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FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Arlington County, Virginia
Closing date
Jun 22, 2021
Duties

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to to provide senior Air Force Leaders with objective information for making strategy, planning and programming decisions on the force planning, structure, concepts, and future development of the US Air Force in order to instill long-term competitive advantage in regional and global efforts specifically to counter pacing threats.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

  • Serves as the Senior Strategy analyst and lead advisor to the Chief, Strategy Division and lead within the Strategic Competition Team for all issues, policies and concerns related to trans-regional efforts.
  • Develops and maintains broad expertise in the following areas as they pertain to Air Force regional strategy: current and potential international programs, politico-military affairs, AF operations, technologies with military applications.
  • As Senior Strategy Analyst and Technical subject matter expert for China, Russia, or Global Affairs, represents the Strategic Competition Team, A5SS, and A5S to a wide variety of internal and external officials.
  • Performs personnel management responsibilities; leads hiring panels, conducts employment interviews and makes recommendations for vacancies, promotions, details, and reassignments in consideration of skills and qualifications.


Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
15

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • This is a Centrally Managed Position in the Operations Career Field. PCS will be paid in accordance with JTR Vol. 2 and applicable Air Force Regulations.
  • Recruitment incentives may/may not be authorized
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Position is designated Special Sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special (con't)
  • (con't) Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A nondisclosure agreement must be signed.
  • This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. (con't)
  • (con't) Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
  • This is a Mission-Essential position performing a Mission-Critical-Function, which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. (con't)
  • (con't) (As per Career Field Identification (CFID) Matrix dated 2021, ?The 0130 series is a Mission Critical Occupational Series (MC)?.)
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • The incumbent is expected to travel with prior notice, often to high-level meetings with other services, contractors and the operating commands and activities to obtain resolution to problems for which decisions would have significant consequences.
  • Incumbent must implement, promote, and effectively support equal opportunity and Whistleblower protections for all personnel, must follow provisions of labor agreements and applicable directives pertaining to personnel management.


Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Foreign Affairs Specialist, 0130.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-0130: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) or a degree with a major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.

OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. Courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown above. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.

OR
EXPERIENCE: Four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs. Evaluation of Experience: Qualifying experience may have been through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries. For qualifying experience at the GS-12 or above click here to view occupational requirements for this position:

AND
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-14, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of various aspects of strategies, policies, as well as service program and planning goals/objectives, specifically related to regional planning and coordination; knowledge of service Strategic Planning and Programming Process, policy, procedures and schedule for developing service annual planning and programming guidance; knowledge in one or more functional programs or geographic areas of the national security and international affairs portfolio focused on enabling the United States to compete effectively with China, Russia, and/or other malign actors; and knowledge of perspectives on the present and future international security environment, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of war games with proven pol-mil processes and experience in at least one combatant command region.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-14 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-15 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of various aspects of DoD-wide strategies, policies, as well as service program and planning goals/objectives, specifically related to regional planning and coordination.
2. Knowledge of the Department of Defense National Defense Strategy process; service Strategic Planning and Programming Process, policy, procedures and schedule for developing service annual planning and programming guidance.
3. Comprehensive knowledge in one or more functional programs or geographic areas of the national security and international affairs portfolio focused on enabling the United States to compete effectively with China, Russia, and/or other malign actors.
4. Ability to synthesize complex, and often competing, information and viewpoints to determine best course of action and advocate recommendations across entire staff element and to senior leaders while understanding the nature of U.S. primary adversaries as identified in guidance and how to work with allies and partners to achieve national strategic goals and compete.
5. Skill in analyzing issues and formulating solutions to problems requiring critical thinking.
6. Ability to work as part of an integrated team working with one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives.
7. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, negotiate complex issues, and maintain good working relationships.
8. Knowledge of DoD-wide objectives and capabilities; perspectives on the present and future international security environment, and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of war games with proven pol-mil processes and experience in at least one combatant command region.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected at the full performance level and placed at the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you are unable to apply online, view the following link for information regarding Alternate Application. The Vacancy ID is 11133779.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here .

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities please click here . Subsequently, FTR Bulletin 20-04 issued by GSA, provides further information regarding NDAA FY2020, Public Law 116-92, and the expansion of eligibility beyond "transferred" for WTA/RITA allowances. For additional information, please click here .

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here .

Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
  • Online Application: Questionnaire
  • Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn ), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
  • Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
  • Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 .
  • Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action . The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement , block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
  • Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
  • ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty . Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
    • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
    • Branch of Armed Forces
    • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
    • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
    • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
    • Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
    • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
    • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
    Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.

    OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
    Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees
    - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
    Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
    Note: Applicant must not submit award SF50s-Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

    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.

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