What Does a Foreign Service Officer Do?

The career of a Political Officer lies in analyzing political events in the country or region of his or her post. Political Officers are sensitive to political climates abroad, and interpret events and situations as they relate to U.S. interests. They apply their expertise to the situations at hand, making recommendations on foreign policy. These members of the U.S. Foreign Service engage in negotiations, influence the judgments of decision-makers, and advise on international affairs.

Political Officers:

• develop a wide range of foreign contacts in and out of politics and government to advance U.S. political interests
• assess the impact of political developments on the U.S. and make recommendations on U.S. government action
• communicate with foreign governments seeking support for shared foreign goals, including votes in multilateral forums such as the U.N.
• advise policy makers on how to communicate effectively with foreign governments
• implement, and also participate in developing, U.S. foreign policy

Equal Opportunity Employer.