FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. This job is open to Federal employees - Competitive service Current or former competitive service federal employees. Federal employees - Excepted service Current excepted service federal employees. Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee. Veterans Individuals with disabilities Military spouses Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista Family of overseas employees Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas. Land & base management Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency. Clarification from the agency Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service" Duties GS 13: The primary purpose of this position is: This is a developmental position with known promotion potential to the target position of Foreign Affairs Specialist, GS-0130-14. Incumbent works closely with the supervisor in performing duties identified in the full performance standard core personnel document/core document. GS- 14: The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a senior Foreign Affairs Strategist in the Strategy Division (SD), providing anticipatory, strategic perspectives and subject matter expertise on security issues; implementing changes to Department of the Air Force (DAF) policies, strategies, processes, and capabilities. Duties for GS-13/14 Serves as a senior foreign affairs specialist charged with developing and implementing USAF strategy and policy initiatives to ensure alignment with National Defense Strategy (NDS) and National Military Strategy objectives and intent. Develops Air Force strategies that include how allies and partners contribute to Air Force efforts to meet the NDS requirements. Initiates independent analyses of highly complex strategic policy issues, and implications of broad changes to the international environment and DAF programs. Maintains a continuous liaison with other Air Staff, OSD, Joint Staff, Services, and other DOD offices to ensure informed decision-making by senior Air Force leadership. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship Required Males must be registered for Selective Service, see If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program Disclosure of Political Appointments Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume Leave accrual may be authorized upon request Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft. A Bachelors or Master's degree in National Security, International Relations, International Affairs, Strategy, Strategic Studies, Public Administration, or related field is highly desired. Employee must meet the mandatory standards of experience and training and will be required to maintain training and currency in regional political-military affairs throughout employment. Qualifications Conditions of Employment Continued: Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance . Position is designated Special Sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A nondisclosure agreement must be signed. This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Foreign Affairs Series, 0130. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: EDUCATION: Degree: major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: You must submit copies of your transcripts. OR EXPERIENCE: Four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs. Evaluation of Experience: Qualifying experience may have been through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-13: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 (or higher) grade level or equivalent pay systems (may have been obtained in the federal service, military, or public sector). Which includes mastery/expert knowledge of national security issues to ensure National and Joint objectives are incorporated across Air Force strategies, plans, policies, and processes. Mastery knowledge of the formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, primarily of a political-military nature, of the United States with other governments. Expert knowledge and ability to research and analyze information/situations to provide sound advice and recommendations in support of senior Air Force officials' decision-making. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-14: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 (or higher) grade level or equivalent pay systems (may have been obtained in the federal service, military, or public sector). Which includes mastery/expert knowledge of national security issues to ensure National and Joint objectives are incorporated across Air Force strategies, plans, policies, and processes. Expert knowledge of the formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, primarily of a political-military nature, of the United States with other governments. Ability to research and analyze information/situations to provide sound advice and recommendations in support of senior Air Force officials' decision-making. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: FOR GS-13 Knowledge of national security issues to ensure National and Joint objectives are incorporated across Air Force strategies, plans, policies, and processes. Knowledge of the formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, primarily of a political-military nature, of the United States with other governments. Ability to research and analyze information/situations to provide sound advice and recommendations in support of senior Air Force officials' decision-making Skill to plan, organize, and direct team study work and to negotiate effectively with other action officers, senior analysts, and management to accept and implement recommendations, where the proposals involve substantial agency resources, require extensive changes in established procedures, or may be in conflict with the desires of the activity studied. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to justify, defend, present, advocate and/or advise on AF positions including to very senior audiences. Ability to synthesize complex, often competing, information and viewpoints to determine best course of action and advocate recommendations across the Air Staff and broader DoD, and to senior Air Force leaders. FOR GS-14 Knowledge of national security issues to ensure National and Joint objectives are incorporated across Air Force strategies, plans, policies, and processes. Knowledge of the formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, primarily of a political-military nature, of the United States with other governments. Skill and ability to research and analyze information/situations to provide sound advice and recommendations in support of senior Air Force officials' decision-making Skill and ability to plan, organize, and direct team study work and to negotiate effectively with other action officers, senior analysts, and management to accept and implement recommendations, where the proposals involve substantial agency resources, require extensive changes in established procedures, or may be in conflict with the desires of the activity studied. Skill and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to justify, defend, present, advocate and/or advise on AF positions including to very senior audiences. Education CONTINUED... 6. Ability to synthesize complex, often competing, information and viewpoints to determine best course of action and advocate recommendations across the Air Staff and broader DoD, and to senior Air Force leaders. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here . If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies. The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2". Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appr...

Created: 2024-11-05