Senior Economic Specialist (Political/Economic Office) — U.S. Embassy in Mozambique (Maputo)

The essentials: The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique is recruiting a Senior Economic Specialist for the Political/Economic Office, based in Maputo, full-time (40 hours per week), with a published salary of USD 50,064 per year.

Announcement MAPUTO-2026-017 has been open since 15 October and applications close on 29 October 2026 (GMT+2), exclusively through the official U.S. Department of State portal (erajobs.state.gov).

About the position

The U.S. Mission in Mozambique is seeking an eligible and qualified candidate for the Senior Economic Specialist position in the Political/Economic Office. The position is anticipated to be filled between April and May 2027, with an indefinite appointment subject to a probationary period.

The Senior Economic Specialist is the U.S. Embassy's leading local expert on Mozambique's economy. This person advises Embassy leadership, including the U.S. Ambassador, on economic and social issues affecting Mozambique, and provides analysis on topics such as trade, investment, energy, mining, transportation, anti-corruption, and economic development.

The Specialist plays a key role in advancing U.S. goals in Mozambique — economic growth, trade, investment, and climate resilience — and works closely with other U.S. government agencies represented at the Embassy.

The Specialist builds and maintains relationships with a broad network of contacts, including government officials, business leaders, international organizations, and members of the banking and development community, helping the Embassy stay informed about U.S. priorities in Mozambique and communicate them effectively.

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Research, analysis, and advice: monitor news, reports and other sources to track economic and political developments in Mozambique; attend meetings and events on behalf of the Embassy; provide analysis and context to leadership; and guide more junior colleagues, serving as the reference point on governance, transparency, labor policy, and economic reform;
• Advising, communication, and program support: build relationships with key contacts in government, business, and academia; facilitate meetings and coordinate visits; support colleagues who manage grant programs, including developing and submitting funding proposals; and support programs that connect Mozambican businesses with opportunities in the United States;
• Drafting, reports, and briefings: write reports and communications that keep leadership in Maputo and in Washington informed about developments in Mozambique; prepare background materials for meetings and visits; refine the work of junior staff; and lead the research and writing of reports requested by Congress or by Washington;
• Mentorship and leadership: share knowledge with newer staff, including interns and entry-level officers; support colleagues in other sections when needed; and volunteer for leadership roles and special projects at the Embassy, such as trade missions, training programs, official visits, and high-level travel, sometimes taking the lead coordination role.

This is not an exhaustive list: the incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

What you get

• A full-time role (40 hours per week) at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique;
• Published salary: USD 50,064 per year (LE-1505 series, grade 10, with promotion potential to LE-10);
• An indefinite appointment, subject to a probationary period;
• A comprehensive benefits package: a USD 1,450 per year miscellaneous benefits allowance (paid biweekly) and medical insurance for local staff and direct dependents;
• A retirement benefit (a lump-sum payment equal to 17.5% of annual basic salary for each year of creditable service, on separation at age 55 or older with a minimum of 5 years of service), death and disability benefits, a 13th-month bonus (equivalent to 1/12 of annual basic salary, paid annually), and 11 U.S. federal holidays, in addition to official Mozambican holidays;
• A mission committed to equal opportunity, treating all people fairly and equitably, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Who we are looking for

The position requires five years of work experience in economic analysis in the private and/or public sector, a completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Economics, International Affairs, Business Administration, Political Science, or Social Science, and fluency in both English and Portuguese (speaking, reading, and writing, including the ability to translate).

Candidates must be able to obtain and hold a public trust security certificate; all selected candidates are subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.

How to apply

Apply through the official U.S. Department of State portal, erajobs.state.gov (announcement no. MAPUTO-2026-017 — Senior Economic Specialist, Maputo), using the «Apply to This Vacancy» button. Your application can be edited until the closing date, 29 October 2026; incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Upload the required documents to your application: ID, passport, or work permit, and your university degree certificate with the list of courses completed. You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test. For any questions about the vacancy or the application process, contact the Human Resources office at maputohrlesservices@state.gov; a complete position description is available on request from the same office.

Note: U.S. Department of State hiring preferences (AEFM/USEFM/FS/CS) apply to eligible family members; this announcement is open to the public in general, to all interested applicants.

Selection is made by the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique (U.S. Department of State). On Inademy, your profile is free and you receive alerts about new jobs by email and WhatsApp.

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