Selection Process

We urge you to read the entire vacancy announcement to ensure you meet all requirements for the position and you understand the special circumstances involving a career with the Department of State's Pakistan & Afghanistan Support Office (PASO) before applying.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens able to obtain the Security, Medical, and Ethics Clearances required for all employees.

To be considered for a position, you must complete an application through the Office of Personnel Management's application system, USA Jobs, by the closing date posted on the announcement.

There are several factors that will affect your overall evaluation.

  • Your online resume submitted through USA Jobs.
  • Responses to the vacancy specific self assessment questions.
  • Positions require a certain amount of work experience.

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an e-mail confirming it was received. Check the status of your application by accessing your account on USAJobs. If additional information is needed or you are selected for a position, you will be contacted by a Recruiter.

Temporary Appointments under 5 USC 3161 +

Initial appointments are thirteen (13) month assignments, although, they may be terminated earlier due to operational necessity. If there is a continued need for the position, a 3161 employee can be extended for up to 12 months at a time. This is contingent on not only the need, but also an agreement by the employee and his/her supervisor. A 3161 may not exceed five years of employment with the same office. All offers are contingent upon receipt of final Ethics, Medical and Security Clearances. Employees appointed under 5 USC 3161 do not receive civil service tenure and are not eligible to compete for positions limited to those with civil service status.

Security Clearance +

All candidates must be eligible to obtain at minimum, a Secret Security Clearance from the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) prior to a final offer being made. If you currently have an active minimum Secret level clearance, we will ask for reciprocity from the Agency holding your clearance.

Medical Clearance +

Employees assigned to Afghanistan, under the respective Chief of Mission authority, are required to have a Class 1 Medical Clearance. Employees whose medical clearance is current (issued within 2 years) are asked to complete a Medical Clearance Update form (DS-3057).

The purpose is to identify medical conditions that require specialty management, follow-up and/or monitoring or could be prone to exacerbation in certain environments. If one does not obtain a Class 1 Medical Clearance, there must be further approval for post specific locations.

Afghanistan has unique medical challenges. Travel within and out of this country can be physically demanding. The trip may take several days; personnel must wear heavy body armor and helmets and carry their own luggage over long distances. During the summer months this is done in extreme heat.

Ethics +

Candidates must obtain an Ethics Clearance prior to a final offer being made. Ethics Clearances help ensure employees do not participate in creating the appearance 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.