- Position Title
- Foreign Affairs Specialist
- Agency
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Announcement Number
- ST-10415784-19-TB Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, February 12, 2019 to Thursday, February 21, 2019
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current, permanent DoD Civilian employee? You are eligible for this hiring category and the hiring category of Current Permanent Federal Civilian if you currently work on a permanent competitive service civilian appointment in any of the following Department of Defense (DoD) agencies:
Notes:
*Current Permanent Federal Civilians: You can check your competitive service status by viewing your latest Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50,
Block 34, Position Occupied. If eligible, you will see 1-Competitive Service in this block.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or you are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service in any of the above agencies, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Marine Corps
- Department of the Air Force
- Other Department of Defense Agency (e.g., DLA, DFAS, DISA, DODDS, Defense Commissary, etc.)
Notes:
*Current Permanent Federal Civilians: You can check your competitive service status by viewing your latest Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50,
Block 34, Position Occupied. If eligible, you will see 1-Competitive Service in this block.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or you are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service in any of the above agencies, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
3.
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 https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/
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 https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/
4.
You are eligible for this hiring category, if you are:
- A current non-appropriated fund (NAF); OR
- Other Interchange Agreement eligible employee; AND
- served continuously for at least one year under a permanent appointment; OR
- Former Interchange Agreement eligible (e.g., NAF) employee who served under an appointment described above, and was involuntarily separated within the past year without personal cause (i.e., not because of unacceptable conduct or performance).
5.
The Washington Headquarters Service is currently operating under an approved reengineered Priority Placement Program (PPP) pilot for all positions in its serviced workforce. This pilot is application based and current PPP registrants who are registered for activity codes 293A and 295A are required to apply to the job announcement via USAJobs in order to exercise their priority placement status. This pilot permits priority candidates to be assessed with other competitive applicants. Anyone claiming priority status must provide a copy of their PPP registration and supporting documentation (e.g. RIF notice, Sponsor's PCS orders, Certification of Expected Separation) at the time of application to verify priority placement and eligibility.
6.
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).
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
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).
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
7.
You are required to submit proof of your eligibility (for example, a copy of qualification certificate from a State or Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Office (Schedule A appointment of people with disabilities). Examples of special appointment authority include appointment of people from Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, General Accounting Office, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, Panama Canal Commission, Peace Corps, Postal Career Service/Postal Rate Commission, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), VISTA/ACTION Volunteers, etc. You are required to provide acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of proof of employment, from the appropriate agency with your completed application.
8.
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 https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
• 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 https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
Assessment 1
Thank you for applying to the Foreign Affairs Specialist position, GS-0130-13/14/15 the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
1.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
The Foreign Affairs occupation has specific educational requirements which apply to all positions. From the options below, select the one response which describes your educational background. Education above the high school level must have been completed in a U.S. college, university, or other educational institution that has been accredited by one of the accrediting agencies or associations recognized by the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education. Transcripts are required at the time of application.
The Foreign Affairs occupation has specific educational requirements which apply to all positions. From the options below, select the one response which describes your educational background. Education above the high school level must have been completed in a U.S. college, university, or other educational institution that has been accredited by one of the accrediting agencies or associations recognized by the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education. Transcripts are required at the time of application.
2.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-15
In addition to the Basic Requirement, you must also meet the one year of specialized experience requirement for the grade level(s) you are applying to.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Foreign Affairs Specialist at the GS-15 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
In addition to the Basic Requirement, you must also meet the one year of specialized experience requirement for the grade level(s) you are applying to.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Foreign Affairs Specialist at the GS-15 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
3.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-14
In addition to the Basic Requirement, you must also meet the one year of specialized experience requirement for the grade level(s) you are applying to.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Foreign Affairs Specialist at the GS-14 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
In addition to the Basic Requirement, you must also meet the one year of specialized experience requirement for the grade level(s) you are applying to.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Foreign Affairs Specialist at the GS-14 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
4.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-13
In addition to the Basic Requirement, you must also meet the one year of specialized experience requirement for the grade level(s) you are applying to.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Foreign Affairs Specialist at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
In addition to the Basic Requirement, you must also meet the one year of specialized experience requirement for the grade level(s) you are applying to.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Foreign Affairs Specialist at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
This position has Conditions of Employment that must be obtained prior to your start date and maintained for the duration of this employment.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
5.
This position requires you to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Are you willing to meet the security clearance requirements?
6.
This position requires you to pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter. Are you willing to meet the drug testing requirements?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
7.
Develop regionally relevant strategies and action items and products that incorporate an understanding of current U.S. foreign policy objectives and programs.
8.
Collaborate with other agencies to strengthen the U.S. Government's capacity to plan and conduct international engagement.
9.
Provide political military expertise and insights for the development of national and defense strategy.
10.
Investigate and analyze potential international response strategies to both the reality and perception of crises.
11.
Review and validate crisis response strategies and their impact on the region.
12.
Communicate with regional stakeholders about status and resolution.
13.
Manage foreign partner expectations by reviewing, monitoring, and implementing technology and information security policies.
14.
Research and analyze political, military, economic, and technological factors, evaluating specific conditions, or trends in a foreign country or region to produce or create original oral or written products.
15.
Develop assessments to overcome organizational barriers for effective and efficient security cooperation.
16.
Account for international and non-governmental, interagency and industry activities to synchronize/prioritize international engagements.
17.
Assess partner capabilities, potential for interoperability and program efficiency and effectiveness in context of regional dynamics.
18.
Advise senior leader's on the implementation of policies relating to international equities.
19.
Coordinate and develop program feedback such as briefings, background, issue papers and correspondence on technical, policy and political aspects of international defense issues.
20.
Provide insights to increase awareness of political, economic, industry, international engagement, and cultural relations for leadership or U.S. government representatives.
21.
Implement regionally relevant strategies, plans, policies, guidance and programs that incorporate current U.S. foreign policy objectives derived from higher level guidance documents.
22.
Advise the development of strategy, plans and policy relating to international engagement.
23.
Develop/oversee implementation plans for DoD's role in international exchange programs.
24.
Participate and advise in the development of national security policy and foreign affairs.
25.
Develops strategy, plans and policy products from higher level guidance documents.
26.
Provide advice on security cooperation and foreign affairs interests during the planning of pre-conflict, conflict, post-conflict, and reconstruction phases of planning.
27.
Conveys program planning processes and strategies to specific audiences.
For each knowledge area, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of knowledge using the scale below.
28.
Communicates the technical requirements specifications and statements of work to all stakeholders involved to ensure system operational efficiency.
29.
Builds and maintains effective working relationships and partners with customer.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
30.
Communicate across multiple disciplines to plan, coordinate or advise.
31.
Defend recommendations to higher levels of management.
32.
Prepares executive summaries, formal assessments, and reports to inform the intended audience.
33.
Organizes, expresses, and communicates ideas clearly in writing.
34.
Prepares reports reflecting the analysis and assimilation of data to be used to make recommendations for new policies or changes in programs and policies
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
35.
Your ratings in this questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents you submitted. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. By agreeing to the statement below, you are confirming that you: 1) understand this warning; 2) have reviewed your responses to this questionnaire for accuracy; and 3) have verified that your responses accurately describe your current level of experience and capability as reflected in your resume. Do you certify the accuracy of your responses?