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Welcome to the USAID Office of Human Resources Applicant Homepage
USAID is a great place to put your skills, education, and expertise to use if you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times -- poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, and violent extremism. Over the course of your career, you will have many opportunities to develop new skills and to make lasting contributions to economic, political and social development around the globe.
Why should USAID be part of your career?
For nearly 50 years, USAID has provided economic and humanitarian assistance to millions of people in more than 100 countries. It has a long and proud history of helping developing countries and their peoples address problems and improve quality of life. It is this caring that stands as a hallmark of the Agency and shows the world our true character as a nation. USAID personnel find themselves doing the best work in the most amazing places, whether it is helping sick people get HIV/AIDS drugs in the most remote parts of Africa, helping farmers learn how to grow crops better in Asia, or teaching people how to govern themselves democratically in the republics of the former Soviet Union. USAID employs individuals with a wide variety of technical, managerial and operational skills to achieve our international development objectives.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, USAID has offices in more than 70 countries around the globe. In all, there are about 8,000 employees worldwide, including 1,200 Civil Service employees and 500 Foreign Service Officers based in Washington, 800 Foreign Service Officers deployed overseas, 5,000 locally-hired employees working in our overseas missions, plus about 500 others working under other hiring mechanisms. The diversity of USAID’s workforce is a key aspect of its corporate culture both domestically and abroad. The success of the organization depends on a multicultural workforce and employees must work effectively with diverse global customers, stakeholders, and partners. To deliver quality programs abroad, USAID must ensure a work environment in which each employee values the diversity, experience, and contributions of others.
All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Development Leadership Initiative (DLI)
The environment in which USAID does its work has changed considerably in recent years. The Agency's future as the primary development instrument of American foreign policy depends on its ability to continue to meet the development challenges that are central to achieving U.S. national interests. In recognition of these challenges, the U.S. Congress has provided funding for a special “Development Leadership Initiative (DLI).” DLI is a multi-year effort to increase the size of USAID’s overseas presence and to enhance the Agency’s capability to effectively deliver U.S. foreign assistance. The DLI is expected to double the size of the Foreign Service workforce by 2012. To reach this goal USAID plans to hire 300 new Foreign Service officers per year until 2012.
More about the DLI Program
Hiring Mechanisms
USAID employs individuals through the following career and non-career mechanisms. Each is described in more detail below:
Civil Service (CS)
Civil Service employees work in our Washington DC Headquarters and provide policy direction and program and operational support for our programs worldwide. CS employees perform inherently governmental functions, including accountability and oversight of more than $10 billion in foreign assistance funds annually; the development and execution of strategies, policies, budgets and programs in a range of development sectors and countries; acquisition and assistance; knowledge management; and collaboration with key stakeholders in other U.S. government agencies, the private and non-profit sectors, and other development agencies.
More about Civil Service positions at USAID
Foreign Service (FS)
Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) are the core staff of USAID’s overseas offices (called “missions”) and provide shape and forward momentum to country and regional programs. FSOs apply both technical knowledge and a variety of program design, management and evaluation expertise to ensure that foreign assistance programs achieve foreign policy objectives and meet the needs of partners in a cost effective manner. FSOs work directly with the governments and people of the countries in which we serve and collaborate with other USG agencies, other development agencies and non-governmental partners.
More about Foreign Service positions at USAID
Read a description of all USAID Foreign Service Officer Positions
More about Junior Officer Vacancies
More about Mid-Level Vacancies
Junior Officer (JO) Program
USAID seeks to recruit new Foreign Service Officers through the Junior Officer (JO) Program. The JO program is designed to prepare Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) for tenure through an individually adapted training program. The total training program will be up to three years, with six to 18 months in Washington D.C. and approximately 24 months of rotational assignments at an overseas office. All JOs must meet USAID foreign language tenuring requirements before departing for assignment overseas.
More about the Junior Officer (JO) Program at USAID
Foreign Service Limited (FSL) Appointments
Foreign Service Limited (FSL) officers are hired for term-limited appointments to the U.S. Foreign Service to meet specific high-priority program needs in Washington and overseas. Appointments may be for periods of up to five years. USAID is currently recruiting for a number of term limited appointments in a variety of technical areas.
More about Foreign Service Limited (FSL) employment opportunities at USAID
Foreign Service Nationals (FSN)
Many of the positions at USAID Missions overseas are filled by national citizens recruited from within the host country. Unless otherwise specified, these positions are reserved for host country national citizens. FSN vacancies are advertised locally in national newspapers and other media outlets. To apply for a position, please follow instructions as described within the vacancy announcement.
More about Foreign Service Nationals (FSN) at USAID
Fellows Programs
The Fellows Programs are designed to benefit both USAID and the Fellow. They provide USAID with fresh ideas, energy and the latest state-of-the-art technical knowledge, as Fellows often bring specific expertise in areas that are underrepresented by the agency's U.S. direct hire employees. Fellowship programs are also a mechanism by which USAID can increase its outreach to partners, NGOs/PVOs, universities, and other donors. The Fellows can help jumpstart their careers by obtaining an excellent introduction to development issues and development institutions, gaining visibility in the donor community, and receiving insights into career choices at a critical time in their professional development.
More about the Fellows Programs at USAID
Presidential Management Fellows Programs
For 29 years, the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program, formerly known as the Presidential Management Intern (PMI) Program, has been utilized by federal agencies to attract outstanding graduate students from a wide variety of academic disciplines to public service. Recognized as one of the most prestigious and effective training and development programs available in the Federal Government, the PMF Program hones the skills and competencies, as well as cultivates the management and leadership potential, of the Fellows by providing them with a two-year fellowship that offers extensive formal classroom training and rotational assignment opportunities.
Among federal agencies, USAID is one of the top participants in the PMF Program and possesses one of the most sought-after PMF Programs. USAID has hired hundreds of Fellows and has successfully converted all of them into permanent civil service positions. To apply for this highly competitive fellowship, you first must be nominated by a dean, director, or chairperson of your graduate academic program. Beginning in September, nominations are reviewed and presented to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) which administers finalist selections to the PMF program. Beginning in January, final selections from among the nominees are made based on a review of applications, individual and/or group interviews, and evaluation of writing samples.
If selected for employment by USAID, your appointment will begin after successful completion of your graduate school program and the successful completion of a Secret security clearance background investigation. You will be appointed to a paid, two-year probationary fellowship, which will include rigorous formal classroom training and rotational assignments. Fellows will receive the opportunity to work in varying offices, bureaus, overseas embassies/consulates, agencies, and even in other branches of government. Upon the successful completion of the two-year fellowship, you will become eligible for conversion to a permanent position in the competitive service and obtain career or career-conditional status.
More detailed information, including nomination guidelines, forms and deadlines
Internship Programs
Paid and Volunteer Student Interns
Student Intern vacancies are posted on this site when opportunities are available. Please review the vacancies along with additional qualifications and apply to any that interest you by e-mailing the contact person(s) listed. Send a resume, cover letter of your interest and possible dates of involvement.
More about volunteer and paid Student Internship Programs at USAID
General Counsel Internships
Legal interns work with an Assistant General Counsel and one or more of the staff lawyers within one of the ten divisions of the General Counsel's Office. These divisions are: Africa; Asia and the Near East; Europe and Eurasia; Latin America and the Caribbean; Global Assistance; Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance; Litigation and Enforcement; Contract and Commodity Management; Legislation and Policy; and Ethics and Administration.
More about General Counsel Internships at USAID
Africa Bureau Internships
USAID's Africa Bureau expects to have a limited number of summer internships available in a few of its overseas missions in sub-Saharan Africa as well as in Washington, D.C. This is an excellent opportunity for outstanding students interested in pursuing careers in international development. Students desiring internships in Francophone Africa must be proficient in French. Students desiring internships in Lusophone Africa must be proficient in Portuguese or Spanish. Flexibility, initiative, enthusiasm, good interpersonal skills and lots of energy are also desired. Computer skills are a necessity.
Normally, the internship period is June 15-August 15, although this is negotiable. Selected students must be able to stay the duration of the internship as determined by the sponsoring mission or Washington, DC office. Final decisions on placement will be made in light of the candidate pool and USAID mission priorities at the time of candidate selection. USAID is an equal opportunity employer.
More about Africa Bureau Internships at USAID
Legislative & Public Affairs Internship Opportunities in International Development (LPA)
LPA directs the Agency's communications strategy and policies; is responsible for positioning, messaging and branding; develops outreach and educational programs; leads the Agency's online marketing strategy and manages the external website; and produces events and promotional products to generate support for USAID's mission. Interns will be working on various projects related to the LPA mission (congressional, strategic communications, multimedia, publications, website, public liaison, public diplomacy, press; and special events and protocol). The internship is full-time with flexible hours.
More about Legislative & Public Affairs Internship Opportunities in International Development (LPA) at USAID
Global Health
The Bureau for Global Health (GH) supports field health programs, advances research and innovation in selected areas relevant to overall Agency health objectives, and transfers new technologies to the field through its own staff work, coordination with other donors, and a portfolio of grants and contracts with an annual budget in excess of $1.6 billion. Global health issues have global consequences that not only affect the people of developing nations but also directly affect the interests of American citizens. Interns are recruited each summer to support the Bureau.
More about Global Health Internships at USAID
General Counsel
The Office of the General Counsel (GC) provides legal advice, counsel, and services to the Agency and its officials and ensures that USAID programs are administered in accordance with legislative authorities. Attorneys advise on legal matters arising in the operation and administration of USAID programs, and on matters relating to legislation or proposed legislation affecting USAID. GC provides advice and guidance on congressional investigation and determines what legal courses of action are appropriate for the Agency. GC also maintains liaisons with other government organizations to provide advice or assistance in interpreting or applying the legal authorities of the Agency and represents USID in connection with legal matters affecting it.
More about the Office of the General Counsel (GC) at USAID
Inspector General
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is responsible for providing audit and investigative services to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the African Development Foundation (ADF), and the Inter-American Foundation (IAF). USAID's Inspector General is responsible for keeping the head of the respective client organization and the Congress fully informed about problems and deficiencies in the organization's programs and operations, as well as the necessity for, and progress of, corrective actions.
More about employment opportunities with the Office of Inspector General at USAID
Personal Services Contractors (PSC)
USAID does business through a variety of available federal mechanisms. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) are individual contractors, characterized by an employer-employee relationship between the Government and the contractor. The contractor is treated very much like the direct hire staff, frequently performing the same or similar work. USAID hires PSCs to work in a variety of fields both in USAID/Washington and in USAID Missions worldwide serving as program officers, project development officers, technical officers, controllers and, occasionally, as USAID principal officers.
More about Personal Services Contractors at USAID
Senior Executive Service
Senior Executives work in managerial, supervisory and public policy-making positions above the GS-15 Civil Service level. For these leadership positions, you must possess the essential qualifications to succeed in the 21st century. Executive core qualifications include leading change, leading people, being results-driven, having business acumen and building coalitions/communications. A variety of professional occupations are represented.
More about the Senior Executive Service at USAID
Third Country Nationals (TCNs)
Third Country Nationals (TCNs) are individual contractors from countries other than the U.S. or the country in which they serve. The TCN mechanism is characterized by an employer-employee relationship that exists between the U.S. Government and the contractor. TCNs frequently are employed by USAID missions and may have previously been employed as a Foreign Service National; they are often particularly well versed in the ways of Agency operations. The TCN contractor is treated very much like the direct hire staff, frequently performing the same or similar work. Opportunities for Third Country National personal services contractors are publicized at FedBizOpps, and not on the Agency's website.
Contact Us
Via U.S. Mail
USAID
Office of Human Resources, Room 2.8
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W
Washington, District of Columbia 20523
US
Fax: 202-216-3031
Via E-mail
careers@usaid.washington.gov
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