National Protection and Programs Directorate Logo
Position Title
External Affairs Specialist
Agency
National Protection and Programs Directorate
Announcement Number
DEST-10289296-18-RS Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, August 24, 2018 to Thursday, September 6, 2018
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans' Preference? (limit characters)
Select the appropriate eligibility item(s) based on the below recruitment considerations.

Category Rating: All applicants will receive consideration for Category Rating, eligibility selections are not required.

Merit Promotion: You will only receive consideration (if eligible) under competitive merit promotion procedures if you select any of the following eligibilities: I/CTAP, Current Agency Employees, Reinstatement, Transfer, or VEOA.

Non-Competitive: You will only receive consideration (if eligible) under non-competitive and/or Special Hiring Authority if you select any of the following eligibilities: Persons with Schedule A disability, 30% Disabled Veteran, Non-Competitive Federal Employee, Other Non-Competitive Merit Promotion (i.e. Interchange Agreement, Peace Corps, Certain Military Spouses, etc.), or Veterans Recruitment Appointment (up to GS-11 equivalent positions).
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2. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
  • retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a current Department of Homeland Security civilian employee in the competitive service?

If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1). Please note: Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases. While a General Adjustment and/or Award SF-50 may be your most recent SF-50 it typically DOES NOT show proof of Time in Grade. Thus, you may have to submit more than one SF-50 as proof of Time in Grade.
 
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5. Are you a current or former Federal employee (transfer or reinstatement eligible) who holds or has previously held a career or career-conditional position at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced?  

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. 
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
6. Do you meet one of the following Non-Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:
 
  • Individuals eligible under other non-competitive appointment authorities such as:  Boren Fellows; Former White House staff; Certain National Guard technicians. Note: You must submit documentation to support any eligibilities for which you wish to be considered.
(limit characters)
7. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
(limit characters)
8. Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1). 
Please note: Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases. ?While a General Adjustment and/or Award SF-50 may be your most recent SF-50 it typically DOES NOT show proof of Time in Grade. Thus, you may have to submit more than one SF-50 as proof of Time in Grade.
(limit characters)
9. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
Please note: Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases. ?While a General Adjustment and/or Award SF-50 may be your most recent SF-50 it typically DOES NOT show proof of Time in Grade. Thus, you may have to submit more than one SF-50 as proof of Time in Grade.
(limit characters)
10. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
  • are entitled to veterans' preference
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
11. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • recently separated (within the past 3 years)
  • are a disabled veteran
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
12. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
WARNING STATEMENT: It is important to note that all of your responses are subject to review and verification. If after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and or experience, you will be rated ineligible or your score will be lowered. (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select the one response that best describes how your background meets the requirements this GS-11 position.
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2. Select one statement from the choices below to show how you meet the qualification requirements for this GS-12 position.
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3. Select one statement from the choices below to show how you meet the qualification requirements for this GS-13 position.
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For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below. (limit characters)
4. Use all forms of communications to obtain effective external stakeholder attention and retention.
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5. Modify strategies to more effectively communicate programs and functions.
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6. Implement communications tactics for external affairs and strategic communication initiatives with a focus on ensuring effective presentation of the organization's mission.
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7. Developing new approaches to use in meeting both the communication needs of external stakeholders and the goals of the organization.
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8. Incorporate metrics and measurement/evaluation tools to ascertain effectiveness of a communication project.
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9. Develop effective working relationships across organizational lines to improve ways of disseminating critical agency messages and program information.
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10. Determine the most effective approaches to reach targeted external stakeholder groups based on the focus of the particular message.
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11. Represent external affairs on work groups and committees responsible for addressing communications programs and issues.
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12. Gauge external stakeholder's perceptions to provide insight into leadership along with appropriate strategies to ensure that organizational message is communicated.
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13. Obtain feedback from internal and external groups to develop new approaches to meet the communication needs of external stakeholders and the goals of the organization
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14. Ensure the effectiveness of communications products in written and electronic formats.
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15. Write communication products for external distribution assigned programs. (limit characters)
16. Use communication skills in order to conduct and/or participate in briefings, meetings, conferences and other interactions.
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17. Advise senior leaders on the potential external affairs ramifications of proposed policy statements or organizational actions.
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18. Determine causes for any negative view of the organization by external groups to develop new or alternative means of providing information that will enhance stakeholders' engagement.
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19. Make informed decisions by analyzing information needs and constraints of various segments of the organization's constituent base. (limit characters)
20. Resolve critical communication issues and concerns raised by external stakeholders. (limit characters)
21. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
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