Duties

Summary

As a Targeting Officer for the CIA, you will identify the people, relationships, and organizations having access to the information needed to address the most critical US foreign intelligence requirements and find opportunities to disrupt terrorist attacks, illegal arms trade, drug networks, cyber threats, and counterintelligence threats.
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Responsibilities

Targeting Officers are integral to the planning and implementation of Directorate of Operations (DO) foreign intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and covert action operations. You will combine specialized training, advanced analytic skills, the most sophisticated analytic tools available, and in-depth knowledge and experience in DO operational tradecraft to identify new opportunities for DO operational activity and to enhance ongoing operations.

Many Targeting Officers spend much of their career serving in the Washington, DC area with opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities for Targeting Officers to serve multi-year postings overseas exist, but these positions are competitive.

All DO officers are hired at an entry level and train as they are expected to work - as one team. DO officers begin their careers spending one to two years learning the foundations of clandestine operational tradecraft via classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience gained through a series of interim assignments. Following successful completion of the foundational training, each DO officer will transition into advanced training activity to prepare them to serve effectively in their respective career occupational specialty.

This position requires a five-year Contract Term Agreement.

For further information and to apply, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/clandestine/sso-targeting.html

Travel Required

Occasional travel - 50% or Greater.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US citizenship required (dual national US citizens are eligible).
• All positions require relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
• All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
• All applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

For further information and to apply, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/clandestine/sso-targeting.html

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four-year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a US college or university).
• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale is preferred.
• Personal integrity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Action- and results-oriented.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Inquisitive and investigative.
• Determined, focused and mission driven team players.
• Drawn to complex tasks and finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles.
• Articulate complex analysis verbally and in written communication.
• Ability to shift focus quickly, work on multiple tasks concurrently, and excel in high-pressure/high-impact situations.
• Ability to learn and apply the latest technologies.

For further information and to apply, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/clandestine/sso-targeting.html

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four-year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a US college or university).
• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale is preferred.

Additional information

Benefits

Every career at the CIA is a rewarding one. In addition to serving your country with the certainty that your work makes a difference, the CIA offers a comprehensive benefits package to reflect the dedication and contributions of our employees. To learn more about CIA benefits, click the following link: https://www.cia.gov/careers/benefits.html

Other Information

For more information on CIA careers and correct salary rates, visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications of the specific position to which you are applying. To view this position's requirements, visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/opportunities/clandestine/sso-targeting.html

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

The following items must be attached to your on-line application (PDF format only):

• Unofficial transcripts for all degrees.
• Cover letter: please describe your knowledge, skills, abilities, and aspirations not evident from your resume, that make you a good candidate for the Directorate of Operations (1 page).
• Qualifications Supplement - in a separate PDF attachment address the following questions:
  • Why does a career in public service appeal to you (1 paragraph).
  • Why do you wish to work for the Directorate of Operations (1 paragraph).
  • Other than the Directorate of Operations, what other career options are of interest to you (1 paragraph).
  • Describe one thing from your academic, military, or professional background that has prepared you for success in the Directorate of Operations (1 paragraph).
  • Complete this thought: "I do my best work when..." (1 paragraph).
  • Describe a time when you did not succeed, professionally or academically, and what you learned from that experience (2 paragraphs).

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.