POSITION: Foreign National Student Intern – Political Economic Section
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: FNSI 02-2016
OPENING DATE: February 4, 2016
CLOSING DATE: February 18, 2016
WORK HOURS: Part-time; Maximum 20 hours/week
SALARY: Unpaid – No compensation or benefits are offered
DURATION OF INTERNSHIP: Three-month temporary position from the date of hire
BACKGROUND The Foreign National Student Intern Program is designed for students who are non-U.S. citizens seeking internships with U.S. Missions abroad. The program benefits both posts and students by providing the foreign national students with valuable educational experience in U.S. Missions and by assisting posts in accomplishing their mission goals. The purpose of the Foreign National Student Intern Program is to offer students the challenge of working in a foreign affairs arena and at the same time profit by their assistance. There are no benefits attached to this internship and no compensation, nor any future employment rights. A student participating under this program is not considered to be a U.S. Federal employee for any purpose other than injury compensation or laws related to the Tort Claims Act. Service is NOT creditable for leave accrual or any other employee type benefits.
THIS IS A VOLUNTARY APPOINTMENT. NO COMPENSATION OR BENEFITS ARE OFFERED.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Only non-American students attending a Zambian or an American University accredited in Zambia are eligible for the Local Internship Program. Non-Zambian students, other than U.S. nationals, are required to submit the same documentation as Zambian students. An Equal Opportunity Employer
The student must comply with the following:
- Be a non-U.S. citizen – dual nationalities may also be accepted;
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment;
- Be eligible for a security certification and a medical clearance;
- Have a working knowledge (reading and speaking) of English;
- Good academic standing proved by official transcripts.
DESCRIPTION OF AGENCY OFFICE AND LOCATION:
Political/Economic (P/E) Section of the Embassy of the United States to the Republic of Zambia.
MAJOR DUTIES OR PROJECT/S
The Political/Economic (P/E) Intern will serve within Embassy Lusaka’s P/E Section to monitor and report on the lead-up, conduct, and follow-up of the August 11, 2016, general elections. As an unpaid intern, the work week will not be more than 20 hours/week, with optional extensions possible in consultation with Embassy Human Resources and the P/E Section Chief. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Section, the intern will be a productive member of the Political and Economic Section Team, with assigned responsibilities commensurate with section and Mission goals. This internship is a great opportunity to develop skills while working in a fast-paced environment. The internship provides opportunities to develop organizational and planning abilities and communication skills.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assisting the Section in logistics for election observation, including: organizing observation team participation, transport, and lodging; arranging Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) accreditation; and setting up the Embassy control room;
- Working with the Political Specialist and Political/Economic Assistant to set up meetings with political figures for P/E staff and the Front Office; and
- Helping P/E and Embassy observers report on election issues, as they unfold.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Recent academic studies are important; relevant area of experience is preferred. Successful candidates will:
- Be able to work well within a team but also independently, as required;
- Possess excellent communication and writing skills;
- Be studying for a Degree with coursework relevant to Political analysis, civics or government fields.
- Have a thorough knowledge of Zambian politics, government institutions and electoral systems.
- Be highly conversant in the use of Microsoft Office packages including MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
Students selected for the internship program must pass a security background check and receive a security certification from the post security officer before commencement of the internship (see 3 FAM 7222). The Human Resources Office will coordinate this process. A certificate of medical examination must be obtained prior to commencement of appointment to the Intern Program. The examination shall be conducted in accordance with 3 FAM 7131 and local regulations and prevailing practice. The Human Resources Office will coordinate this process.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for consideration of the application:
- A letter of application for the Internship;
- Certified educational transcripts;
- Written permission from the educational institution in which the student is enrolled;
- Universal Application for Employment (UAE) as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174);
- Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above;
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
The Human Resources Office American Embassy Subdivision 694/Stand 100, Ibex Hill Road, Lusaka District, P.O. Box 320065, Lusaka. HR_Lusaka@state.gov (Emailed applications preferred, but not required) POINT OF CONTACT Telephone: 357-000 extension numbers 7136, 7153, or 7284.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: FEBRUARY 18, 2016 Only short listed candidates will be contacted
