Jerusalem - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There are more EFM positions available in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv than there are EFMs applying for those jobs, so EFMs should have their pick of positions and can negotiate full-time and/or part-time and/or partial telework, AWS, job share, etc. Many EFMs telework for US or European companies. Local salaries on the local economy start at about NIS 35 an hour, and HR says that it takes no more than about a month for a work permit from the MFA. Minimum wage is currently approximately NIS 29.68 an hour. EFMs have to be 18+ to get a job on the local economy, which is why the Overseas Seasonal Hire Program (OSHP) is so important. - Nov 2022
Most expat spouses either telecommute or work in the mission. - Oct 2019
Most work in the consulate and embassy in Jerusalem. Tel Aviv is at least 1 hour so the commute is too long. Local salaries are lower and you need to speak English/Hebrew/Arabic. There are a ton of Americans here who have made Aliyah, learned English and are now working (just not any in the Dip community). - Aug 2018
Telecommuting or at post. I don't know anyone working on the local economy, though lots of people work for NGOs and are posted here. Telecommuting is very easy her, as phones and internet work perfectly. - Apr 2018
There are many EFM positions at post. Both part-time and full-time. Local jobs on the economy are almost impossible to consider because most businesses require fluency in Hebrew, Arabic and English. Even if an EFM is fluent in all three languages, the salaries are so low, you can't cover childcare costs at all. - Dec 2016
No, unless you speak Hebrew and have an Israeli passport. - Aug 2015
Not really, unless you have fluent Hebrew. There is a glut of many talented professionals - e.g. lawyers and psychologists - so even if you have the language it may not be a guarantee. Salaries are often at least 50% lower than the U.S. Also, if you are there with the USG, spouses can't travel to the West Bank, which seriously limits job and volunteer prospects all the more. - Aug 2015
Not really unless you can also speak Hebrew fluently. - Mar 2014
Teaching I think. There are a few jobs within the Consulate but nothing too exciting. - Aug 2013
There are plenty of international aid workers. You generally must speak Hebrew to work locally otherwise. - Jul 2013
Yes, there are plenty of jobs for EFMs in the consulate. - Feb 2009
