This vacancy announcement will be open from April 13, 2020 to April 17, 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 April 13, 2020 to April 17, 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.
This position is located in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs (H). The H Bureau coordinates legislative activity for the Department of State, advises the Secretary and other Departmental Principals on legislative strategy, and facilitates effective communications between Department officials and Members of Congress and their staffs to advance the Department’s legislative priorities.
H/RGF
The Office of Regional, Global, and Functional Affairs tracks the Department's full range of policy issues of interest to the Congress. The office's Foreign Affairs Officer (Legislative Management Officers) is the principal substantive liaison officers between Department bureaus and Congressional offices. It works in close cooperation with the Department bureaus in briefings on administration policy and manages Congressional appearances of Department witnesses for foreign policy hearings.
H/LRU
The Legislative Reference Unit (LRU) oversees the coordination and clearance functions of the Bureau of Legislative Affairs with respect to all Department programs and activities. This office monitors all significant legislation involving the Department and serves as the liaison in the legislative clearance process, coordinating views between OMB, National Security Council, and other executive agencies. The LRU coordinates the review, preparation, and submission of transcripts of Congressional hearings, insuring that appropriate editorial changes are made in accordance with Committee guidelines. The LRU maintains a library of hearings, transcripts and Questions for the Record (QFRs) involving the Secretary, Department principals, and other Department witnesses.
As a Student Trainee (Foreign Affairs) GS-09, you will:
Performing intermediate-level developmental assignments demonstrating substantial knowledge, skills, and abilities of the profession. Regulatory provisions common to the work are committed to memory,and the incumbent can address a wide range of problems typical of the full-performance level, by using a thorough knowledge of pertinent directives and guidance.
Incumbent is proficient in the conventional procedural and analytical/professional aspects of foreign affairs. The incumbent does not exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to Foreign Affairs matters of significance. The work consists of an organizational or functional assignment in which the incumbent independently accomplishes all required actions.
The assignment, although independent, is structured (i.e., limited with respect to the target or full-performance level position)to ensure adequate knowledge of regulations, policies, and analytical procedures to independently accomplish the work The incumbent completes technically sound work and makes acceptable recommendations with respect to policies and procedures.
The trainee independently carries out assigned special analytical/professional assignments that include some moderate difficulties to provide exposure to uncooperative management officials and/or some of the more complex practices and processes employed in the profession. Upon completion of the assignment, prepares concise factual reports reflecting significant observations.
The trainee may begin to specialize in accordance with personal aptitudes and the needs of the organization. If so authorized, receives extensive formal and on-the-job training in the broad area of specialization.The trainee employs effective communication skills in daily work assignments; and consistently prepares effective materials that communicate the intended information and are displayed in a logical and concise manner, reflecting adequate research and analysis.Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly when speaking and presents facts, issues, and positions that convey the intended information with the appropriate diplomacy and emphasis.The trainee comfortably performs the routine communication required of the position; speaking assignments are well received and serve the intended purpose.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement.
Must maintain student eligibility for duration of internship.
Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)
Pathways Internship Program candidates must meet the U.S. Department of State (DOS) qualification standards applicable to the position being filled. All applicants must meet the qualifications by the closing date of the announcement in order to be considered for the position.
Eligibility Requirements:
A U.S. Citizen;
16 years or older by the closing date of this announcement;
Enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment as a full-time or half-time student into an accredited college or university in a degree-seeking program, or enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment in a certificate program;
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the entire Pathways Internship appointment; and
Degree does not have to be related to the position/series; however to be eligible, candidate must meet the agency-developed or OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted.
All transcripts or educational supporting documentation must reflect a projected graduation date on or after Spring 2021.
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).
All academic degrees and course work must be completed at an institution that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Qualifications
Applicants applying for the GS-9 must complete 2 academic years of graduate level education, or a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree; AND be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited degree- or certificate-seeking program.
Degree: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.
Education
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.
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.
Additional information
To be eligible for conversion to the competitive service after completion of the program, an intern must:
1. Be a U.S. Citizen; 2. Successfully complete an academic course of study as evidenced by a qualifying degree; 3. Graduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; 4. Completed at least 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); 5. Meet the OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted; 6. Maintain acceptable performance under the Agency's approved performance management system; and 7. 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.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they are well qualified for the position. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: 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 Office of Employee Relations, Disability/Reasonable Accommodations Division, at (202) 261-8163 or reasonableaccommodations@state.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
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.
Candidates will be evaluated based solely on basic eligibility requirements using agency-developed or OPM Qualification standards.
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.
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.
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 time frames. 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 college transcript will be required. Transcripts MUST include the students name, name of the school, current GPA/academic standing, past and current coursework, and degree program. If your school's transcripts or documentation do not provide all the necessary information listed above, you should include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements.
Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration for Spring 2020 and documentation that states projected graduation date of Spring 2021 or later. If you are not presently enrolled for Spring 2020 or anticipate graduating prior to Spring 2021, 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.
5. 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.
Applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to undergo a pre-employment background investigation.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
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 50 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 atmgshelp@monster.comOR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET.
U.S. Department of State
1999 Dyess Ave.
(Charleston Reg. Ctr.)
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States
Next steps
Once the online application package is received, you will be notified through USAJOBS of your qualification status and referral or non-referral to the hiring official for further consideration. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. If a tentative job offer is made, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.
You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My Account" tab and clicking on "Application Status."
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 time frames. 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 college transcript will be required. Transcripts MUST include the students name, name of the school, current GPA/academic standing, past and current coursework, and degree program. If your school's transcripts or documentation do not provide all the necessary information listed above, you should include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements.
Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration for Spring 2020 and documentation that states projected graduation date of Spring 2021 or later. If you are not presently enrolled for Spring 2020 or anticipate graduating prior to Spring 2021, 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.
5. 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.
Applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to undergo a pre-employment background investigation.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
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 50 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 atmgshelp@monster.comOR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET.
U.S. Department of State
1999 Dyess Ave.
(Charleston Reg. Ctr.)
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States
Next steps
Once the online application package is received, you will be notified through USAJOBS of your qualification status and referral or non-referral to the hiring official for further consideration. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. If a tentative job offer is made, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.
You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My Account" tab and clicking on "Application Status."
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
