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Foreign Service Officer


Where We Work

The work we do affects the world and is conducted in every country around the globe. In fact, we have over 265 embassies, consulates and missions: The Americas, Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia. If you are interested in a global career, the U.S. Department of State is where you want to begin your search.

Worldwide availability is both an affirmed willingness to serve anywhere in the world and a matter of being medically qualified to do so. Both the willingness and being medically qualified are essential requirements for appointment to the Foreign Service. Worldwide availability also means that members of the Foreign Service are expected to serve anywhere in the world, even in cases where family members cannot go to post due to political instability and/or other concerns, or when family members must leave post as conditions deteriorate (evacuations).

Candidates should also bear in mind that Foreign Service Officers are expected to take assignments that can involve extremely difficult work, hardship, and even danger. We are looking for capable, healthy, dedicated candidates who are prepared to step up to the challenges the Foreign Service faces in today’s world.