The U.S. Mission in Kenya has announced new career opportunities for qualified and interested applicants seeking employment at the embassy in Nairobi. The vacancies provide professionals with an opportunity to work in a diplomatic environment while supporting the operations of the U.S. Mission in Kenya.
The available positions are based in Nairobi and are open to all interested applicants who meet the requirements outlined by the embassy. These roles offer competitive annual salaries and the opportunity to contribute to diplomatic, political, and administrative operations within one of the leading international missions in Kenya.
The current openings include:
- Protocol Assistant
- Senior Political Specialist
Both positions are based at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, with applications closing on May 22, 2026.
The embassy is known for maintaining high professional standards and providing employees with opportunities to work in multicultural and dynamic environments. Successful candidates are expected to support the mission’s strategic objectives while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and strong communication standards.
Below is a detailed overview of the available positions.
- Protocol Assistant
Agency: U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Announcement Number: Nairobi-2026-076
Series/Grade: LE – 0120 – 8
Salary: KSh2,684,891 – KSh4,564,327 per year
Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
The U.S. Mission in Nairobi is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Protocol Assistant within the Executive Office. The role is designed to support protocol-related activities and ensure smooth coordination of official engagements involving embassy leadership and distinguished guests.
The position plays an important role in supporting diplomatic events, official ceremonies, and high-level visits involving government officials, diplomats, and other stakeholders.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Protocol Assistant will be expected to:
- Coordinate protocol arrangements for official embassy functions and diplomatic engagements.
- Assist in organizing visits for senior government officials, diplomats, and delegations.
- Support logistical planning for ceremonies, meetings, conferences, and official events.
- Prepare schedules, briefing materials, and protocol documentation.
- Liaise with government offices, diplomatic missions, and partner institutions on protocol matters.
- Arrange transportation, accommodation, and reception services for visiting officials where necessary.
- Maintain records related to protocol activities and official engagements.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with diplomatic protocol standards and procedures.
- Provide administrative and operational support within the Executive Office.
- Support communication and coordination between embassy departments during official events.
Work Environment
The Protocol Assistant position requires an individual who can work in a fast-paced environment while handling multiple assignments simultaneously. The role may involve coordinating activities outside normal office hours during official visits, events, or diplomatic engagements.
The successful candidate will work closely with embassy leadership, administrative staff, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of official activities.
Why This Position Matters
Protocol operations are an essential part of diplomatic missions. Proper coordination and adherence to diplomatic procedures help maintain professional relationships between governments, diplomats, and institutions.
The Protocol Assistant contributes directly to ensuring that official functions and diplomatic engagements are handled efficiently and professionally.
- Senior Political Specialist
Agency: U.S. Embassy Nairobi
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Series/Grade: LE – 1605 – 11
Salary: KSh5,676,423 per year
Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
The U.S. Mission in Kenya is seeking eligible and qualified applicants to join the Political Office as a Senior Political Specialist. This is a senior-level position that supports political analysis, reporting, and engagement on issues relevant to U.S.-Kenya relations.
The role involves monitoring political developments, conducting research, analyzing policy trends, and supporting diplomatic reporting activities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Political Specialist will be responsible for:
- Monitoring political developments and policy changes in Kenya.
- Conducting in-depth political analysis and preparing detailed reports.
- Advising embassy leadership on political trends and governance issues.
- Maintaining relationships with government officials, political leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Supporting the Political Office in preparing briefing papers and diplomatic communications.
- Researching issues related to governance, elections, legislation, security, and regional affairs.
- Preparing analytical reports for internal embassy use and policy discussions.
- Tracking developments that may affect bilateral relations between Kenya and the United States.
- Assisting in organizing political meetings, forums, and official engagements.
- Supporting visiting delegations and senior officials with political briefings and background information.
- Monitoring media coverage and public discourse related to political developments.
- Coordinating with internal embassy sections on cross-cutting political and policy matters.
Role Significance
The Political Office plays a critical role in supporting diplomatic engagement and policy analysis. The Senior Political Specialist position contributes to the embassy’s understanding of political, governance, and policy developments within Kenya and the wider region.
The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret political developments accurately and objectively.
Working at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi is one of the major diplomatic missions in East Africa. Employees work in a multicultural and professional environment that supports diplomacy, development cooperation, governance initiatives, and bilateral relations.
Embassy positions often involve collaboration with government institutions, international organizations, civil society, and diplomatic partners.
Working within the mission provides exposure to international standards of professionalism and opportunities to contribute to key diplomatic operations.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for both positions is:
May 22, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges.
Available Positions Summary
- Protocol Assistant
- Location: Nairobi
- Salary: KSh2,684,891 – KSh4,564,327 per year
- Grade: LE-0120-8
- Closing Date: May 22, 2026
- Senior Political Specialist
- Location: Nairobi
- Salary: KSh5,676,423 per year
- Grade: LE-1605-11
- Closing Date: May 22, 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official U.S. Embassy recruitment portal before the stated deadline.
