• Networking with inter-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions accredited to Kenya.
• Conducting research and analysis on global trends and recommending policy interventions.
• Contributing to development of Foreign Service Academy training programmes.
• Mentoring and coaching junior officers.
• Coordinating performance management and administrative matters within the Directorate.

Deployment at Kenya Mission Abroad

When deployed at a Kenya Mission, the officer will serve as Head of Chancery and will be responsible for:

• Coordinating technical and administrative operations of the Mission.
• Projecting, promoting, and protecting Kenya’s foreign policy interests.
• Designing strategies to achieve Kenya’s bilateral and multilateral priorities.
• Supporting formulation of Kenya’s positions for diplomatic engagements.
• Analyzing political, economic, and social trends and submitting reports.
• Promoting and protecting interests of the Kenyan diaspora.
• Supporting public diplomacy and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Lobbying for Kenya’s candidatures in strategic international organizations.
• Networking with diplomatic missions and inter-governmental organizations.
• Coordinating official state functions and delegations.
• Mentoring and coaching junior officers.
• Participating in international meetings and preparing reports.
• Preparing diplomatic notes, briefs, and official correspondence.
• Assisting in preparation of Mission budgets, work plans, procurement plans, and cash flow projections.
• Chairing or serving on Mission functional committees.

How to Apply

Eligible serving officers seeking senior diplomatic public service commission jobs, current PSC jobs, or specialized jobs at Public Service Commission are invited to apply through the official PSC recruitment portal.

Applications must be submitted on or before the closing date stated in the advert. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Public Service Commission is an equal opportunity employer committed to merit-based, transparent, and accountable recruitment.