Foreign Service Specialist

The U.S. Department of State offers career opportunities to professionals in specialized functions needed to meet Foreign Service responsibilities around the world. As a Foreign Service Specialist, you will provide important technical, management, healthcare or administrative services at any of our more than 270 posts overseas, in Washington, D.C., or elsewhere in the United States.

You’ll receive paid housing or a housing allowance when serving overseas, health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid education for dependent children in K-12 overseas, generous paid leave, and an unprecedented chance to see the world and experience different cultures.

The opportunities that exist for Foreign Service Specialists are as diverse as the countries in which they serve. Foreign Service Specialist jobs are grouped into 6 major categories: Administration, Building Construction, Operations and Maintenance, Information Technology, International Information and English Language Programs, Law Enforcement and Security, and Medical and Health.

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Administration

Financial Management, Office Management Specialist, General Services, and Human Resources Officers manage all aspects of Embassy operations including personnel, transportation, and physical resources.

Administration
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Buildings Construction, Operations, and Maintenance

Construction Engineers and Facility Managers work together on managing new construction projects, maintaining, and renovating current physical structures while complying with local codes for the safety and security of all personnel.

Buildings Construction, Operations, and Maintenance
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Information Technology

The Information Resource Management (IRM) Bureau empowers the Department’s foreign policy mission by providing secure information technology infrastructure and services in a complex international IT environment. IRM plays a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity, efficiency, and global communication capabilities of the Department by offering modern IT tools, approaches, systems, and information services to best support secure, data-informed diplomacy.

Information Technology
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International Information and English Language Programs

Educational and Cultural Affairs

Regional Public Engagement Specialists and Regional English Language Officers promote and support programs for the learning and teaching of American English to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

Educational and Cultural Affairs
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Security people

Law Enforcement and Security

Special Agents, Security Engineering Officers, Security Technical Specialists and Couriers serve to protect people, property, and information in the areas of international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, and security technology.

Law Enforcement and Security
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Medical and Health

Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants, Psychiatrists, Primary Care Doctors, and Medical Laboratory Scientists safeguard the health and well-being of America’s diplomatic community.

Medical and Health
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Dimensions of a Foreign Service Specialist

Dimensions of a Foreign Service Specialist
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What qualities do we seek in a Foreign Service Specialist candidate? The successtul candidate will demonstrate the following dimensions that reflect the skills, abilities, and personal qualities deemed essential to the work or the Foreign Service at the United States Department or State.

Foreign Service Specialist Career Tracks

Foreign Service Specialist Career Tracks
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The U.S. Department of State offers career opportunities to professionals in specialized functions needed to meet Foreign Service responsibilities around the world. As members of the Foreign Service, Specialists provide important technical, management, healthcare, and administrative services at one of more than 270 posts overseas, in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere in the United States.

Foreign Service Specialist Selection Process

Foreign Service Specialist Selection Process
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The Foreign Service Specialist selection process begins with an application, proceeds through the selection process, and for those who succeed, culminates in hiring from the register for assignment to an orientation course that marks the beginning of every Foreign Service career.