Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary

PCI GS • District of Columbia, DC, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary provides support to the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs and reports to the Program Manager. The position is 100% on-site.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• A Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in foreign policy, international affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior officials on complex foreign policy matters.
• Strong analytical, writing, and oral communication skills, including experience drafting materials for senior-level audiences.
• Experience working within or closely with the U.S. government interagency process.
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks under tight deadlines with discretion and sound judgment.
• Willingness to travel internationally, including to posts in austere or high-threat environments.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to those with active security clearance.
• an advanced degree (Master's or higher) in International Relations, Political Science, African Studies, Public Policy, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Graduates of the Foreign Service Institute's senior leadership or area studies programs are viewed favorably, where applicable.
• demonstrated expertise in African affairs strongly preferred.
• Regional expertise in Sub-Saharan Africa, including knowledge of political, economic, and security dynamics, is highly desirable.
• Foreign language proficiency in French, Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level policy advice and analysis to the Assistant Secretary on political, economic, security, and humanitarian issues affecting African nations.
• Draft, review, and edit briefing materials, talking points, decision memos, and correspondence for the Assistant Secretary's use in high-level meetings, congressional testimony, and diplomatic engagements.
• Manage special projects and initiatives as assigned, including strategic planning efforts related to regional security, trade, democracy promotion, and humanitarian assistance.
• Serve as a liaison between the Assistant Secretary's office and bureau offices, regional and functional bureaus, and U.S. missions in Africa.
• Accompany the Assistant Secretary on official travel, providing real-time analysis and support during diplomatic engagements.
• Monitor and analyze political and economic developments across the region, alerting the Assistant Secretary to emerging issues requiring senior attention.
• Support the preparation of the Assistant Secretary for testimony before Congress, press engagements, and public speaking events.
• Coordinate with Public Affairs and Press Office staff to ensure consistent messaging on Africa-related policy matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Secretary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior