Who Qualifies/Selection Process |  |
Applicants must be U.S. citizens able to obtain the required security, medical, and ethics clearances. Candidate selection is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the applicant’s relevant work experience and subject matter expertise. In making our evaluation, we consider the following:
- Your on-line resume submitted through USAJobs.
- Your responses to the core application questions.
- Your responses to the vacancy-specific self assessment questions.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an e-mail confirming that it was received. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJobs online application system. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications once a final decision is made but this could take several months, especially if several positions are being filled from the same job announcement. If additional information is needed or if you are selected for a position, you will be contacted.
Clearance Information
Security
All candidates for employment must obtain a minimum of a Top Secret security clearance from the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Even if the candidate has previously held a government security clearance or still holds one, the candidate must complete a Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86), a credit/consumer report release form, and two sets of fingerprint cards for adjudication by DSS. Full disclosure and candor is imperative when completing this paperwork.
Medical
All employees permanently assigned to Afghanistan under Chief of Mission authority are required to have a medical clearance from the State Department's Office of Medical Services before departure to post. Employees whose medical clearance is current (defined as issued within 2 years or tour of duty overseas) are asked to complete a Medical Clearance Update form (DS-3057) and submit it to MED/Clearances. These individuals may request an optional early full physical clearance exam.
Employees and applicants who do not have a current medical clearance must have a physical examination and have this evaluated by Medical Clearances. The purpose of a medical clearance is to identify health needs and medical conditions that may require specialty management, follow-up or monitoring or could be prone to exacerbation in certain environments. If one does not have an unlimited (Class 1) medical clearance, there must be further post approval for Afghanistan. This is required in order to ensure that medical conditions can be properly monitored and managed. Medical clearances are based on an individual assessment of the needs of each employee or candidate in light of his or her particular medical history and status.
Ethics
Employees must receive an ethics clearance, which requires completing and executing the Executive Branch Public Financial Disclosure Form (SF-278) and reading/signing the Government Ethics Guidance and Acknowledgement of Ethics Guidance Review. Ethics clearances are required to help ensure that employees do not violate, or participate in any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or standards governing ethical conduct for employees of the Executive Branch. A Termination Financial Disclosure Report must be completed upon departure. The Federal ethics and conflict of interest laws and regulations are important tools intended to foster public confidence in government.
