A self-consistent real-space multiple-scattering (RSMS) approach for calculations of x-ray-absorption near-edge structure (XANES) is presented and implemented in an ab initio code applicable to arbitrary aperiodic or periodic systems. This approach yields a quantitative interpretation of XANES based on simultaneous, self-consistent-field (SCF) calculations of local electronic structure and x-ray absorption spectra, which include full multiple scattering from atoms within a small cluster and the contributions of high-order MS from scatterers outside that cluster. In addition, the code includes a SCF estimate of the Fermi energy and an account of orbital occupancy and charge transfer. We also present a qualitative, scattering-theoretic interpretation of XANES. Sample applications are presented for cubic BN, ${\mathrm{UF}}_{6},$ Pu hydrates, and distorted ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}.$ Limitations and various extensions are also discussed.