Overview

Hiring Path:

• Open to the public

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:

This position is open to Current Employees of the Mission Only / All Agencies

For USEFM - FP grade is 07.  Actual FP salary authorized by Washington D.C.

Security Clearance Required:

Public Trust - Background Investigation

Appointment Type

Permanent

Marketing Statement:

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Summary:

The U.S. Mission in Cameroon is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Human Resources Administrative Assistant position in the Management section.

Supervisory Position:

No

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:

No

Duties

The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde is seeking a Human Resources Administrative Assistant to join our Human Resources team. This position supports a busy HR office of seven staff members and reports directly to the Human Resources Specialist, with general guidance from the Human Resources Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Payroll Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact between the Embassy and the Bangkok Global Financial Service Center for all payroll and leave-related issues for both U.S. Direct Hire and Locally Employed (LE) staff. Assist employees with salary advance requests, and help staff understand their pay and leave records.

• Time and Attendance: Act as the primary timekeeper for the entire mission, which includes over 600 employees across 37 sub-posts. Prepare and review time and attendance records, submit reports for approval, and maintain accurate leave and attendance files. Train sub-timekeepers on new software developments and resolve payroll and leave issues by working with relevant offices.

• Recruitment and Employment Support: Represent the HR office to job applicants, coordinate candidate testing and interviews, and manage building access for applicants. Prepare employment attestations for new LE staff and ensure employment records are accurate and up to date.

• Awards Program Coordination: Organize and coordinate the Embassy’s awards programs, including employee and guard recognition, on-the-spot awards, and retirement ceremonies. Review nominations, maintain records, prepare certificates, and coordinate logistics for both in-person and virtual ceremonies. Ensure timely processing of cash awards and stay updated on policy changes.

• Salary Advances and Medical Reimbursements: Assist with processing salary advance requests and verifying eligibility. Support the medical reimbursement process by checking the accuracy of claims and coordinating with the Health Unit for claim submissions.

• Clerical and Administrative Support: Maintain HR files and records, manage office supplies, and keep HR forms and materials organized. Serve as secretary to the Human Resources Officer, handling correspondence, scheduling, phone calls, and meeting arrangements. Help maintain confidential information and perform other clerical tasks as needed.

The Human Resources Administrative Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the Embassy’s HR operations, ensuring smooth payroll and attendance processes, assisting with recruitment, and helping to recognize and reward staff achievements. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a: 

• Security certificate; or 

• Public Trust - background investigation security clearance. 

All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam. 
Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

A minimum of two (2) years of university studies is required.

Evaluations:

You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. 
You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

Qualifications:

Experience: A minimum three (03) years of progressive secretarial or administrative experience in an international organization or a large local institution is required.

Language: 

• Fluent (speaking, reading, writing) in English.

• Good Working Knowledge (speaking, reading, writing) in French.

This may be tested.

Job Knowledge: Must have knowledge of the host country and local labor law and practices.

Skills And Abilities: The incumbent must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Publisher, and Outlook); must be able to work independently for routine work and provide excellent customer service; must have typing skills of 40 w.p.m. minimum. Must have good working knowledge of English and French grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

This may be tested.

How to Apply

How to Apply:

Click the “Apply to This Vacancy” button at the top of the page to begin your application.  For an instructional video on how to apply click here. 

Please address all relevant experience, education, language skills (including English), and job related skills or requirements in your application.

You may edit your application any time before the vacancy closing date. If you fail to submit a complete application by the vacancy closing date of this vacancy, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

For a copy of the complete position description, please contact the HR Office.

To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the HR Office.

 

Required Documents:

All Applicants:

• Residency Permit (if applicable)

• Work Permit (if applicable)

• University Diploma or equivalent

• Work Attestation(s)

In addition, Eligible Family Member (EFM) Applicants must submit:

• Copy of Sponsor's Travel Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)

• Passport copy

• DD-214 - Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)

• SF-50 (if applicable)

Next Steps:

Once the Vacancy Announcement (VA) closes:

Applications meeting the minimum education and experience requirements will be screened by HR Office and the Selecting Official(s).

ONLY shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email for mandatory language and/or subject matter tests. 

ONLY successful tested applicants will be contacted by email for interviews. 

ONLY tested and/or interviewed applicants will be notified by email of the results.

 

For Selected Applicants: 

HR Office will send a Conditional Offer with the security certification and medical clearance requirements.

The security certification is a 2–4-month process and is done by the Regional Security Office (RSO), who will contact the applicant once he/she completes the requirements provided with the Conditional Offer.

The medical clearance is covered by the U.S. Embassy, and will be completed by the applicant separately, during the security certification process. 

Once HR Office receives the medical clearance and the security certification, the applicant will receive a Formal Offer with an agreed start date.

For more information on applying for jobs or employment with us, please visit the U.S. Mission website https://cm.usembassy.gov/jobs/#apply.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working with us.