Political Career Track

Political Officers are negotiators who interpret host country politics and advise on international issues.

They keep a trained eye on the political climate in the host country and decipher events as they relate to U.S. interests, negotiations and policies. Often working behind the scenes to analyze and report on local issues and events, they have in-depth knowledge of local culture and history, helping policy makers in Washington, D.C. to better understand events and tailor the U.S. message most effectively.

Following is an overview of a potential progression in your career track:

  • Report on either one segment of society, or an issue (e.g., religion), or a geographic region
  • Make contacts with leaders and officials at the appropriate level in the major political parties and government ministries
  • Supervise a locally-hired political specialist who has developed contacts in important segments of society and who advises you on local politics and society
  • Read local publications and accompany senior officers on calls, taking notes and reporting on the meetings

  • Serve as political, or political-economic, section head at a small-to-medium size post and maintain contacts with political, labor, military and other figures at various levels of government and society
  • Supervise entry-level officers and locally-hired political specialists
  • Monitor, analyze and report on key issues; present demarches to the host government; explain U.S. positions to other diplomats; and gather information
  • When Washington officials visit, arrange schedules that meet policy objectives and accompany them to take notes
  • Serve at the U.S. mission to an international organization representing U.S. interests, coordinate responses to particular issues and work with the organization’s staff
  • Gather information for Washington delegations to high-level or technical meetings

  • Manage a large political, or political-economic, section and supervise a number of officers
  • Advise the Ambassador and present demarches to the host government
  • Meet regularly with political and social leaders and perhaps give speeches explaining U.S. positions on a variety of issues when serving in Washington, D.C.
  • Direct an office or be an advisor to a senior Department official
  • Head delegations to meetings abroad, both bilateral and multilateral
  • Draft policy documents and statements for senior Department officials and for use by embassies abroad