This vacancy announcement will be open from October 21, 2020 to October 26, 2020 or when 50 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.
Summary
This vacancy announcement will be open from October 21, 2020 to October 26, 2020 or when 50 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.
At the successful conclusion of the program, interns may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a Federal career or career-conditional position in the competitive service. Conversions to the competitive service are not guaranteed.
The Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA) carries out the Secretary's mandate to articulate the foreign policy of the United States and to communicate with and engage U.S. and global audiences. Led by the Assistant Secretary, the Bureau serves the American people by effectively communicating American foreign policy around the world and informing domestic audiences about U.S. foreign policy priorities and the value of diplomacy, and by engaging foreign publics to enhance their understanding of and support for the United States, its values and policies. The incumbent serves in the Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of the Executive Director (GPA/EX) and provides a broad range of administrative, general and technical services to the Executive Office, while assisting the IT and GSO sections of the Executive Office.
As a Student Trainee (Office Automation) GS-07, you will:
Performs office automation duties using such software applications as electronic mail, desk-top publishing, calendar, spreadsheet, database, and/or graphics, to track Congressional correspondence.
Performs electronic file maintenance work including: updating and maintaining computer files and inventory; making backup copies; establishing and maintaining a uniform identification and archive library system; updating and maintaining all manuals, references books, and operating handbooks, and guidelines; maintaining appointments, calendars, schedules; schedules appointments, coordinates meetings, and/or schedules conferences. Based on the subject matter of the meeting, arranges for meeting and small conference administrative details.
Responsibilities include conducting information research and providing substantive responses to agency and external inquiries; preparing briefing materials for upcoming meetings, or other high level visits, i.e. preparing and compiling program information, biographies of participants, background on subject at hand, country maps, etc.; setting up Washington consultations for DOS personnel during visits to Washington; and attending meetings/conferences and providing written summaries.
Independently completes special research requests requiring a practical knowledge of program and mission objectives. Exchanges and develops information, resolves discrepancies, and makes recommendations about conflicting program-related materials.
Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement.
Verification from the academic institution confirming acceptance into a qualifying program.
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0.
Must maintain student eligibility for duration of internship.
Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution with at least a half-time course load.
Must be able to obtain and maintain at least a Secret Security clearance.
All transcripts or educational supporting documentation must reflect a projected graduation date on or after Fall 2021.
Qualifications
GS-7: Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate-level education; OR Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor’s degree AND be currently accepted to/enrolled in a qualifying degree or certificate program.
Education
An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half an academic/vocational or technical course-load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for the purposes of this Program.
The Pathways Internship Program targets students accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a qualifying educational program in an accredited institution, on a full or half-time basis with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.
Applicants must meet the definition of "student" in order to be considered for this opportunity. Internship appointments under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) are non-temporary and can last the duration of the student's academic program. This will be determined at the time of selection. Interns may work full-time or part-time schedules.
At the successful conclusion of the program, interns may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a Federal career or career-conditional position in the competitive service.
Conversions to the competitive service are not guaranteed.
Pathways candidates must meet the DOS qualification standards applicable to the position being filled. All applicants must meet the qualifications by the closing date of this announcement.
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the entire Pathways Internship appointment;
Degree does not have to be related to the position/series; however to be eligible, candidate must meet the OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted.
Certificate Requirements:
Undergraduate certificates must contain a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
Graduate certificates must contain a minimum of 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours.
For study at a business or technical school, 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school.
The Department of State no longer accepts certificates that are credited with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
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 at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.
Student means an individual accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled), including awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program under Public Law 93-842. Students need not be in actual physical attendance, so long as all other requirements are met. An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half an academic/vocational or technical course-load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for purposes of this Program.
Must work at least 32 hours per week between the hours of 7:00am and 5:30pm, Monday-Friday Eastern Standard timezone.
Additional information
Pathways Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointments are made on a non-temporary basis.
To be eligible for conversion to the competitive service after completion of the program, an intern must:
Be a U.S. Citizen
Successfully complete an academic course of study as evidenced by a qualifying degree
Graduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Complete a minimum of 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Pathways Internship Program while enrolled as a full-time or half-time degree or certificate seeking student (work requirement must be met prior to academic program completion)*
Meet the OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted
Maintain acceptable performance under the Agency's approved performance management system
Receive favorable recommendation for conversion from supervisor
*You may be granted a waiver and credited for a maximum of 320 hours based on stipulations in 5 CFR 362.204 paragraphs (c) and (d).
The US Department of State is not obligated to make an offer of employment, nor is the student obligated to accept an offer of employment.
For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or ReasonableAccommodations@state.gov.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – U.S. law requires organizations to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States - either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Employees hired under the Pathways Programs on appointments for 90 days or more are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. Interns hired under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointment for a period expected to last longer than 1 year are eligible for health and life insurance coverage as long as they are expected to be employed under this appointment for over 1 year and are expected to be in a pay status for at least one-third of the total period of time from the date of their initial appointment to the date of the completion of the Program. The cost of premiums is split between the employee and the agency, as it is for all permanent employees. As a Department of State employee, Interns are eligible to receive a transit subsidy each month to compensate for travel to and from work via certain types of public transportation.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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 evaluated and rated under the Category Rating and Selection procedures. Based on your responses to the job-specific self-assessment questions, eligible candidates are placed for selection consideration into one of three pre-defined quality categories as described below:
Highly Qualified Category - In addition to meeting minimum qualifications for the position, candidates must fully demonstrate proficiency in all major aspects of the position.
Well Qualified Category - In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all of the major aspects of the position.
Qualified Category - In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of knowledge, skill and ability of the position.
Application of Veterans Preference: The Category Rating Method does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each pre-defined quality category. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent (i.e., CPS and CP) must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher.
Selections will be made in accordance with the requirements of 5 CFR Part 302, veterans preference laws, and OPM guidance.
NOTE: If it is determined that you do not meet program eligibility requirements or fail to submit proper documentation, you will be removed from consideration.
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements and submit any required supporting documentation by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants found to be among the top qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview.
In accordance with the Office of Personnel Management policy, for undergraduate level education, successfully completed education is credited based on its relationship to 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours. For example, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education.
An academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 academic year of full-time study. This determination is made based on normal course loads for a full year of study in the graduate program. If that information is not provided by the applicant, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours will be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. For applicants that have completed more than 1 year of education in a graduate program, advanced degree, or certificate program, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide documentation from the institution in order to establish the length of their academic program to be used to project their expected graduation date.
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements and submit any required supporting documentation by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants found to be among the top qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Employees hired under the Pathways Programs on appointments for 90 days or more are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. Interns hired under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointment for a period expected to last longer than 1 year are eligible for health and life insurance coverage as long as they are expected to be employed under this appointment for over 1 year and are expected to be in a pay status for at least one-third of the total period of time from the date of their initial appointment to the date of the completion of the Program. The cost of premiums is split between the employee and the agency, as it is for all permanent employees. As a Department of State employee, Interns are eligible to receive a transit subsidy each month to compensate for travel to and from work via certain types of public transportation.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system "Gateway to State" by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required timeframes. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, system failure or downtime, etc. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) contact information; 2) completed course work (unit/credit hours); 3) academic standing/GPA; 4) work/volunteer experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates or employment; and title, series, and grade, if applicable; 5) supervisors name, phone number and email address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and 6) references.
Current transcripts: an unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however if selected, an official transcript will be required. **Transcripts MUST include the student's name, name of the school, specific degree program, current GPA/academic standing, and past and current coursework. If your transcripts do not provide the information listed above, include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements.
Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration for the Fall 2020 semester and documentation that states projected graduation date of Fall 2021 or later*. If you are not presently enrolled for Fall 2020 or anticipate graduating prior to the Fall 2021 semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the Spring 2021 semester. This letter must be dated within the last 12 months and must specify the term of acceptance and the program to which you have been accepted.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit proof of veterans' preference with your application. **
For 5-point veteran's preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 is preferable) which must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service date, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be within 120 days of the date the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm your current or expected discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not receive credit for the claimed active duty military service.
For 10-point veteran's preference, you must submit a current version of the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference), dated October 2013, and any documentation required by this form to support your claim. Previous editions of the SF-15 will not be accepted. If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if veterans' preference requirements have been met.
For Sole Survivorship preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4 is preferable) or another form of official documentation which shows your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For further information regarding Veterans, click here.
To gain access to your DD214 online, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-servicerecords/get-service-records.html.
Unofficial transcripts showing cumulative GPA is equal to or higher than 2.0. Note: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the purpose of applying. Official transcripts/official proof of enrollment will be required prior to final appointment. Applicants in high school should submit their most recent report card.
All supporting documentation, applicable to you, must be attached to your online application via upload or by fax using the cover sheet and phone number generated in the application.
If the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility or you fail to submit any of the required documents, it will disqualify you from being considered for this job opportunity.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Complete applications (to include all required documents) must be submitted electronically through the "Gateway to State" system. To begin the application process, please click on the "Apply Online" button to the right.
Candidates have until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process. This includes submitting the online application as well as any required documents as defined in the Required Documents section.
Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications well before the application deadline to ensure they receive consideration. Should candidates be missing any of the required documents or submit their application late, they will be disqualified for consideration of employment. There is a maximum number of applications for this vacancy announcement. The vacancy will close on the closing date listed above or when the maximum number of applications is received. The vacancy will close when the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same.
Technical assistance with your on-line application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST.
U.S. Department of State
1999 Dyess Ave.
(Charleston Reg. Ctr.)
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the program qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interviews. If rewarded a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months, up to a year. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
Upon receipt of your application.
Upon minimum qualification determinations.
If referred to the hiring manager.
After hiring manager makes final decision.
For instructions on how to view the status of your application, please click here .
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system "Gateway to State" by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required timeframes. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, system failure or downtime, etc. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) contact information; 2) completed course work (unit/credit hours); 3) academic standing/GPA; 4) work/volunteer experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates or employment; and title, series, and grade, if applicable; 5) supervisors name, phone number and email address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and 6) references.
Current transcripts: an unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however if selected, an official transcript will be required. **Transcripts MUST include the student's name, name of the school, specific degree program, current GPA/academic standing, and past and current coursework. If your transcripts do not provide the information listed above, include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements.
Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration for the Fall 2020 semester and documentation that states projected graduation date of Fall 2021 or later*. If you are not presently enrolled for Fall 2020 or anticipate graduating prior to the Fall 2021 semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the Spring 2021 semester. This letter must be dated within the last 12 months and must specify the term of acceptance and the program to which you have been accepted.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit proof of veterans' preference with your application. **
For 5-point veteran's preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 is preferable) which must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service date, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be within 120 days of the date the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm your current or expected discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not receive credit for the claimed active duty military service.
For 10-point veteran's preference, you must submit a current version of the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference), dated October 2013, and any documentation required by this form to support your claim. Previous editions of the SF-15 will not be accepted. If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if veterans' preference requirements have been met.
For Sole Survivorship preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4 is preferable) or another form of official documentation which shows your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For further information regarding Veterans, click here.
To gain access to your DD214 online, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-servicerecords/get-service-records.html.
Unofficial transcripts showing cumulative GPA is equal to or higher than 2.0. Note: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the purpose of applying. Official transcripts/official proof of enrollment will be required prior to final appointment. Applicants in high school should submit their most recent report card.
All supporting documentation, applicable to you, must be attached to your online application via upload or by fax using the cover sheet and phone number generated in the application.
If the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility or you fail to submit any of the required documents, it will disqualify you from being considered for this job opportunity.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Complete applications (to include all required documents) must be submitted electronically through the "Gateway to State" system. To begin the application process, please click on the "Apply Online" button to the right.
Candidates have until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process. This includes submitting the online application as well as any required documents as defined in the Required Documents section.
Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications well before the application deadline to ensure they receive consideration. Should candidates be missing any of the required documents or submit their application late, they will be disqualified for consideration of employment. There is a maximum number of applications for this vacancy announcement. The vacancy will close on the closing date listed above or when the maximum number of applications is received. The vacancy will close when the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same.
Technical assistance with your on-line application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST.
U.S. Department of State
1999 Dyess Ave.
(Charleston Reg. Ctr.)
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the program qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interviews. If rewarded a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months, up to a year. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
Upon receipt of your application.
Upon minimum qualification determinations.
If referred to the hiring manager.
After hiring manager makes final decision.
For instructions on how to view the status of your application, please click here .
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
