These job openings are in the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, Office of Transition Initiatives (CPS/OTI) in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The OTI team supports U.S. foreign policy by seizing opportunities to promote stability, peace, and democracy through flexible and adaptive programming that encourages local initiatives. To learn more about USAID/OTI's involvement in complex crisis operations, click here.
Summary
These job openings are in the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, Office of Transition Initiatives (CPS/OTI) in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The OTI team supports U.S. foreign policy by seizing opportunities to promote stability, peace, and democracy through flexible and adaptive programming that encourages local initiatives. To learn more about USAID/OTI's involvement in complex crisis operations, click here.
Conducts professional research and analysis to advise on strategies, plans, and guidance for use in international assistance crisis operations policies, programs, or operational functions;
Takes part in creating plans, methods, guidelines, and strategies for putting crisis operations programs and/or operational tasks into action;
Supports thorough evaluations of ongoing programs and operational tasks to ensure the organization is meeting its goals during crisis operations and addressing issues impacting program effectiveness;
Identifies and solves major obstacles to plan for future international crisis programs and operations;V
Takes an active role in developing policies and guidance for programs and/or operations addressing crises, while actively collaborating with other departments to ensure coordination in areas related to the area of expertise; and
Fosters and cultivates professional relationships and information networks with partners at all levels of government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, host nation governments, and other groups to ensure effective crisis operations.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
You may be required to serve a two-year probationary period if selected.
Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer is required
All candidates selected for these position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.
Qualifications
The first step in the evaluation process requires meeting the Basic Requirements, Specialized Experience, and Selective Placement Factor stated below. Please refer to the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for further details. Ensure that all relevant experience is clearly stated in your resume and unofficial transcripts are submitted to verify your education level.
Basic Requirements:
To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the following requirements:
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.OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.OR
Experience: four 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.
Specialized ExperienceGS-09: You need at least one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience refers to full-time work, while part-time roles are considered on a prorated basis. Qualifying specialized experience includes: (a) supporting the research and analysis for an assistance organization's crisis operations, supporting stability, peace, or humanitarian relief; (b) contributing to the design, implementation, or evaluation of programs or operational functions for crisis operations that support communities affected by conflict or humanitarian disasters; and (c) collaborating with internal or external stakeholders, including international organizations, USG agencies, and non-governmental organizations to enhance crisis operations performance, manage contingency workforces effectively, and quickly adjust programs.
OR
Have 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. This level of education demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
OR
Have a combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience as described above, which is equivalent to the work of the position and to the GS-07 level in the Federal service. It is important to note that this education and experience must fulfill 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
GS-11: You need at least one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience refers to full-time work, while part-time roles are considered on a prorated basis. Qualifying specialized experience includes: (a) conducting research and analysis for crisis operations in conflict environments to inform strategic planning and support stability, peace, or humanitarian relief efforts.; (b) managing crisis operations functions or programs that ensure agile assistance in support of communities affected by conflict or humanitarian disasters; (c) engaging with stakeholders from various organizations to enhance crisis operations performance, manage contingency workforces effectively, and quickly adjust programs to advance goals.
OR
Have 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. This level of education demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
OR
Have a combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience as described above, which is equivalent to the work of the position and to the GS-09 level in the Federal service. It is important to note that this education and experience must fulfill 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
GS-12: You need at least one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience refers to full-time work, while part-time roles are considered on a prorated basis. Qualifying specialized experience includes: (a) using knowledge and expertise in international crisis operations and international affairs to conduct research, analysis, and provide guidance for an international assistance organization's crisis operations that support political transitions, stability, peace, or humanitarian relief in conflict environments to inform strategic planning; (b) developing strategies, budgets, and evaluating and monitoring impact of crisis operations functions or programs that provide agile assistance targeting key transition and stabilization needs in communities affected by conflict or humanitarian crises; (c) engaging with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including international assistance organizations, other USG agencies and non-governmental organizations, to develop innovative approaches and improve crisis operations' performance that support effective, efficient, and timely management of resources to achieve optimal outcomes in conflict environments.
Please note that qualifying specialized work experience may have been gained through a variety of activities, including residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other foreign work experience. Make sure to document your experience thoroughly in your resume.
Selective Placement Factor:This position has a Selective Placement Factor, which is a skill, knowledge, ability, or other characteristic essential for the job's satisfactory performance. The Selective Placement Factor represents the minimum requirements for this position and is a prerequisite for appointment. Applicants who do not meet the Selective Placement Factor are ineligible for further consideration.
Selective Placement Factor: Experience contributing to the development of strategies, plans, and policies for crisis operations programs and/or crisis operational functions within a U.S. domestic or international assistance organization where the mission includes the provision of aid for people in need, such as building resilience, saving lives, reducing suffering, supporting democratic governance, or similar objectives. This includes the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders in evolving situations to ensure assistance is implemented effectively.
Experience includes both paid and unpaid activities, such as volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work provides training and experience that can translate directly to paid employment. Qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, that aligns with the duties of this position will be considered.
Education
Review the above Basic Requirements section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. This position has a minimum education requirement; therefore, unofficial transcripts are required at the point of application submission.
If you have received your education at a foreign college or university, you may use it to meet the education requirements as long as you can demonstrate that the foreign education is similar to that you would have received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. You must provide such evidence with your application. Find a list of accredited organizations recognized for interpreting foreign education credentials at www.naces.org/members.php.
Additional information
USAID is an independent agency that provides foreign policy guidance to the Secretary of State. With headquarters in the District of Columbia, we operate in more than 100 countries worldwide to help support and promote U.S. foreign policy interests. USAID's mission is to help vulnerable populations worldwide by providing aid when crises occur, rights are repressed, and hunger, disease, and poverty limit opportunities. We maintain a commitment to providing a safe and respectful workplace, free from sexual misconduct, harassment, exploitation, and abuse. For more information about USAID, you can visit our website at http://www.usaid.gov. If you want to know more about human trafficking or ways to address it, visit http://www.state.gov/g/tip.Please note that the security clearance level requirement for this position may vary based on the nature and responsibilities of the job. Applicants will be informed about the required security clearance level prior to the interview being scheduled. Some positions may require a Top Secret security clearance, specifically those which require significant time spent overseas.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Please refer to the full policy statement here.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAID is committed to equal employment opportunity; therefore, reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Reasonable Accommodation Division in the Office of Civil Rights at reasonableaccommodations@usaid.gov. Reasonable accommodation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more about the Reasonable Accommodation Division, please visit our website at: https://www.usaid.gov/careers/reasonableaccommodations.
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.
Our assessment process consists of two phases. The first phase entails subject matter experts reviewing resumes to determine if applicants meet the minimum qualification requirements. To ensure a fair evaluation, relevant experience should be noted in the first five pages of your resume. While longer resumes will not be removed from consideration, they will not receive preferential treatment either. The Subject Matter Expert (SME) will only review the first five pages of an applicant's resume when making their decision about an applicant's level of competitiveness.
In the first phase, an SME will review your application against the specialized experience statement for the grade level(s) for which you choose to apply. Only applicants who clearly document experience equivalent to the specialized experience requirements in their resume will move to the second phase. Please note that applicants who copy and paste any part of the vacancy announcement in their resume will be removed from further consideration.
In the second phase, the SME assesses the application against a set of competencies and the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) to rank it in one of three categories: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Gold category candidates are referred to an interview panel for further consideration. The competencies against which the application is assessed are:
International or Domestic Crisis Operations Management
Planning and Evaluating
Strategic Thinking
Problem Solving
Partnering
Quality Ranking Factor:
QRFs are Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) that can significantly enhance performance in a position. Although not required for satisfactory performance, possessing the QRF may rank the candidate higher compared to those who do not possess it. It is important to note that lacking a QRF will not result in disqualification from further consideration.
To be considered amongst the most qualified candidates, please ensure you document the QRF in your resume. For this position, the Quality Ranking Factor is holding an active or recent (no more than 18 months break) security clearance. A security clearance indicates the knowledge and understanding of handling classified information and the importance of confidentiality and security, either in government or private sector operations.In accordance with OPM regulations for professional and scientific occupations, eligible veterans will receive preference over non-veterans within their respective rating category (i.e., Gold, Silver, Bronze).
Please keep in mind that SMEs can only base their evaluations on what is documented in your resume and cannot guess on your level of experience or quality of skillset mentioned. To limit any potential bias during this process, we highly encourage all applicants to carefully review the requirements noted in the announcement prior to submitting applications so they can thoroughly list any related skills or experiences that satisfy the specialized experience requirements as well as competencies listed.
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.
To apply for this position, you need to prepare a complete Application Package including:
Resume: Your resume should detail your name, dates of employment (month/year), hours worked per week, and duties performed. Review "What should I include in my federal resume?" for guidance on developing an outstanding federal resume.
Supporting Documents: Your application package must include:
Cover Letter (optional)
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable)
Schedule A Eligibility Letter (if you are applying as a Schedule A candidate)
Agencies must obtain prior approval from OPM for current or recent political appointees to be appointed to competitive or non-political excepted service positions at any level under title 5, United States Code. If you have served as a Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch within the last five years, you must disclose it to the Human Resources Office and submit an SF-50 if you are currently or were formerly a political appointee.
To be considered for this position, make sure to submit all required documents when you apply. Missing documents will make your application incomplete and you won't be considered for the job. Please double-check that you've included everything before you hit the submit button, as you won't be able to update your application once you've submitted it.
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.
To ensure you are considered, follow the below steps to submit your application:
Review the vacancy announcement to ensure that you meet all the necessary qualifications and requirements. Pay close attention to the Major Duties and Requirements sections of the announcement, where you will see the areas upon which an SME will evaluate your application.
Create or upload your resume on USAJOBS. You can also create and save multiple versions of your resume to apply to different jobs.
Apply online by clicking the "Apply" button on the vacancy announcement. You will be redirected to USAID's Career website to complete the application process.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents outlined in the "Required Documents" section.
Review and confirm your submission. Before you submit your application, please ensure that all required fields are completed accurately, and you have uploaded all necessary supporting documents.
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically and received by 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. If you have difficulty submitting your application online, please get in touch with the human resources office at least two business days before the closing date of the announcement. Our office will provide an alternative application method upon approval of the hardship notification. Please note that any requests to apply via alternative plans after the closing date will not be granted.
Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20523
US
Next steps
Thank you for submitting your application for the open positions. After the cutoff dates below, all applications received up to that date will be reviewed. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.
1st Round cutoff: 05/10/2023
2nd Round cutoff: 08/10/2023
3rd Round cutoff: 11/10/2023
4th Round cutoff: 02/10/2024
5th Round cutoff: 05/10/2024
If your application is referred, the hiring manager will review your application and determine whether to invite you for an interview. If you are not selected, your application will remain on file for possible consideration for future vacancies for up to eight months.
Additional cutoff dates will be added as vacancies occur. If you miss one of the established cutoff dates, we encourage you to apply and submit an application for the next round.
Note that due to the large volume of applications we receive, only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are highly qualified may be contacted. We appreciate your interest in this position and thank you for considering a career with us.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you need to prepare a complete Application Package including:
Resume: Your resume should detail your name, dates of employment (month/year), hours worked per week, and duties performed. Review "What should I include in my federal resume?" for guidance on developing an outstanding federal resume.
Supporting Documents: Your application package must include:
Cover Letter (optional)
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable)
Schedule A Eligibility Letter (if you are applying as a Schedule A candidate)
Agencies must obtain prior approval from OPM for current or recent political appointees to be appointed to competitive or non-political excepted service positions at any level under title 5, United States Code. If you have served as a Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch within the last five years, you must disclose it to the Human Resources Office and submit an SF-50 if you are currently or were formerly a political appointee.
To be considered for this position, make sure to submit all required documents when you apply. Missing documents will make your application incomplete and you won't be considered for the job. Please double-check that you've included everything before you hit the submit button, as you won't be able to update your application once you've submitted it.
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.
To ensure you are considered, follow the below steps to submit your application:
Review the vacancy announcement to ensure that you meet all the necessary qualifications and requirements. Pay close attention to the Major Duties and Requirements sections of the announcement, where you will see the areas upon which an SME will evaluate your application.
Create or upload your resume on USAJOBS. You can also create and save multiple versions of your resume to apply to different jobs.
Apply online by clicking the "Apply" button on the vacancy announcement. You will be redirected to USAID's Career website to complete the application process.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents outlined in the "Required Documents" section.
Review and confirm your submission. Before you submit your application, please ensure that all required fields are completed accurately, and you have uploaded all necessary supporting documents.
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically and received by 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. If you have difficulty submitting your application online, please get in touch with the human resources office at least two business days before the closing date of the announcement. Our office will provide an alternative application method upon approval of the hardship notification. Please note that any requests to apply via alternative plans after the closing date will not be granted.
Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20523
US
Next steps
Thank you for submitting your application for the open positions. After the cutoff dates below, all applications received up to that date will be reviewed. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.
1st Round cutoff: 05/10/2023
2nd Round cutoff: 08/10/2023
3rd Round cutoff: 11/10/2023
4th Round cutoff: 02/10/2024
5th Round cutoff: 05/10/2024
If your application is referred, the hiring manager will review your application and determine whether to invite you for an interview. If you are not selected, your application will remain on file for possible consideration for future vacancies for up to eight months.
Additional cutoff dates will be added as vacancies occur. If you miss one of the established cutoff dates, we encourage you to apply and submit an application for the next round.
Note that due to the large volume of applications we receive, only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are highly qualified may be contacted. We appreciate your interest in this position and thank you for considering a career with us.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
