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.
Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members while observing workers' performance metrics; and provides guidance and counsel to staff related and administrative matters.
Promotes Agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) goals and objectives.
Conducts organizational strategic planning, including identification of resources and expertise and aligns organizational and overall Agency international crisis operations goals and objectives.
Researches, analyzes and develops strategies and plans for formulating and implementing international crisis operations policies, programs or operational functions, and develops detailed implementation plans ensuring goals are achieved.
Advises appropriate Agency leadership and external stakeholders on new developments, approaches, and articulates the benefits of interventions to effectively reach multiple audiences.
Identifies and proposes solutions to problems that are of major importance to planning the direction for future international crisis programs and/or operational functions.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. The security clearance level requirement for this position may vary based on the nature and responsibilities of the job.
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 applicants selected for this position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
The first step in the evaluation process requires meeting 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.
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 in A 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 Experience:
GS-14: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. Qualifying specialized experience at the next lower level for this position includes: (a) advising and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders (federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, host country representatives, or private sector organizations) on the development and management of operations or policies for an international assistance organization supporting political transition, stabilization, or humanitarian relief working in crisis environments; (b) providing technical leadership and management supervision necessary to support rapid response activities for an international assistance organization working in crisis environments; (c) applying your expertise in international affairs and crisis operations to research and implementing best practices, policies, and procedures for rapid response operations or programs; and (d) developing and monitoring comprehensive strategies and evaluating and modifying programs or operations for agile crisis operations response.
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 working within a rapid response international assistance organization where the mission focuses on political transitions and stabilization, community development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, or humanitarian response.
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 Basic Requirements of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Unofficial transcripts are required at the point of submission since these positions do have a minimum education requirement. An official transcript will be required if you are selected for the position.
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: USAID is an equal opportunity employer, providing reasonable accommodations for applicants or employees with disabilities. For help with reasonable accommodations, please contact the Reasonable Accommodation Division in the Office of Civil Rights at reasonableaccommodations@usaid.gov.
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 Crisis Operations Management
Leveraging Diversity
Strategic Thinking
Leadership
Influencing/Negotiating
Partnering
Quality Ranking Factor:
Quality Ranking Factors (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 the position.
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)
Educational Transcripts, official or unofficial (if you are relying on education to meet qualification requirements).
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.
In order to qualify for this position, you must submit all required documents at the time of your application. Failing to do so will result in an incomplete application and disqualify you from being considered. To ensure you receive full consideration, please submit all needed documents along with your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education 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.
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.
1. Familiarize yourself with the requirements and qualifications listed in the vacancy announcement.
Read the entire announcement carefully to ensure you understand the position's duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
Make sure you meet the qualifications listed before applying.
2. Prepare your resume and supporting documents to showcase your qualifications.
Tailor your resume to the position and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Include any supporting documents required, such as transcripts, certifications, or references.
3. Return to this vacancy announcement and click on the "Apply" button.
This will take you to the application portal.
4. Sign in to your existing Login.gov account or create a new one if needed.
Follow the prompts to create an account or sign in to an existing one.
5. Upload your resume and supporting documents, answer any required eligibility and qualification questions, and then click "Continue to Agency Site."
Make sure all required documents are uploaded and any questions are answered accurately and truthfully.
6. Review biographic information, complete a few short questions, and attach documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Double-check all information and documents to ensure they are correct and complete.
7. Click the "Submit Application" button to finalize your submission.
Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation message.
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 contact the Human Resources Help Desk 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 may be referred to the Hiring Manager for consideration.
1st Round cutoff: May 25, 2023
2nd Round cutoff: August 23, 2023
3rd Round cutoff: November 21, 2023
4th Round cutoff: February 19, 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 four months.
Additional cutoff dates will be added as vacancies occur. If you miss one of the established cutoff dates, we encourage you to reapply and submit a new application.
Note that due to the large volume of applications we receive, only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are highly qualified will 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)
Educational Transcripts, official or unofficial (if you are relying on education to meet qualification requirements).
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.
In order to qualify for this position, you must submit all required documents at the time of your application. Failing to do so will result in an incomplete application and disqualify you from being considered. To ensure you receive full consideration, please submit all needed documents along with your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education 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.
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.
1. Familiarize yourself with the requirements and qualifications listed in the vacancy announcement.
Read the entire announcement carefully to ensure you understand the position's duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
Make sure you meet the qualifications listed before applying.
2. Prepare your resume and supporting documents to showcase your qualifications.
Tailor your resume to the position and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Include any supporting documents required, such as transcripts, certifications, or references.
3. Return to this vacancy announcement and click on the "Apply" button.
This will take you to the application portal.
4. Sign in to your existing Login.gov account or create a new one if needed.
Follow the prompts to create an account or sign in to an existing one.
5. Upload your resume and supporting documents, answer any required eligibility and qualification questions, and then click "Continue to Agency Site."
Make sure all required documents are uploaded and any questions are answered accurately and truthfully.
6. Review biographic information, complete a few short questions, and attach documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Double-check all information and documents to ensure they are correct and complete.
7. Click the "Submit Application" button to finalize your submission.
Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation message.
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 contact the Human Resources Help Desk 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 may be referred to the Hiring Manager for consideration.
1st Round cutoff: May 25, 2023
2nd Round cutoff: August 23, 2023
3rd Round cutoff: November 21, 2023
4th Round cutoff: February 19, 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 four months.
Additional cutoff dates will be added as vacancies occur. If you miss one of the established cutoff dates, we encourage you to reapply and submit a new application.
Note that due to the large volume of applications we receive, only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are highly qualified will 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.
