Duties

Summary

The selectee participates in the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) petition process, to provide reports used by Congress to produce omnibus tariff legislation. This position requires a high level of expertise concerning: industries, products, trade restrictions, marketing and distribution channels, global supply chains, competitive conditions, business strategies, sources of domestic and foreign data, superior organization skills, and project management knowledge or experience.
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Responsibilities

The position is located in the Office of Operations, Office of Industries, Divisions of Chemicals and Textiles, Natural Resources and Energy or Advanced Technology and Machinery. The ideal candidate is inquisitive and possesses the ability to obtain and analyze a broad range of product-specific trade and industry information from U.S. and foreign firms, trade associations, industry regulators, and other sources. Such a candidate (1) demonstrates an ability and desire to conduct extensive primary and secondary research (including data collection) on a wide range of products, industries, markets, and trade issues; (2) is skilled at resolving trade and industry data issues; (3) has excellent interpersonal skills and is comfortable working in a team environment and communicating with high level industry and government officials; (4) excels in both written and oral communication; (5) possesses a firm grasp of microeconomic, macroeconomic, industrial organization, international trade and finance concepts; (6) demonstrates practical knowledge of quantitative methods of analysis; (7) has a knowledge of international trade laws; and (8) has proficiency in the use of word processing (e.g., MS Word) and, spreadsheet (e.g., MS Excel) applications.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen or national
• You must be able to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check
• You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period
• You may be required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
• You are required to register for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/03/59

Qualifications

You must meet all the requirements below by the closing date of the announcement and they must be clearly identified in your application, resume, or supporting documents. This includes any general and specialized experience, education, and/or selective placement factors mentioned. These are used to determine if you possess the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to successfully perform in this position.

You must meet the following United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements for the advertised position. OPM's prescribed Group Coverage Qualification Standard for International Trade Analyst 1101 can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/general-business-and-industry-series-1101b/

A. Undergraduate and Graduate Education: that includes or is supplemented by major study in economics, business administration, marketing, business or international law, finance, industrial management, international trade/relations, or other fields directly related to the position;
-OR-
B. Experience: that demonstrates the ability to perform the functions of the position to be filled and provides requisite knowledge of:

The production of goods and services in international trade; The technical and economic factors influencing international trade and competitiveness; Commodity and trade data collection methods and analytical techniques; and U.S. trade laws, agreements, and policies regulating international commerce.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

Applicants for the GS09 level must have at least one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS07 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience would include the following: professional experience that demonstrated knowledge of the economic, market, political, technical and other factors that influence U.S. trade flows and business; industry, and product competitiveness; trade data collection methods and analytical techniques; and U.S. trade laws, agreements, and policies regarding international commerce.

OR

Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B., or J.D., if related. You must submit a copy of your transcript to show you meet this requirement. See majors/fields directly related to this occupation in previous qualification section of this announcement.

To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility at, or equivalent to, the GS-9 level obtained in the Federal service or the private sector. Specialized experience is that which has equipped you with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position shown above. Typically we would find this experience in work that demonstrates knowledge of the economic, market, technical, and other factors that influence U.S. agricultural trade policy, trade flows, and product and industry competitiveness particularly as related to agricultural industries; and demonstrated analytical work such as research and analysis in a team environment.

OR

Possession of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the fields of study listed below is fully qualifying at the GS-11 level.

To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility at, or equivalent to, the GS-11 level obtained in the Federal service or the private sector. Specialized experience is that which has equipped you with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position shown above. Such specialized experience must have required an in-depth understanding of international trade principles and agricultural economics. Typically, we would find this experience demonstrated in work that shows the ability to apply knowledge of the theories, dynamics, and practices of international agricultural trade, agricultural economics, and competitiveness to analyze issues involving complex agricultural trade issues, policy positions and/or global and domestic agricultural industries. Such experience would also include research and analysis, including as a member of a team, of complex trade issues by working with a variety of industry and international trade data sources, drawing rational inferences--including cause and effect--based on research findings, and applying quantitative analysis including econometrics or other economic modeling techniques.

To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility at, or equivalent to, the GS-12 level obtained in the Federal service or the private sector. Specialized experience is that which has equipped you with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position shown above. Typically, we would find this experience demonstrated in work that shows mastery of best practices for planning and carrying out studies that analyze complex international agricultural trade issues and policies; analysis of economic factors that determine industry organization, market pricing, and competition; and/or analysis of regulations, laws, and policies related to agricultural industries; and serving as a project leader for a team conducting such research.

Education

Education May be Substituted for Experience as Follows

At the GS-09 level: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B., or J.D., if related. You must submit a copy of your transcript to show you meet this requirement. See majors/fields directly related to this occupation in previous qualification section of this announcement.

At the GS-11 level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

At the GS-12 level: There is no substitution of education for experience at this level.

At the GS-13 level: There is no substitution of education for experience at this level.

Submit a copy of your transcript(s) or list of courses with credit hours, major(s),and grade-point average or class ranking. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials: http://www.naces.org/members.htm.

COMBINING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
To combine your experience and education, you must convert the figures to a percentage and add them together. The combined total percentages of your education and experience must equal at least 100% in order to qualify.

To calculate your percentage of undergraduate education, divide the number of undergraduate hours you've completed by 120. To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours you've completed by 18. If your education is currently described in quarter hours, convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by the fraction 2/3. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, you must divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by the required number of months of experience.

Finally, add your experience and education percentages. The two percentages must total at least 100% to be considered qualified.

Additional information

Surplus or Displaced Federal Employees: The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs are available to federal employees that qualify. Those eligible for these programs are granted special priority selection rights. To be considered, you must be deemed well-qualified by receiving a score of 85 or higher. If you are a federal employee claiming CTAP/ICTAP, you must provide the documents listed under the Required Documents section to verify your eligibility. Also, you must indicate in your application that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. For additional information regarding CTAP/ICTAP, please visit: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit http://www.sss.gov/ .

Foreign Education Credential Interpretation: http://www.naces.org/members.htm .

DD-214: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

SF-15 (veterans claiming 10 point preference): http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf

Special hiring authorities for veterans: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx

Severely disabled persons program information: http://www.opm.gov/disability/People with disabilities.asp

Cover page to fax paper application - OPM Form 1203fx: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/opm1203fx.pdf

Self Assessment Questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10496758

Vacancy ID number: DE-19-070-PSS

Reasonable accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials, employment history, etc., will be verified as part of the security clearance process.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be rated by our applications system using the Category Rating procedure. A quality review will then be conducted by the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following area:

• Knowledge of economic, financial, and technical factors influencing merchandise trade flows, and industry competitiveness
• Technical Expertise
• Research, Data Collection, and Analysis
• Analytical Writing and Communication
• Teamwork and Project Accomplishment

We will evaluate your relevant education and/or work experience as they relate to the competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) mentioned above. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

Based on the results of this evaluation, you will be placed in one of the following categories:

Best: placement in this category indicates you have the type and quality of experience and/or education that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s).

Better: this category indicates you have the type and quality of experience and/or education that exceed the minimum qualifications of the position.

Good: if you are placed in this category, it indicates you meet the minimum qualifications and/or education of the position and are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the position. You may require extensive training and/or orientation in order to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.

Candidates in the Best category will be the first ones sent to the hiring manager for interview consideration. Within each category, those with veterans' preference eligibility will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

Your experience is also evaluated using an assessment questionnaire, which is available at the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10496758 ~

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Secret

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To receive consideration, you must complete the self assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified below by 11:59 PM ET on 05/30/2019 .

1. Resume: Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying.

Your resume should contain enough information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic, general, or specialized experience requirements for each grade level you are applying. This information must be clearly identified in your resume. If you do not provide enough information for us to determine your qualifications, you may be rated ineligible.

2. Self AssessmentQuestionnaire: A completed job-specific questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.

3. Transcripts. If you are using education to qualify OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed under the Qualifications and Evaluations section, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript(s) with your application. Your education must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

Your transcript must contain:

• name of academic institution;
• list of courses;
• credit hours
• major(s); and
• grade-point average or class ranking.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education. Another listing of services that perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) http://www.naces.org/members.htm . You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation will result in lost consideration.

If you are selected for a position, you must submit an official/sealed college transcript(s) prior to employment.

4. Veterans' Preference. If claiming veterans' preference, you must indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume.

A. For 5-point veterans' preference, you must provide:

• a copy of your DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge which shows the type of discharge and dates of active duty (Member 4 copy preferred).

B. If you are currently on active duty, to receive 5-point preference you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states:

• your branch of service;
• period(s) of service;
• campaign medals or expeditionary medals earned
• expected discharge type and date; and
• date you will be separated or be on approved terminal leave.

If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference/eligibility will be verified by a DD 214 prior to your appointment with our agency.

C. To receive 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide:
any documentation required by this form to support your claim.

If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if you meet the requirements. You can obtain an SF-15 through this link: http://www.opm.gov/forms/standard-forms/ .

To access to your DD 214 online, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ .

5. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles. You must submit the following documents:

• a copy of your agency notice;
• a copy of your most recent performance rating; and
• a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.

6. Cover Letter. This is optional.

7. Special hiring authority applicants: If you are applying under a special hiring authority you must submit proof of eligibility with your application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.