This vacancy announcement will be open from January 4th, 2023 to January 8th, 2023 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 January 4th, 2023 to January 8th, 2023 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.
As a Student Trainee (Foreign Affairs) GS-07 you will work in (S/CPR/DA).
The Office of the Chief of Protocol’s Diplomatic Affairs Division(S/CPR/DA) supports the Chief of Protocol in their role as the President’s representative and liaison to the Chiefs of Mission and Heads of Delegations to the United States. S/CPR/DA engages with diplomatic community leadership, including bilateral ambassadors, heads of delegation, and deputy chiefs of mission and oversees matters relating to associated privileges and immunities for these individuals. The Division manages the process for accrediting new foreign ambassadors and heads of delegation and their dependents and maintains associated Department records. This includes coordinating the multiple phases of the agreement process from the initial request by the sending government, to the arrival of the Ambassador-designate in Washington, culminating in the presentation of credentials to the President in the Oval Office. Additionally, the Division implements the Department’s oversight program for foreign domestic workers employed by foreign mission personnel. This program includes in-person domestic worker registration meetings with Division staff to review workers’ rights and responsibilities. The program seeks to prevent the mistreatment of these workers and to provide resources for assistance when needed.
The incumbent serves in a developmental capacity as a member of the Office of the Chief of Protocol Diplomatic Affairs Division. They will assist in various aspects of Division operations as assigned, including providing support for Division leadership. The incumbent may be called upon to assist with, inter alia, the process for obtaining agreement for new foreign ambassadors and the credentialing of these ambassadors, as well as the Division’s oversight program for domestic workers employed by diplomatic personnel. They will draft correspondence, create spreadsheets, and respond to basic queries from the Diplomatic Corps. There will be opportunities to support other Protocol events as required. The incumbent will interact with a range of internal and external interlocutors, including the foreign diplomatic community in Washington, D.C.
Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, resourcefulness, an ability to connect with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, excellent writing skills, and commitment to teamwork. Basic familiarity with and knowledge of government standards, form, procedures, policies, and practices is desirable. Applicant must be well versed in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) to produce reports, memos, etc. as instructed, and should be able to demonstrate an ability to learn to work successfully with technical databases.
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 academic degrees and coursework 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
GS-07:
Completion of 1 full academic year (18 Credits) of graduate-level education OR Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) Provision and completion of a bachelor’s degree; AND be currently accepted to/enrolled in a qualifying degree or certificate program. (SAA= Graduating with Bachelors Degree Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater) (Must provide accurate and clear Proof of Enrollment [POE] for Spring 2023 Semester)
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.
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 must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Additional information
Pathways Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointments are made on a non-temporary basis.
Further information on Conversion to the Competitive Service can be found by clicking here.
The U.S. Department of State is not obligated to make an offer of employment, nor is the student obligated to accept an offer of employment.
SELECTIVE SERVICE - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify prior to appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
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 Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 orOAA@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. You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined.
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.
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.
Transcript(s): unofficial copies are sufficient with the application; however if selected, official transcripts will be required. Applicants in high school should submit their most recent report card. If your transcripts do not provide the information listed below, include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements. Transcripts MUST include:
Student's name
Name of the school
Specific degree program
Current and Cumulative GPA/academic standing
Past and current coursework
Evidence of meeting the “qualifications” as listed in the announcement
- Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration for the (Spring 2023) semester: 1) If you are not presently enrolled for (Spring 2023) semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the (Spring 2023) semester OR 2) if you will graduate from your current academic program ( Fall 2023) semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the following semester along with your current proof of enrollment (Note: When completing the questionnaire, be sure to select your “new” program’s projected graduation date to avoid possible disqualification). The acceptance 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.
- Proof of Graduation Date: transcripts or official educational supporting documentation that reflects a projected graduation date after the (Summer/Fall 2023) semester.
- Veteran’s Documentation: 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.
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 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.
Transcript(s): unofficial copies are sufficient with the application; however if selected, official transcripts will be required. Applicants in high school should submit their most recent report card. If your transcripts do not provide the information listed below, include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements. Transcripts MUST include:
Student's name
Name of the school
Specific degree program
Current and Cumulative GPA/academic standing
Past and current coursework
Evidence of meeting the “qualifications” as listed in the announcement
- Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration for the (Spring 2023) semester: 1) If you are not presently enrolled for (Spring 2023) semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the (Spring 2023) semester OR 2) if you will graduate from your current academic program ( Fall 2023) semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the following semester along with your current proof of enrollment (Note: When completing the questionnaire, be sure to select your “new” program’s projected graduation date to avoid possible disqualification). The acceptance 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.
- Proof of Graduation Date: transcripts or official educational supporting documentation that reflects a projected graduation date after the (Summer/Fall 2023) semester.
- Veteran’s Documentation: 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.
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 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.
