You can make a difference in the world with a career at the Department of State! We are hiring many experienced Civil Service Foreign Affairs Officers (FAOs) across the Department in various regional and functional Bureaus. Positions are located in the Washington, D.C. metro area and may require a Secret security clearance or higher. If eligible, applicants will be referred to similar FAO vacancies across the Department for an extended time period.
Summary
You can make a difference in the world with a career at the Department of State! We are hiring many experienced Civil Service Foreign Affairs Officers (FAOs) across the Department in various regional and functional Bureaus. Positions are located in the Washington, D.C. metro area and may require a Secret security clearance or higher. If eligible, applicants will be referred to similar FAO vacancies across the Department for an extended time period.
Interprets the significance of events or developments to U.S. foreign policy aims, assessing them against a broad, but in-depth knowledge of an assigned geographic area and/or program.
Evaluates program effectiveness as evidenced by improvement or deterioration in the political, economic, or social conditions.
Provides informational consultations and orientations to colleagues and management officials and the interagency arena.
Advises on assigned country, region, and/or programmatic-specific issues and problems; develops and proposes resolutions of policy and procedural issues and coordinates implementation of policy decisions.
Communicates policy interests in dealing with specific Foreign Assistance program proposals and other USG activities focused on or affecting assigned countries or programs; advocates adjustments in program funding.
Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
Depending on job, it may require a Secret security clearance or higher.
One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education requirements, described below by the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants must have the required experience or education as described below, when specified.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Have a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in international law, international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; OR
Have a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university that included a combination of courses, with 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
Have 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics / quantitative methods. OR
Have a combination of education and experience where your coursework was equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, (as shown above), PLUS appropriate relevant experience OR additional education. OR
Have completed at least 4 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. (NOTE: qualifying work experience may have been gained 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.)
Note: If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position.
IN ADDITION to the BASIC REQUIREMENTS, you must have at least 52 weeks of full time experience demonstrating accomplishment of all the duties and competencies described below in order to qualify. Please make sure your resume reflects this time required. Subject matter experts will evaluate the first three pages of your resume based on the competencies outlined below.
Foreign Affairs and International Relations – Knowledge of U.S. foreign policy objectives and programs and the ability to evaluate the impact of regional/global developments upon them to determine significance of social, economic, political and/or military developments to foreign programs/policies/multi-lateral fora of interest.
Program/Policy Analysis and Development - Ability to analyze and evaluate program/policy information derived from a variety of sources in order to communicate analysis and evaluation, orally and in writing.
Program/Policy Implementation - Ability to plan, initiate, organize, coordinate and implement assigned programs/policies within an organization.
Representation and Advisory Services – Ability to establish and maintain liaison with officials throughout the foreign affairs community and ability to advise and propose resolutions through problem solving, reconciling conflicting views, and persuasively communicating.
Education
See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements, if applicable. 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 when applying. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.
Additional information
Potential Department of State Bureaus/organizations hiring from this announcement may include, but is not limited to:European & Eurasian Affairs (EUR), International Organizations (IO), International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), Political-Military Affairs (PM), Arms Control, Verification and Compliance (AVC), Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), and the Global Engagement Center (GEC).
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.
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.
The evaluation process for this job is different from a typical job announcement.
Human Resources will determine whether applicants meet the basic requirements outlined for this position and specialized experience will be evaluated by subject matter experts. Apply only if you meet the qualifications.
1. Application & Resume review
Human Resources will determine whether you meet the basic requirements. Then, subject matter experts will review the first three pages of your resume to further determine your qualifications based on the required competencies.
2. Qualifying phone interview
If you meet the basic requirements for the position and the subject matter experts determine that your resume reflects the required competencies, you will have one phone interview to further assess whether your experience meets the required competencies.
3. Ranking and Veterans’ preference
Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the following quality categories:
Highly Qualified: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate an advanced level of the experience and competencies required for the position.
Well Qualified: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a moderate level of the experience and competencies required for the position.
Qualified: In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of the experience and competencies required for the position.
CTAP and ICTAP candidates must be rated "Well Qualified" for the position to receive consideration for special priority.
Veterans' Preference
Veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each 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) will be listed in the highest quality category. Based upon your category, you may be referred to the selecting official.
Note: If eligible, you will only be referred to vacant positions with security clearances level requirements you opted to be considered for.
Future consideration
If you are selected for a position, then you will then be removed from consideration for other similar positions filled through this announcement. If you are not selected, you may be considered for similar positions filled through this announcement for up to 240 days.
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.
All applicants must submit a resume. Only the first 3 pages of your submitted resume will be reviewed. On your resume, ensure that the qualifications for this job (through your work / related experiences, publications, certifications, etc.) are reflected in the first three pages if your page count is greater than 3. Also, be sure to include the start and end dates for each position you held, either month and year or month, day, and year for short-term projects. If your position was not full time, you must also indicate the number of hours worked per week. The phone number listed on your USAJOBS profile will be used to contact you for interview purposes, please ensure it is updated and reflected as your phone number on your resume.
Transcripts, only if applicable. See the Qualifications section of the announcement to determine if transcripts are required. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
All current or former federal employees:
SF-50: Notification of Personnel Action
Former federal employees under CTAP/ICTAP consideration:
DD-214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 is preferable) showing the type of discharge and dates of active duty.
A statement of intent to discharge from your military branch (if you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged) containing your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service.
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.
Prepare your application in USAJOBS To start your application, click Apply and we’ll walk you through the process where you’ll attach a resume and any required documents such as transcripts, if applicable. During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. Ensure your telephone number is updated; this is the phone number that will be used for interview contact purposes. We’ll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won’t lose any changes. Please carefully read all the instructions before you apply. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply On-line" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit a detailed resume or any other written format you choose documenting your job-related qualifications, experience, and education (if applicable). Please see the How You Will Be Evaluated section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Answer the job-specific self-assessment questions on-line through the U.S. Department of State’s Gateway to State automated application system.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section of this announcement prior to the closing date of this announcement.
For instructions on how to view the status of your supporting documentation, please click here.
Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through 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. ET
ALTERNATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES
NOTE: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
U.S. Department of State
1201 C Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20520
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, Human Resources and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review applicants’ resumes and SMEs will perform phone interviews to further evaluate qualification requirements. Applicants who are extended a phone interview with a SME will receive instructions via e-mail registering for available interview time slots in August and September. Please pay close attention to your e-mail in-box, including junk/spam folders, for e-mail notifications. After the SME interviews are conducted, only the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. After 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.
You will be notified on the status of your application throughout the recruitment process. 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 applicants must submit a resume. Only the first 3 pages of your submitted resume will be reviewed. On your resume, ensure that the qualifications for this job (through your work / related experiences, publications, certifications, etc.) are reflected in the first three pages if your page count is greater than 3. Also, be sure to include the start and end dates for each position you held, either month and year or month, day, and year for short-term projects. If your position was not full time, you must also indicate the number of hours worked per week. The phone number listed on your USAJOBS profile will be used to contact you for interview purposes, please ensure it is updated and reflected as your phone number on your resume.
Transcripts, only if applicable. See the Qualifications section of the announcement to determine if transcripts are required. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
All current or former federal employees:
SF-50: Notification of Personnel Action
Former federal employees under CTAP/ICTAP consideration:
DD-214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 is preferable) showing the type of discharge and dates of active duty.
A statement of intent to discharge from your military branch (if you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged) containing your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service.
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.
Prepare your application in USAJOBS To start your application, click Apply and we’ll walk you through the process where you’ll attach a resume and any required documents such as transcripts, if applicable. During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. Ensure your telephone number is updated; this is the phone number that will be used for interview contact purposes. We’ll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won’t lose any changes. Please carefully read all the instructions before you apply. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply On-line" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit a detailed resume or any other written format you choose documenting your job-related qualifications, experience, and education (if applicable). Please see the How You Will Be Evaluated section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Answer the job-specific self-assessment questions on-line through the U.S. Department of State’s Gateway to State automated application system.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section of this announcement prior to the closing date of this announcement.
For instructions on how to view the status of your supporting documentation, please click here.
Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through 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. ET
ALTERNATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES
NOTE: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
U.S. Department of State
1201 C Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20520
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, Human Resources and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review applicants’ resumes and SMEs will perform phone interviews to further evaluate qualification requirements. Applicants who are extended a phone interview with a SME will receive instructions via e-mail registering for available interview time slots in August and September. Please pay close attention to your e-mail in-box, including junk/spam folders, for e-mail notifications. After the SME interviews are conducted, only the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. After 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.
You will be notified on the status of your application throughout the recruitment process. 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.
