Local Employment in U.S. Embassies and Consulates – Careers

Locally Employed Staff (LE Staff) provide unique services in support of foreign policy at more than 270 embassies and consulates worldwide. They are an integral part of the team dedicated to representing America’s interests to other countries.

Individuals interested in obtaining LE Staff appointments 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.

LE Staff are foreign nationals and other locally resident citizens (including US Citizens) who are legally eligible to work in that country. LE Staff 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. LE Staff 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.