USA Staffing

Position Title: International Program Specialist
Agency: Foreign Agricultural Service
Announcement Number: DE-12187412-24-FAS-EH Opens in new window
Open Period: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 to Tuesday, November 21, 2023

For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of at least 10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10 point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of 30% or more (CPS)

Are you a current USDA employee who meets the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee, in which received official notice that your job is no longer needed or that you will lose your job by Reduction-in-Force (RIF)? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

A. Yes

B. No

Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than USDA? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

A. Yes

B. No

4. Have you registered for reemployment consideration AND meet one of the below:

• Are you a current or former competitive service USDA employee who will be or was separated by Reduction-In-Force (RIF) and received a rating of satisfactory or above as your last annual performance rating?
OR
• Are you a former USDA competitive service employee who separated due to a compensable injury or disability?

A. Yes

B. No

1. Are you a retiree receiving a civilian Federal or FSA County Annuity?

A. Yes

B. No

2. Have you ever received a voluntary separation incentive payment (VSIP or buyout) to leave the Federal civilian service or FSA County position?

A. Yes

B. No

3. Are you a current or former: Political appointee, Presidential appointee, and/or non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee?

A. Yes

B. No

4. I authorize my application information being shared with hiring managers for similar positions. I understand this option may not result in further consideration for additional positions nor will it impact my application for this announcement.

A. Yes

B. No

1. GS-13 - Choose one answer that best describes your education and experience.

A. I possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing work related to the duties of the position described in the vacancy announcement.

B. I have successfully completed at least two full years of graduate level education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or equivalent) OR Masters degree OR LL.B. OR J.D.in a field of study directly related to the work of this position as described in the vacancy announcement.

C. I possess a combination of specialized experience and graduate education beyond the first year of graduate study that together meet the requirements for this position.

D. I do not meet any of the requirements as described.

2. Administrative task independently performed.

A. Travel Authorizations

B. Review travel vouchers for accuracy and completeness.

C. Review automated time and attendance (payroll) documents.

D. Proofread agency documents for accuracy and completeness.

E. Review work performed for conformance to standards and procedures.

F. None of the above

Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.

3. Advising management on administrative policies and procedures

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

E. I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

4. Identify the following grants and cooperative agreements tasks that you perform on the job:

A. Perform cost analyses

B. Review and evaluate applications to determine if they meet the necessary standards

C. Negotiate with a source on the terms and conditions of cost-sharing arrangements

D. Administer grants and agreements

E. Monitor the performance, progress and cost of grants and agreements

F. Work with a variety of people including program managers and award recipients

G. Enforce the terms and conditions of a grant or agreements

H. Provide guidance and direction to the Assistance Representative, recipient, or other stakeholders throughout the life of an agreement

I. None of the above

Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.

5. Recommending improvements in grants management policies and procedures within organizational parameters, OMB Circulars and/or Department level regulations.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

6. Developing written policies on grant issues.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

7. From the following list, please identify those items you have written (select no more than 9 answer choices as applicable):

A. Review of a grant agreement proposal

B. Final and complete investigation reports submitted in appropriate detail

C. Other research, investigative, or evaluation reports

D. Operating procedures

E. Responses to congressional inquiries

F. Grants request for applications (application solicitations)

G. Grants regulations

H. OMB packages for data collection

I. Grant award summaries

J. Site audit letters

K. Outreach brochures and promotional materials

L. Announcements, blogs, and news releases

M. Responses to Department and Agency data calls Responses to Congressional correspondence

N. None of the above

8. I have direct experience and am proficient in providing comprehensive analysis and briefings to policy decision makers in the form of:

A. Written and verbal descriptions of domestic and international trade issues.

B. Written and verbal descriptions of procedures to resolve trade issues.

C. Presentations

D. None of the above

9. Independently complete one or more strategic trade analysis projects/studies which require me to develop and document the following:

A. Problem formulation

B. Coordinating with divergent groups and reaching consensus

C. Development of hypothesis

D. Data sources

E. Development of findings and recommendations

F. Sampling procedures and requirements

G. Data gathering and acceptance

H. Development of findings and conclusions

I. Preparation of the technical research report and exhibits for internal use

J. None of the above

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

10. I have participated in one or more special projects, studies, or work groups which were formed to deal with a special need, emergency response, or other ad hoc work requirement related in resolving international trade issues.

A. Yes

B. No

Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.

11. Managing projects or program initiatives

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

12. I have represented my organization in meetings with representatives of outside groups such as private organizations, other agencies, state and local governments, etc., to build coalitions, resolve competing interests, or reach consensus on emerging or controversial issues.

A. Yes

B. No

13. I have direct experience performing the following:

A. Establishing rapport with one or more persons who were detractors or critics when representing organizational policies, procedures or interests

B. Maintaining relationships with external domestic groups that were vitally affected by my organization?s policies and program activities

C. Maintaining relationships with foreign groups important to my organization?s policies and program activities

D. Representing my organization?s objectives in meetings with stakeholders, partners, or cooperators from other nations

E. Gaining support for my organization?s policies and programs through activities in professional organizations, trade or industry groups, or community organizations

F. None of the above

14. Your responses to the Announcement and Assessment Questionnaires, along with your resume and all supporting documentation are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Submitting false information or attempts to falsify information may be grounds for disqualifying you or for terminating you after you have been hired. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.

A. Yes, I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by me with my application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that I have truthfully and accurately represented my work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, certifications, accomplishments, etc.). I understand that the information provided is subject to investigation. I understand that misrepresenting my experience or education, or providing false, fraudulent or inaccurate information in or with my application may be grounds for not hiring me or for terminating me after I begin work. I also understand that false or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).

B. No, I do not certify and I understand that by responding ?no? to this certification that I will not receive consideration for this position.

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