Careers Representing AmericaForeign Service Nationals (FSNs) work in all sections (e.g., Consular, Public Diplomacy, Human Resources) for State and all agencies (e.g., Foreign Agriculture Service) represented at our Missions abroad.
Local Employment in U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) provide unique services in support of foreign policy at nearly 265 posts worldwide. They are an integral part of the team dedicated to representing America's interests to other countries.
Individuals interested in becoming an FSN must be legally eligible to work in the country of hire. This may include obtaining a work permit, a residency permit, or, in most instances, both the work and residency permits before the candidacy may be considered.
FSNs are foreign nationals and other locally resident citizens (including US Citizens) who are legally eligible to work in that country. Foreign Service Nationals and locally resident US Citizens are the continuity staff of our Missions abroad. They provide the institutional knowledge and professional contacts that are so important to the embassy. FSN personnel perform vital mission program and support functions. All USG agencies under Chief of Mission authority depend heavily on their continuity staff, frequently delegating to them significant management roles and program functions.
Individuals interested in working at a specific post who are not host country nationals must be legally eligible to work in the country of hire. This may include having a work permit, a residency permit, or, in most instances, both the work and residency permits before the candidacy may be considered.
Where We Work
Who Qualifies
Training
Training for Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) must be job-related and is intended to help increase the proficiency and value of employees who already are qualified for the positions they hold.
Training may be full-time or part-time, on-duty or off-duty, day or evening, or any combination of these, according to the needs of the post, availability of funds, and training opportunities. It may be accomplished through correspondence, online distance learning, classroom work, conferences, workshops, supervised practice, or other methods or combination of methods. Training may be taken at Government or non-Government facilities, either within or outside the host country.
Selection Process
Individuals wishing to reside and work outside of the United States who are interested in locally-advertised employment opportunities at our embassies and consulates should contact the Human Resources section of that post directly to learn about current vacancies and the eligibility requirements for legal employment in that country. Individuals may access a specific post's website at http://usembassy.state.gov for information on current job openings and the eligibility requirements for employment within country.
The Department of State's Office of Overseas Employment (HR/OE) is responsible for policy development and managerial oversight of the Foreign Service Nationals (FSN) human resources policies at our embassies and consulates abroad, including but not limited to compensation, awards, position evaluation, and recruitment.
However, HR/OE does not maintain a database of current job vacancies, or the eligibility requirements for employment for non-host country nationals at posts abroad. HR/OE is therefore unable to assist individuals with their post-specific employment inquiries.
Vacancy Announcements
Each Mission is responsible for its own recruitment, so individuals need to contact the Mission's HR office or visit the Mission's website for employment information.
Please click here (http://usembassy.state.gov/) to see a list of websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions.
