Tips for Applying to U.S. Embassy Moscow, Russia

If you want your application to be noticed and your qualifications recognized, please follow the advice given below.

We receive hundreds of applications. Often, there are many applicants who fully meet all qualifications; however, only the most competitive candidates are selected for further testing and interviews. In light of this, we recommend you only apply if you meet all qualifications for the position. Again, please look over the qualifications list carefully. If you feel that you are fully qualified for the position, follow the guidance below and your application will be processed quickly and correctly. Please note that all hard copy applications, resumes, and/or CVs should be sent directly to either of:

U.S. Embassy Moscow
Attn: HR Department
5430 Moscow Pl
Washington DC 20521-5430
 

U.S. Embassy Moscow
Attn: HR Department

Bolshoy Deviatinsky Pereulok No. 8
Moscow 121099
Russian Federation

Applications, resumes, and CVs can be sent via e-mail. This is the preferred method of delivery. You will receive an automated response from the server informing you that your e-mail has been received. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to questions sent by e-mail. Specific inquiries should be made by telephone. If you receive a reply from the server, please be assured we have received your application. Remember, the application process is handled quickly. If you are interested in applying, submit your application package without delay. The information below can help you arrange a comprehensive package. 

1. All resumes/CVs should be formatted to match the job announcement. (See the sample posted on the webpage.) This greatly assists the qualification review process and demonstrates that you meet all qualifications listed in the job announcement. In other words, list your qualifications in the same order as listed on the job announcement or provide a cover letter that provides this information. We review all applications received, but this draws attention to your unique qualifications.
2. If you send us your resume/CV via e-mail they should be included as an attachment to the email and not in the body of the email.
3. Cover letters enhance your application and can show off your writing skills. Cover letters should be no more than one page in length and should tell us a little about you, list your qualifications for the position, and show us why you are the best qualified for the position. Your cover letter should also be included in the e-mail as an attachment. Writing about the requirements for the job and how you meet those requirements benefits the review process.
4. The subject line of the e-mail you send to  moscowhr@state.gov should include the following:
   1. "Application for";
   2. The Announcement number located in the top of the vacancy announcement”;
   3. The Position Title, Example "Admin Clerk" It should look something like this, "Application for VA 19/07, Admin Clerk."
5. It is not necessary to include other documents with your application, at this time. If you are selected for an interview, please bring the supporting documentation you would like included with your application (i.e., awards, certificates, diplomas, letters of recommendation, etc.).
6. Although use of the application form DS-0174 is optional, your resume/CV must, at a minimum, include all the information contained in the DS-0174. Consequently, if you chose to not fill it out, you should at least familiarize yourself with the information it requests. Doing so will ensure that your resume/CV is complete. You can download a copy of the DS-0174 from our website.
7. Prepare a single e-mail for each position applied for. All pertinent documents should be attached to a single e-mail. Sending multiple e-mails increases the possibility something important may be missed during the review process.
8. Applications, Resumes/CVs and cover letters should be written in English but we will accept them in Russian for all positions, which require Level II (limited) English?
9. We will not consider incomplete applications. Sending us an email that says, “please consider me for this position” is not a complete application and will not secure you a place in the review process. Such an e-mail will be logged into the system and checked off as incomplete.
10. Being able to follow instruction is a very important quality. If your application/CV is not in the format described or if there is missing or incomplete information, it will be noticed and it could affect your standings in the group being considered for the position. Please look at the sample résumé provided.

Thank you for your attention. I hope these tips help you complete a successful application with the U.S. Embassy Moscow. If you have comments or suggestions, please send them to moscowhr@state.gov. We are always looking for ways to improve the process. Good luck in your search for employment.
 

Richard A. Marsh
Human Resources Officer
U.S. Embassy, Moscow Russia

Job Opportunities

TO APPLY: Interested candidates for this position should submit the following:

• Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) or a current resume (telephone number and address are mandatory)
• Documentation (essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that address the minimum requirements of the position as listed above.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Human Resources Office, moscowhr@state.gov or fax: 7-495-7285105.

SELECTION PROCESS: When equally qualified, Appointment Eligible Family Members and U.S. Veterans will be given preference. Therefore, it is essential that all candidates address the required qualifications above in the application.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget and visa status in determining successful candidacy.
• Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
• Only applicants who are present in Russia may apply for positions with the U.S. Embassy. Applicants must be in possession of, or able to obtain, documentation that allows them to be legally employed by the U.S. Embassy. AEFMs and MOH/NORs who have diplomatic visas and have been registered with the Russian Foreign Ministry do not require obtaining work permits or visas for employment within a U.S. Foreign Service post in Russia.
• Under PSA-Plus guidelines, non-host country citizens (American and foreign nationals) must have a host country visa status which will permit them to obtain work. AEFMs and FM/NOHs on the travel orders of a Foreign Service, Civil Service, or Military Officer permanently assigned to post and under Chief of Mission authority are not required to obtain work permits of visas for employment within a U.S. Foreign Service post in Russia.
• Under a new Russian law on citizenship, dual citizenship is not recognized by the Government of Russia (GOR) unless a bilateral agreement exists; one does not exist between the GOR and the USG. (Bilateral agreements on dual nationality do exist between Russia and Tajikistan.) Employees and/or Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) who may have dual citizenship should advise the Human Resources Office before applying for any jobs at the Embassy or at the Consulates General.

DEFINITIONS:

Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs): A U.S. citizen spouse or a U.S. citizen child as referred to in 6 FAM 111.3, who is at least age 18, and who, in either case, is on the travel orders of a U.S. citizen Foreign or Civil Service employee or military service member permanently assigned to or stationed at a U.S. Foreign Service post or establishment abroad. The AEFM must be resident at the sponsoring employee's or military member's post of assignment abroad, approved safe heaven abroad, or alternate safe heaven abroad. Other family members or dependents on the sponsoring employee's or military member's travel orders are not AEFMs for purposes of employment. (3 FAM 8212 b).

Eligible Family Member (EFM): 1. Children who are unmarried and under 21 years of age or, regardless or age, are incapable of self-support. The term shall include, in addition to natural offspring, stepchildren and adopted children and those under legal guardianship of the employee or the spouse when such children are expected to be under such legal guardianship at least until they reach 21 years of age and when dependent upon and normally residing with the guardian; 2. Parents (including stepparents and legally adoptive parents) of the or of the spouse, when such parents are at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support (these parents are not authorized medical travel, see 3 FAM 1900, Appendix B-Old 3 FAM 686.1); 3. Sisters and brothers (including stepsisters or stepbrothers, or adoptive sisters or brothers) of the employee, or the spouse, when such sisters and brothers are at least 51 percent dependent on the employee for support, unmarried and under 21 years of age, or regardless of age, are incapable of self-support (these sisters and brothers are not authorized medical travel, see 3 FAM 1900, Appendix B-Old 3 FAM 686.1); 4. Spouse

Members of Household (MOH): A MOH is a person who: 1. Has accompanied, but is not/not on the travel orders of a U.S. citizen Foreign or Civil Service employee or uniform service member permanently assigned to or stationed at a U.S. foreign service post or establishment abroad; 2. Has been declared by the sponsoring employee to the Chief of Mission as part of his/her household; and 3. Will reside at post with the employee. Depending of their residency and work permit status in a host country, they may or may not be legally eligible to work at post. If eligible to work legally and depending on his/her residency status, an MOH may be either Not Ordinarily Resident (NOR) or Ordinarily Resident (OR) for purposes of USG employment. This category also includes, but it is not limited to, family members of PAE and USPSC employees.

Ordinarily Resident (OR): A citizen of the host country or a citizen of another country, including the United States of America, who has shifted the main residency focus to the host country and has the required work and/or residency permit for employment in country. The person is in the host country as a citizen, legal permanent resident, or holder of a non-Diplomatic visa/work and/or residency permit.

Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): A non-host country citizen (U.S. or foreign national) who, although legally resident in a host country, is not permanently resident. AEFMs and MOHs on the travel orders of FS, GS, and Military Personnel officially assigned to post are generally the only individuals who are NORs and are eligible to work under host country law. These people have diplomatic visas, do not come under local labor law, and thus do not need a work permit.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The US Mission in Russia 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. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

Equal Opportunity information posted pursuant to the No FEAR Act