Kinshasa - 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 a few EFM positions and others would telework. EFMs were very frustrated with the hiring process, most wanted to work but internal problems in the embassy prevented them from doing so. I don't think working on the local market is an option, nor would you want to. - May 2024
Embassy, USAID, CDC, some spouses work at TASOK. Others work at NGOs, again, you will need French to work in the local market. - Aug 2022
Spouses and partners primarily get jobs in the Embassy. This is a result of language barriers: you will need good French to work externally. Spouses working outside the embassy seem to mostly work for international NGOs or telework from a US-based company or organization. - May 2022
Many work in the Embassy, particularly if they don't speak French. The UN is here and many NGOs. I think with effort, time, and connections it would be very possible to find satisfying work. - Aug 2019
Spousal employment is a challenge. There are theoretically many EFM jobs at the embassy, but the paperwork process makes this harder than it needs to be. On the local economy you'll be limited if you don't have French. People with experience in the NGO sector will probably be better off than most. Most embassy spouses either don't work or work at the embassy. - Apr 2019
French is a must to work on the locally economy. There is some teleworking but slow internet makes that tough. Most who are employed are EFMs. - Dec 2017
I do not know anyone who has a local job. - Dec 2017
Teleworking is a great option if you can get it. Local NGO and embassy jobs are available, but don't expect to be hired immediately. If you can, bring business cards in English and French (double-sided) with you. - Jan 2017
USAID and Embassy had several positions. Local NGOs also. A few spouses worked at the UN but they were already in that system when they arrived in Kin. - Sep 2016
Employment opportunities for USG employee family members are good - there are several jobs going begging right now because people can be picky. That said, the USG process (security clearance, approval from DC etc...) can take months and is very annoying. If you have French finding work on the local economy is not that difficult either. - Apr 2016
Yes. Many in the Embassy, also with NGOs. Teachers can find work. - Nov 2012
No. - May 2012
Perhaps through other NGOs but not locally. - Feb 2012
No. - Nov 2011
If you keep looking - Aug 2011
There are a few within the Mission, but most are usually low paying, part-time, menial work. Plus, there is often a language requirement that is difficult to master. There is little or no work on the local economy. It is difficult/impossible to get a work permit (you have to prove that you have the skills that are not available in local market). There are plenty of volunteer groups that are more than ready for you to donate your time and money to their cause. - Jan 2011
i think not. - Oct 2010
Don't know. - Jan 2009
