About the Embassy
Job Opportunities
Translator/Political Assistant
NUMBER APER 54
Open to: ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES
Position: Translator/Political Assistant
Opening date: October 14, 2009
Closing date: October 28, 2009
Work hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week
Position Grade: Not-Ordinarily Resident: FP-06 (Grade to be confirmed by Washington) Ordinarily Resident: FSN-08
NOTE: ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The U. S. Embassy in Yaoundé is seeking an individual for the Translator/Political Assistant position.
Basic Function of Position
Under the supervision and guidance of the Political/Economic Officer, incumbent serves as principal Embassy Translator and Political Assistant. Duties include: translating documents (from English to French and vice versa); drafting diplomatic notes and other documents, and serving as an available interpreter; translating official documents for the majority of Embassy sections; translating all correspondence and remarks for the Ambassador; providing information gathering, research, reporting, and support services to the Embassy political/economic section; serving as backup to the Political Specialist or Protocol Assistant in their absence.
Qualifications Required
Note: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.
1. Education: Post-graduate university studies (minimum 2 years) and certification in Translation (English and French).
2. Experience: Three years translation experience in an international institution or any organization that executes international programs/policy (e.g.: NGO or Embassy).
3. Language: Level V (Professional Translator) Speaking/Reading/Writing English and French is required and will be tested.
4. Job Knowledge: Applicant must have a thorough understanding of Cameroonian political, economic and diplomatic practices. Knowledge of host country resources for obtaining new information related to politics, and comprehension of U.S. foreign policy objectives are essential. Applicant must be computer literate in MS Office and Internet.
5. Skills/Abilities: Applicant must have extensive grammar and vocabulary skills for both English and French languages. Applicant must be able to interpret the needs of higher grade staff members for press and related information gathering for use to assist with the analysis of ongoing political developments. Must be able to research and obtain materials from varied resources to compile and write reports that are concise and accurate. Must have the ability to do accurate and clear translations that capture the meaning and intent of an original document. Must have organizational skills and the ability to manage and balance multiple tasks related to both translation and political work. Must have excellent writing skills, tact and diplomacy.
Selection Process:
When equally qualified, U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) and U.S. Veterans will be given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate address the above-listed required qualifications in the application.
Additional Selection Criteria:
1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
3. Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a FMA appointment are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
4. Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
To Apply:
Interested applicants for this position must submit the following or the application will not be considered:
1. Application for U.S. Federal Employment (OF-612); or
2. A current resume or a curriculum vita that provides the same information as an OF-612;
3. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.
4. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
Submit Application To:
Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 817,
U.S. Embassy Yaoundé
Cameroon
Via email at: ydeapplicants@state.gov (Please, indicate the title of the position on the “Subject:” line)
DEFINITIONS
1. AEFM: A type of Eligible Family Member who is eligible for direct-hire employment on either a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or Temporary Appointment (TEMP) provided s/he meets all of the following criteria:
--U.S. citizen;
--Spouse or dependent who is at least age 18;
--Listed on the travel orders of a Foreign or Civil Service or uniformed service
member permanently assigned to or stationed at a U.S. Foreign Service post or
establishment abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority;
--Is resident at the sponsoring employee’s or uniform service member’s post of
assignment abroad, approved safe haven abroad, or alternate safe haven abroad; and
--Does not receive a USG annuity or pension based on a career in the U.S. Civil,
Foreign or uniform services.
2. EFM: Family Member at least age 18 listed on the travel orders of a Foreign or Civil Service or uniformed service member permanently assigned to or stationed to a U.S. Foreign Service post or establishment abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority who does not meet the definition of AEFM above.
3. Member of Household: A MOH is a person who: 1) has accompanied, but is not/not on the travel orders of a U.S. citizen Foreign or Civil Service employee or uniform service member permanently assigned to or stationed at a U.S. Foreign service post or establishment abroad; 2) has been declared by the sponsoring employee to the Chief of Mission as part of his/her household; and 3) resides at post with the sponsoring employee.
4. Ordinarily Resident (OR): A citizen of the host country or a citizen of another country who has shifted the main residency focus to the host country and has the required work and/or residency permits for employment in country.
5. Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR): Typically NORs are U.S. Citizen EFMs and EFMs of FS, GS, and uniform service members who are on the travel orders and under Chief of Mission authority, or other personnel having diplomatic privileges and immunities.
Closing date for this position: October 28, 2009
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The U.S. Mission in Cameroon provides equal opportunity, 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.
Approved by Management Officer Thomas A. Lyman