The Agricultural Scientist applies knowledge and experience with animal and plant health programs, regional trade issues, and socio-political and cultural factors to provide export analysis and promote U.S. interests in these areas for the countries of coverage (9 countries). The incumbent works with government officials and other stakeholders in the area of coverage (1) to provide expert consultation on U.S. import and export regulations, (2) to develop sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS), implement quarantine and/or treatment procedures, and to maintain and increase bilateral and regional trade, (3) to resolve issues affecting the importation of U.S. products into the countries of coverage, and (4) to safeguard U.S. agriculture. The incumbent develops and facilitates, and/or coordinates capacity building projects, seminars, and workshops to enhance the ability of foreign officials to mitigate or eradicate animal and plant pests and diseases in their own countries and strengthen the regulatory infrastructures in these countries.
The position is complex as it includes 9 host economies, a variety of agricultural commodities, variations in geographic areas in terms of climate and terrain and its impact on commodity availability, economic, political considerations between host countries and the U.S., and the expansion of U.S. exports of agricultural commodities. The incumbent provides expert consultation in resolving technical barriers to U.S. exports and/or releasing commodities from quarantine in a foreign country of coverage; actively participates in prioritizing agency goals and objectives in conjunction with the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) Foreign Service Officer, Regional Manager, USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine, Foreign Agricultural Service and other U.S. Government agencies. The incumbent represents APHIS and acts as a linking trade expert during trade negotiations, bilateral meetings, and trade conferences with counterparts, following guidance from APHIS management.
Qualifications and Evaluations
Requirements:
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in agricultural science field in a Agricultural Institution. Experience working in developing, directing, or evaluating agricultural health programs relating to trade or regulatory, or in dealing with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) matters of an equivalent nature is required. In depth knowledge of local laws in the assigned area, regulations, programs, practices as related to animal and plant health issues in the region. Trade policy of the various countries and the sanitary and phytosanitary policies of international and regional SPS organizations must be understood and applied
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
Pre-hire (Operational):
Expert and authoritative knowledge of animal and plant health sciences, applicable laws, precedent decisions, quarantine regulations, and preclearance facility operating procedures is required. In depth knowledge of local laws, programs, and practices related to animal and plant health relating to existing treaties and cooperative agreements is required.
Post-hire (Organizational):
The incumbent must develop and maintain a network of U.S. government, U.S. State government, U.S. industry and U.S. academic institutions. Specialized information will regularly have to be sought from all these sources. Within the countries of coverage, a clear understanding of how various agriculture authorities are divided among host government ministries and agencies is necessary. Legislative and rulemaking procedures must be mastered. The political subtleties and agriculture organizations’ sensitivities are keys to successful leadership, activities, and policy development.Education Requirements:
Master’s degree in agriculture/agronomy, or plant pathology/entomology, or animal/veterinary sciences, or biology, is required
Evaluations:
LANGUAGE:
Level IV (Fluent, Speaking/Reading/Writing) of English is required (This may be tested). Level IV Swahili (Fluent, Speaking/Reading/Writing) is required.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Pre-hire Skills and Abilities
Must have ability to analyze complex, novel, and/or sensitive regional issues, programs, and situations and to apply a complex body of knowledge, laws, and precedents to make decisions and recommendations. Must have ability to independently organize and execute work. Must have ability to use many different sources to research programs and techniques. Must have ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally. Must be able to read and comprehend articles appearing in scientific journals and then apply this knowledge to program objectives. Must have ability to deal with high-level officials and other representatives in providing technical advice, negotiating agreements, and explaining complex regulations and laws.
Post-hire Skills and Abilities
Expand the pre-hire skills and abilities. Advancing management skills and self-motivation and creativity as well as ability to be a good team plyer.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.Qualifications:
All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.
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Benefits and Other Info
Benefits:Agency Benefits:
Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in Nairobi, Kenya may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.
For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.
The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.Other Information:
For the current COVID-19 Requirements please visit the following link.
HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:
1. AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. AEFM / USEFM
3. FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **
* IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability dated within the past six months, equivalent documentation, or certification. A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.
** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.
For more information (i.e., what is an EFM, USEFM, AEFM, MOH, etc.?) and for additional employment considerations, please visit the following link.
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How to Apply
How to Apply:
All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Public Trust clearance.
To apply for this position click the “Submit Application” button. For more information on how to apply visit the Mission internet site.Required Documents:
To qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide requested information, or the information is insufficient to verify eligibility, may result in disqualification for this position.
All Applicants:
• Residency and/or Work Permit
• A master’s degree (or equivalent) in agriculture/agronomy, or plant pathology/entomology, or animal/veterinary sciences, or biology
• Curriculum-Vitae (CV)
Eligible Family Member Applicants:
• Copy of Sponsor’s Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
• Passport copy
• DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
• SF-50 (if applicable)Next Steps:
Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
For further information – the complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Office.
Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission in Nairobi, Kenya.
About
Announcement Number:Nairobi-2025-036Hiring Agency:Embassy NairobiPosition Title:Agriculture Scientist (USDA/APHIS) – All Interested ApplicantsOpen Period:12/08/2025 – 12/23/2025Format MM/DD/YYYYVacancy Time Zone:GMT+3Series/Grade:LE – 1715 11Salary:KES KSh5,676,423 – KES KSh9,649,886 /BiweeklyWork Schedule:Full-time – 40 hours per weekPromotion Potential:LE-11Duty Location(s):1 Vacancy in
Nairobi, KETelework Eligible:NoFor More Info: HR Section
020-363-6000
[email protected]
Overview
Hiring Path:• Open to the public
Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:For USEFM – FP is FS. Actual FP salary determined by Washington D.C.
• All Interested Applicants / All Sources
Security Clearance Required:Public Trust – Background InvestigationAppointment TypePermanentAppointment Type Details:• Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary periodMarketing Statement:
We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.Summary:
The work schedule for this position is:
- Full Time (40 hours per week)
Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time (4 weeks) of receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.Supervisory Position:NoRelocation Expenses Reimbursed:NoTravel Required:50% or less
Will be required to travel in East African Region.
