• Position Title: Consular Associate
• Announcement Number: Nairobi-2025-056-EFM
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (U.S. Embassy)
• Employment Type: Full-Time (40 Hours/Week)
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Grade: FP-6/7/8 (Actual Salary Determined by Washington D.C.)
• Promotion Potential: FP-6
• Application Deadline: December 21, 2025
• Category/Department: Consular Services / American Citizen Services / Visa / Fraud Prevention
• Security Clearance Required: Secret/Confidential

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Introduction

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi is recruiting a Consular Associate exclusively for U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) to serve as a key member of the Consular Section, providing services in American Citizen Services (ACS), Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV), Immigrant Visa, and/or Fraud Prevention Unit (FPU). The incumbent conducts non-adjudicatory visa processing, assists U.S. citizens, investigates/validation studies, and handles correspondence with public, attorneys, governments, and Congress.

Requiring high school completion, minimum 3 years office administration (1 year consular preferred) or equivalent for lower grades, Level IV (Fluent) English, and ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance, this full-time FP position (40 hours/week) offers diplomatic family benefits. Ideal for organized, discreet professionals with strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail, this opportunity aligns with U.S. foreign service excellence. This role suits calm, accurate communicators ready for sensitive, impactful consular support.

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Basic Function of the Position

Under direct supervision of a Consular Officer, the Consular Associate handles responsibilities in ACS, NIV, Immigrant Visa, and/or FPU. Provides consular services to U.S. citizens, conducts non-adjudicatory visa processing, assists in investigation/validation, handles correspondence. Must secure/maintain Secret level clearance.

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Key Responsibilities

• Provide consular services to U.S. citizens.
• Conduct non-adjudicatory visa processing.
• Assist in investigation and validation studies.
• Handle correspondence with public, attorneys, U.S./host governments, Congress, other parties.

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Qualifications and Evaluations

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years office administrative experience with 1 year consular experience OR
• Minimum 2 years office administration (FP-07 Training Level) OR
• 1 year office administration (FP-08 Training Level).
  Preference for full performance level.

EDUCATION

• Completion of High School required.

LANGUAGE

• Level IV (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing English (may be tested).

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Input data with minimal errors, spot/correct others’ errors.
• MS Office/general computer skills (information/database management).
• Organizational/task management/filing/communication (drafting correspondence/reports).
• Obtain/maintain DOS Secret clearance.
• Tact/judgment with public under difficult circumstances.
• Evaluate evidence/apply complex regulations.
• Learn U.S./host country laws/regulations/precedents.
• Good interpersonal skills.

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Benefits and Other Info

Agency Benefits
For EFMs, benefits discussed with HR. Pay plan assigned at conditional offer.

Other Information

• Hiring preference for AEFM/USEFM/Veterans/FS on LWOP.
• Current employees in first 90 days ineligible.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the Consular Associate position.

Submit via official U.S. Embassy portal:
Apply Here – Consular Associate (USEFMs Only) – Nairobi-2025-056-EFM by December 21, 2025.

Required Documents

• Copy of Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
• DD-214 (if applicable)
• SF-50 (if applicable)
• High School Diploma
• Passport

Only shortlisted contacted. No fees.

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Additional Engagement

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Tags

U.S. Embassy Nairobi Consular Associate USEFM, American Citizen Services Visa Fraud Prevention, FP-6/7/8 Full-Time High School, English Fluency Secret Clearance, Vision 2030 Diplomacy

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Expert Tips for Success as Consular Associate at U.S. Embassy Nairobi: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for this USEFM-only Consular Associate role, I prioritize applications that demonstrate consular/admin precision, diplomatic tact, and calm efficiency under pressure. With high competition among family members, these 10 tips are designed to make your application stand out instantly.

Tip 1: Lead with Rock-Solid Consular/Admin Experience

Why It Works: This is the #1 filter – consular experience preferred.

CV Example (Top of Page):
“3+ years consular/admin support at U.S. Mission [Location] – ACS/NIV processing, citizen services, correspondence with Congress.”
Cover Letter Opening:
“With 3 years direct consular experience handling ACS cases, NIV intake, and sensitive citizen inquiries at [Previous Post], I am prepared to excel as Consular Associate in Nairobi.”

How to Do It: State your consular years + specific units (ACS/NIV/FPU) in the first 3 lines.

Tip 2: Prove You Can Get/Maintain Secret Clearance

Why It Works: Secret clearance required – delays kill candidacies.

CV Example:
“Current/Previous holder of Secret/Public Trust clearance – no issues.”
Cover Letter Example:
“Currently hold active Secret clearance from [Previous Post] with no adverse actions.”

How to Do It: Bold “Able to obtain/maintain Secret clearance – current holder” near top.

Tip 3: Show You Understand Non-Adjudicatory Role

Why It Works: This isn’t adjudication – it’s support.

CV Example:
“Supported non-adjudicatory NIV processing for 1,000+ cases – intake, scheduling, correspondence.”
Interview Answer:
“I understand the role focuses on intake, citizen assistance, and fraud detection support – not final visa decisions.”

How to Do It: Use “non-adjudicatory” or “support” phrasing to show you read the PD.

Tip 4: Highlight Data Accuracy & Systems Skills

Why It Works: “Input data with minimum errors” is explicit.

CV Example:
“Entered 2,000+ consular records with 99% accuracy in IVO/CCS systems.”
Cover Letter Example:
“Proven track record spotting/correcting applicant errors while maintaining database integrity.”

How to Do It: List consular systems (IVO, CCS, PIERS) if you have them.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Tact with Difficult Public

Why It Works: “Tact under difficult circumstances” is key.

CV Example:
“Managed 500+ distressed citizen cases (arrests, deaths, emergencies) with composure and empathy.”
Interview Example:
“When families call about detained relatives, I listen calmly, follow protocol, and connect them to the officer – de-escalating while protecting privacy.”

How to Do It: Use “distressed”, “sensitive”, or “difficult circumstances” in one bullet.

Tip 6: Use U.S. Mission Format & Terminology

Why It Works: Recruiters are U.S. direct-hire – they expect familiar style.

CV Format:

• Reverse chronological
• No photo (U.S. standard)
• Use “U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Member” status clearly

How to Do It: Download sample EFM resume from state.gov if needed.

Tip 7: Include Required Docs Early

Why It Works: Missing docs = instant rejection.

Required:

• Orders/Assignment Notification
• High School Diploma
• Passport copy
• DD-214/SF-50 if applicable

How to Do It: List in cover letter: “Attached: Orders, Diploma, Passport, [others].”

Tip 8: Name Files Professionally

Why It Works: Hundreds of applications.

Correct:
Consular_Associate_Nairobi_John_Doe_CV.pdf
Consular_Associate_John_Doe_Cover.pdf

Tip 9: Include Two Strong Referees (Consular Preferred)

Why It Works: They WILL call.

Best: Previous Consular Officer or American Citizen Services specialist.

Tip 10: One-Paragraph Passion Statement

“As a USEFM with 3 years supporting ACS and NIV operations overseas, I am excited to bring my experience, Secret clearance, and commitment to compassionate service to Nairobi. The Consular Associate role perfectly matches my skills in accurate data management, sensitive citizen support, and cross-unit coordination — all while upholding the highest standards of U.S. Mission professionalism.”

Apply with confidence — this role is tailored for experienced EFMs like you!

Apply via ERA: https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-era/vacancy/viewVacancyDetail.hms?_ref=unbpdxhnpt0&returnToSearch=true&jnum=71119&orgId=25

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