Foreign Affairs Officer

Foreign Affairs Officer

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Department of State - Agency Wide

Summary

The position is located in the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA), reporting to the Secretary of State. SPEHA’s mission is to lead diplomatic engagement on U.S. hostage and wrongful detention policy. SPEHA develops and coordinates strategies to advance the agenda of the Secretary and SPEHA to free U .S. national hostages or wrongful detainees, hostage prevention measures, support families of hostages, and reintegrate returned hostages.

Duties

Serves as policy planner for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) in reference to assigned portfolio, examining issues to include strategic goals and objectives and alignment of policy priorities and resources.

Tracks Congressional issues related to hostages and wrongful detentions and provides updates and support to affected families.

Provides outreach and coordination with major players in the wrongful detention and hostage-related issues, including other federal agencies, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Congress, and other stakeholders.

Acts as principal SPEHA liaison with Consular Affairs (CA), the regional bureau, and with other relevant State Department offices, including senior principals, on wrongful detention and hostage related issues.