Yesterday, thousands of local staff at USAID, known as Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs), received their termination notices: global Reduction in Force (RIF). While we anticipated this news, it’s still tough to digest for most of them. Departures planned by August 2025.
USAID will be winding down its operations, and foreign assistance as we know it is about to undergo a significant transformation.
The local USAID staff are some of the most talented individuals in their respective countries. They offer invaluable insights into the historical, political, and economic landscapes that take years to fully grasp. They facilitate connections with national and local government officials and play a crucial role in ongoing discussions.
FSNs have devoted their careers to USAID’s mission of improving lives in communities worldwide on behalf of the American people, and their contributions will be deeply missed.