The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, is recruiting a qualified and experienced Political Assistant to join its Political/Economic Section.
📍 Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
🏢 Employer: U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé
💼 Position: Political Assistant
📋 Announcement Number: Yaounde-2026-010R
👥 Eligibility: All Interested Applicants / All Sources
📌 Vacancies: 1
📅 Application Deadline: November 6, 2026
💰 Annual Salary: FCFA 13,507,338 gross per year
🕒 Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
📄 Employment Type: Permanent (indefinite appointment, subject to successful completion of the probationary period)
🏠 Remote Work: Not available
1. JOB DESCRIPTION
The U.S. Mission in Cameroon is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Political Assistant in its Political/Economic Section.
The successful candidate will conduct research and analysis on Cameroonian politics, society, foreign relations, human rights, and security developments affecting U.S. interests. The role also involves preparing reports, briefing embassy officials, developing professional contacts, and supporting diplomatic engagements.
2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Political Research and Analysis
- Research and report on political developments, religious freedom, political-military affairs, counterterrorism, the rule of law, corruption, and other relevant issues.
- Draft diplomatic cables, reports, speeches, and other official documents.
- Contribute to major annual reports, including the International Religious Freedom Report and Country Reports on Terrorism.
- Maintain knowledge of Cameroon’s legal framework, institutions, political environment, and civil society.
International Relations Analysis
- Monitor Cameroon’s relations with the United States, other countries, and international organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, and La Francophonie.
- Analyze the foreign policy implications of domestic developments.
- Forecast political and social trends and advise embassy officials.
Briefings and Presentations
- Prepare written and oral briefings for senior embassy officials and colleagues.
- Develop briefing materials and checklists for important meetings.
- Provide relevant background information ahead of media engagements.
Outreach and Contact Development
- Establish and maintain relationships with government officials, political parties, unions, security services, NGOs, civil society leaders, and private-sector representatives.
- Prepare talking points, background documents, and biographical notes for official meetings and regional visits.
- Accompany embassy officers to meetings and diplomatic engagements conducted in English or French.
- Schedule meetings, prepare meeting reports, and represent the Embassy at public events.
Biographical Research
- Research and verify biographical information on individuals of interest to the U.S. government.
- Maintain unclassified biographical files and monitor the career development of emerging Cameroonian leaders.
- Review reports and translations prepared by other staff members.
3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- A bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, or Journalism is required.
Professional Experience
- At least three (3) years of experience working in an international institution or an organization involved in international programs or policy, such as an NGO, international organization, or embassy.
- At least one year of experience in political reporting.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and French, including speaking, reading, and writing.
- Language proficiency may be tested.
Required Knowledge
- Strong understanding of Cameroonian customs, culture, politics, economics, and diplomatic practices.
- Knowledge of Cameroon’s government structures, institutions, political parties, history, major political figures, and key national issues.
- Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy objectives in Cameroon and the history of the U.S. presence in the country.
- Understanding of diplomatic reporting requirements and office procedures.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to independently prepare concise, factual, and useful reports.
- Ability to analyze political, economic, and social developments and assess their implications for Cameroon and U.S. foreign policy.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy when dealing with government officials and other contacts.
- Ability to obtain and assess sensitive information professionally.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to develop and maintain a broad network of senior- and mid-level contacts.
- Ability to plan and conduct independent research projects and present findings to embassy officers.
4. SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the required security certification or Public Trust background clearance.
- A background investigation is mandatory.
- A pre-employment medical examination may be required.
- The successful candidate must be available to begin work within a reasonable period after receiving the necessary authorizations and clearances.
- The position is non-supervisory.
- Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
5. SALARY AND BENEFITS
The advertised annual gross salary is FCFA 13,507,338, subject to the applicable compensation plan.
Benefits include:
- Annual gross compensation incorporating the basic rate, miscellaneous benefits allowance, and end-of-year bonus.
- Seniority allowance in accordance with local labor law.
- Potential merit-based compensation rewards.
- Annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, special leave, and family leave, subject to applicable rules.
- Reimbursement of eligible medical expenses for employees and qualifying dependents, subject to the Local Compensation Plan.
- Approximately 19 American and Cameroonian public holidays annually.
Additional compensation arrangements may apply to eligible positions. The final applicable pay plan is confirmed by the HR Office and Washington, DC.
6. REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
All applicants must submit the applicable documents:
- Residency permit, if applicable.
- Work permit, if applicable.
- University degree or equivalent qualification.
- Work attestation(s) confirming relevant professional experience.
Additional documents for Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants may include:
- Sponsor’s travel orders or assignment notification.
- Passport copy.
- DD-214, Veterans Affairs letter, or other supporting documentation, if applicable.
- SF-50, if applicable.
Applicants claiming eligible U.S. veteran hiring preference must provide the required supporting documentation.
7. HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted online.
🔗 Application Link: https://bit.ly/3cImd1A
🌐 U.S. Mission Cameroon – Employment Information: https://cm.usembassy.gov/jobs/#apply
Applicants should ensure that their applications clearly address all relevant education, professional experience, language proficiency, knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.
Incomplete applications may be disqualified. Applications may be edited before the vacancy closing date.
8. SELECTION PROCESS
- Applications will be screened by the HR Office and selecting official(s) after the vacancy closes.
- Applicants may be required to complete language or skills assessments.
- The security certification process typically takes 2–4 months.
- The medical clearance process is handled separately and is covered by the U.S. Embassy.
- A formal offer and agreed start date will follow receipt of the required clearances.
📅 DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 6, 2026
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
⚠️ Important: Hiring preference rules apply to eligible family members and other specified categories. Applicants should review the official vacancy announcement for the complete eligibility conditions.
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