Locally Employed Staff provide unique services in support of foreign policy at nearly 265 posts worldwide. LE Staff are an integral part of the team dedicated to representing America's interests to other countries. Individuals interested in becoming LE Staff must be legally eligible to work in the country of hire. This may include obtaining a work permit, a residency permit, or, in most instances, both the work and residency permits before the candidacy may be considered.
Locally Employed (LE) Staff are foreign nationals and other locally resident citizens (including US Citizens) who are legally eligible to work in that country. Foreign Service Nationals and locally resident US Citizens are the continuity staff of our Missions abroad. Our Locally Employed Staff abroad provide the institutional knowledge and professional contacts that are so important to the embassy. LE Staff perform vital mission program and support functions. All USG agencies under Chief of Mission authority depend heavily on their continuity staff, frequently delegating to them significant management roles and program functions.
Individuals interested in working at a specific post who are not host country nationals must be legally eligible to work in the country of hire. This may include having a work permit, a residency permit, or, in most instances, both the work and residency permits before the candidacy may be considered.