The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division is accepting applications under its 2018 Graduate Recruit Program for an Analyst in African Affairs. This position will be filled at the GS-09 or GS-11 level (see "Duties" below).
ABOUT THE GRADUATE RECRUIT PROGRAM:
Initial appointments under the Graduate Recruit Program will be made for a period up to 120 days beginning in the spring/summer of 2018. Initial appointments are expected to convert to permanent, contingent upon participants' performance and completion of all degree requirements, and availability of funding. Those students who return to school to complete their advanced degree program may be eligible for a permanent position once they obtain their degree.
ABOUT CRS:
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress, CRS experts assist at every stage of the legislative process—from the early considerations that precede bill drafting, through committee hearings and floor debate, to the oversight of enacted laws and various agency activities.
CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.
A legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for nearly a century. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and committees.
Summary
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division is accepting applications under its 2018 Graduate Recruit Program for an Analyst in African Affairs. This position will be filled at the GS-09 or GS-11 level (see "Duties" below).
ABOUT THE GRADUATE RECRUIT PROGRAM:
Initial appointments under the Graduate Recruit Program will be made for a period up to 120 days beginning in the spring/summer of 2018. Initial appointments are expected to convert to permanent, contingent upon participants' performance and completion of all degree requirements, and availability of funding. Those students who return to school to complete their advanced degree program may be eligible for a permanent position once they obtain their degree.
ABOUT CRS:
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress, CRS experts assist at every stage of the legislative process—from the early considerations that precede bill drafting, through committee hearings and floor debate, to the oversight of enacted laws and various agency activities.
CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.
A legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for nearly a century. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and committees.
The Analyst in African Affairs will work on issues related to U.S. policy toward Africa. Applicants should have a solid education and/or professional background in U.S. political, security, development and/or humanitarian affairs in Africa, as well as an interest in U.S. assistance programs in Africa. Educational or professional experience in an African country is particularly valued, as is expertise related to countries in West or Central Africa. The analyst will provide objective public policy analysis and consultation on policies and issues related to U.S. political, security, development and/or humanitarian affairs in Africa for Members, committees, and staff of the U.S. Congress. The work also includes locating/interpreting factual information; conducting research; preparing objective, non-partisan descriptive, background, and analytical reports; and participating in team research projects and seminars.
The ideal candidate will have completed an M.A. or higher degree as well as experience and graduate coursework in African Studies, International Relations, or a related field. Proficiency in French or other relevant language skills are also valued.
Strong writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex analyses into easy-to-understand language for a non-technical audience, as well as attention to detail and skill with online databases, are required.
The analyst position carries promotion potential to the GS-15 level.
Graduate students, recent graduates, or Library of Congress employees who meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
1. U.S. Citizenship
2. Enrollment in or anticipated/recent graduation from an appropriate, accredited advanced degree program between May 2017 and August 2018 (Library employees may already possess a graduate degree).
3. General education requirements for a GS-9 or GS-11 appointment (see table below).
GS-9 Grade Level: Two years of progressively higher level appropriate graduate education leading to a Master's degree, OR
Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR
One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level in the federal service or at a comparable level of difficulty outside the federal service.
GS-11 Grade Level: Three years of progressively higher appropriate graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, OR
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, OR
One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level in the federal service or at a comparable level of difficulty outside the federal service.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:
The critical knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs), gained through education, experience and/or training, needed to successfully perform the duties of the position:
GS-9 Grade Level:
Knowledge of issues related to African Affairs and U.S. Africa policy:
To provide objective background information and limited public policy analysis on developments in Africa and U.S. programs in Africa, and particularly in Anglophone West African countries, for Members and committees of the U.S. Congress. Knowledge includes an understanding of the role Congress plays in steering and overseeing African Affairs and U.S. Africa policy.
Ability to design and utilize research and analytical methods and techniques:
To assemble, analyze, and interpret information to identify and evaluate public policy issues and options.
Ability to write on issues related to African Affairs and U.S. Africa policy:
To write descriptive and background reports, memoranda, and other documents with limited analysis for Congress.
GS-11 Grade Level:
Knowledge of issues related to African Affairs and U.S. Africa policy:
To provide objective, in-depth public policy analysis and background information on developments in Africa and U.S. programs in Africa, and particularly in Anglophone West African countries, for Members and committees of the U.S. Congress. Knowledge includes an understanding of the role Congress plays in steering and overseeing African Affairs and U.S. Africa policy.
Ability to design and utilize research and analytical methods and techniques:
To research, analyze and synthesize complex information and evaluate implications of various policy alternatives.
Ability to write on issues related to African Affairs and U.S. Africa policy:
To write analytical and descriptive reports, memoranda, and other products supported by appropriate background research for Congress.
Additional information
The Congressional Research Service, within the Library of Congress, is part of the Legislative Branch of the federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustment for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
The appointment tenure for this position is full-time temporary; flexible work schedules may be available. The position description numbers for this vacancy announcement are: 4745 (GS-9) and 4746 (GS-11). Relocation expenses are not authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. Applicants who are referred for an interview will be required to submit a completed OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment.
Those Graduate Recruit Program participants who are converted from a temporary appointment to a permanent position, and who have not yet completed the one-year probationary period required of all new Library employees, will be required to do so. Time served in the temporary appointment will not count toward completion of this one-year probationary period requirement.
CRS staff not placed in a permanent position under the Graduate Recruit Program will return to the position occupied before entering the program or a position of similar grade and duties without loss of federal service tenure or seniority. Before applying, other Library of Congress employees should consult their supervisor or service unit management regarding the status of their position should they be selected for the program but not placed in a permanent position.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, men, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
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 Hope Hanner-Bailey at CRSGraduateRecruit@crs.loc.gov or (202) 707-1342. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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.
Completed application packages will be forwarded to a panel of CRS staff that will first assess applicants against basic eligibility and general education requirements of the position. An evaluation panel will then assess the degree to which candidates meet the critical knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required to perform the duties of the position and offer the better qualified candidates an opportunity for an interview in person, by telephone or by other telecommunications means. In addition to the critical KSAs listed above, the following competencies will also be addressed during the interview:
Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations.
Ability to exercise objectively in all phases of analysis, consultation and/or oral presentations.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Finalists may be required to submit a writing sample related to their academic discipline.
A complete applicant package will require applicants to provide responses to a vacancy questionnaire, which includes mandatory submission of a Candidate Statement of Interest.
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.
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.
It is recommended that you review your application to ensure it contains the following items:
Resume (uploaded through USAJobs.gov)
Completed vacancy questionnaire
Graduate transcripts or a self-prepared course list (attachment to application)
Note: the "Documents" section of the application may request that you attach an OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment. You may choose to upload this form as part of your application or submit it at the time of interview. Incomplete applications will not be referred to interview officials and will be disqualified from further consideration.
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.
Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.
You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.
Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.
Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.
Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.
Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.
(3) You may follow the "Faxing Supporting Documentation" instructions within the online application, which will provide the necessary cover sheets for each of your documents so that they will be correctly submitted. The fax number will be available on the cover sheet. Please note that each cover sheet and corresponding document must be faxed separately. Be certain to review your complete fax transmittal confirmation to ensure that all pages have been received.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. Likewise, if sending them by fax, be sure and include both of them behind the respective fax cover sheet and send them as one fax. If you send them individually with the same cover sheet, the last one sent will overwrite the first one. Finally, if you upload a document, e.g. your undergraduate transcript, do not also fax that same document (or fax another undergraduate transcript), because whichever one you send last will be the only one that is visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.
Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.
If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov, no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED. If you have questions you MUST CONTACT Hope Hanner-Bailey at CRSGraduateRecruit@crs.loc.gov or (202) 707-1342 no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT of the closing date.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Next steps
Please review the evaluation process under "How You Will Be Evaluated, You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications". You will receive final notification via email when this vacancy has been filled.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
It is recommended that you review your application to ensure it contains the following items:
Resume (uploaded through USAJobs.gov)
Completed vacancy questionnaire
Graduate transcripts or a self-prepared course list (attachment to application)
Note: the "Documents" section of the application may request that you attach an OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment. You may choose to upload this form as part of your application or submit it at the time of interview. Incomplete applications will not be referred to interview officials and will be disqualified from further consideration.
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.
Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.
You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.
Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.
Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.
Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.
Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.
(3) You may follow the "Faxing Supporting Documentation" instructions within the online application, which will provide the necessary cover sheets for each of your documents so that they will be correctly submitted. The fax number will be available on the cover sheet. Please note that each cover sheet and corresponding document must be faxed separately. Be certain to review your complete fax transmittal confirmation to ensure that all pages have been received.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. Likewise, if sending them by fax, be sure and include both of them behind the respective fax cover sheet and send them as one fax. If you send them individually with the same cover sheet, the last one sent will overwrite the first one. Finally, if you upload a document, e.g. your undergraduate transcript, do not also fax that same document (or fax another undergraduate transcript), because whichever one you send last will be the only one that is visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.
Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.
If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov, no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED. If you have questions you MUST CONTACT Hope Hanner-Bailey at CRSGraduateRecruit@crs.loc.gov or (202) 707-1342 no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT of the closing date.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Next steps
Please review the evaluation process under "How You Will Be Evaluated, You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications". You will receive final notification via email when this vacancy has been filled.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
