The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-order list of eligible hires for a limited number of Regional English Language Officer positions based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department of State and a career in the Foreign Service at https://careers.state.gov.
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-order list of eligible hires for a limited number of Regional English Language Officer positions based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department of State and a career in the Foreign Service at https://careers.state.gov.
75% or less - Foreign Service Specialists generally spend the majority of their careers assigned to our overseas missions and may at times, live away from family and/or in hardship conditions.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—After completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., a Foreign Service Specialist is usually assigned to two overseas tours, each two years in length, directed by the Department. After the initial two tours, assignments will be for periods of one to three years overseas or in the United States.
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) Tenure Board.
Must be a U.S. citizen. Potential applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
Foreign Service Regional English Language Officers (RELOs), under the supervision of the Office of English Language Programs and embassy Public Affairs Sections, provide professional expertise and program support to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide through a variety of responsibilities:
Counseling and assisting U.S. mission officials in determining and developing the most effective use of English language programs and services to meet U.S. goals.
Establishing and cultivating professional relationships with U.S. academic institutions, other government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) in areas of policy and program development for English language programs both in Washington and overseas.
Conducting contextual analyses, needs assessments, and institutional assessments to guide the development of English language strategic plans and programs that serve to realize those plans.
Designing, implementing, and evaluating projects and academic exchange programs for teachers and students of the English language. Developing, organizing, and implementing in-country and regional teacher training programs.
Establishing and cultivating professional relationships with host country education officials and academic institutions involved in delivering English language programs, especially programs training teachers of English.
Providing policy guidance for English language exchanges and programs.
Nominating participants for USG-sponsored exchange programs (virtual and physical) and participating in the selection process as appropriate.
Negotiating partnerships with private and public sector entities that serve to advance the shared interests of all involved partners in the field of English language education.
Traveling within the assigned geographic region to work on strategic planning, needs analyses, program monitoring and evaluation or consulting with relevant contacts and post personnel regarding English language programs in collaboration with Public Affairs sections at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
Evaluating and reporting to Washington on the English language programs in the geographic area of responsibility and, when appropriate, recommending innovative programs.
Developing and managing the programming and operational budgets.
Acting as liaison to Department regional bureaus to explain policies and provide guidance on the development and implementation of programs in the regions.
Providing guidance and expertise to bureau officers in the development and administration of bureau exchange programs through which foreign teachers of English visit and observe English teaching programs in the United States.
Researching, developing, and supervising the creation of printed, audio, visual, and electronic media English teaching materials.
Assisting with the editing and production of the Department's journal for English language professionals, English Teaching Forum.
Taking training to keep abreast of developments in the fields of second language acquisition, country/region educational and policy context, and new educational instructional technologies.
Maintaining professional knowledge of computer programs and using social media for marketing and audience analysis.
Hiring, managing, and mentoring local staff employees.
Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
Be at least 20 yrs old to apply; at least 21 yrs old to be appointed.
Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
At the time of application, applicants must have 10 years out of the last 15 years of Specialized Experience, including at least one year in each of the 5 Specialized Experience categories listed, and a master's degree or a doctorate degree from an accredited U.S. graduate program in one of the following fields:
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Applied Linguistics
Second Language Acquisition
Teaching English as an International Language
Bilingual Education
Multilingual Education
Advanced academic work beyond the M.A. is preferred.
Please see the Education section for more information.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience
Qualifying Specialized Experience must have been acquired in 10 years out of the last 15 years and must demonstrate the potential to perform in progressively more responsible positions. An applicant's work experience will be evaluated for level of responsibility and length of experience.
To qualify as Specialized Experience, applicants must have at least one year of experience or more in each of the five areas listed below:
1. Experience in managing academic programs in teaching English as a second or foreign language with experience in a multicultural setting preferred. Including needs analysis, student and faculty assessment and evaluation, policy development, curriculum development, materials development, personnel supervision, and budgeting responsibilities.
2. Experience in designing, monitoring, managing, evaluating, or implementing pre-service and/or in-service teacher training programs overseas.
3. Experience in supervising staff and coordinating programs for teaching English language skills.
4. Experience teaching English as a second or foreign language in a multicultural setting.
5. Experience in financial management of an English as a second or foreign language program to include, developing and managing budgets, and negotiating contracts and agreements. Experience in managing academic programs in teaching English as a second or foreign language, with some experience in a multicultural setting preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The education, work experience, and other qualifications evaluated for evidence of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and other requirements have been identified as important to successful job performance as a Regional English Language Officer based on extensive job analysis research. Not all these attributes need to be met by a candidate; the attributes will be used as a set to evaluate candidates.
Knowledge of current U.S. theory and practice in the teaching and learning of English, with special emphasis on the training of teachers of English to non-native English speakers, including applied linguistics, writing formats, and knowledge of professional organizations in the U.S. and abroad.
Ability to assess needs of English teachers and learners at both a national and local level and design appropriate programming to meet those needs.
Proven leadership and management abilities, preferably in a multi-cultural setting.
Knowledge of and experience with applications of technology to language teaching and learning.
Knowledge of U.S. culture and customs, government, and economy.
Ability to prioritize among competing demands simultaneously, manage multiple projects, deal with short timelines, and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to work with virtual programming, technologies, and social media.
Ability to work with others of diverse backgrounds and to manage laterally and upward in varying work environments.
Ability to work effectively with embassy and professional colleagues from host country institutions to design, implement, evaluate, and promote English language programs in a cross-cultural environment.
Ability to supervise and effectively manage the activities of subordinates involved in English language programming and related public diplomacy activities.
Ability and stamina to conduct extensive travel, including long international flights, as well as regular travel in overseas areas of varying climates and conditions.
Formal experience studying a foreign language or demonstrated ability using a foreign language is desirable, but not required.
Superior oral and written communication skills: Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling and punctuation. Foreign Service personnel must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness).
Education
At the time of application, applicants must have a master's degree or a doctorate degree from an accredited U.S. graduate program in one of the following fields:
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Applied Linguistics
Second Language Acquisition
Teaching English as an International Language
Bilingual Education
Multilingual Education
Advanced academic work beyond the M.A. is preferred.
You must submit a copy of your university transcript(s) with your application. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue.
Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree, and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements or any pages will not meet minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Education completed in foreign high schools, 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. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
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.
**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/.
No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.
A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department at OAA@state.gov, within one week of receiving their invitation to the specialist assessment. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. Click here for more information on salary.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. Click here for more information on salary.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.
Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
All required supporting documentation, including university transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted.
Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Leadership and Managerial Abilities: Describe a specific example of your leadership and managerial abilities in an English language program, evaluate the impact of this action, and explain how this experience might apply to a job as a Regional English Language Officer.
Functional Experience: Describe a specific example which demonstrates your experience in planning and implementing a significant English language program in teacher training, curriculum design, or materials development. Describe how you evaluated the success of the program and assessed the long-term effects, if any, of the program.
Interpersonal Skills: Describe a time when someone disagreed with you on something that you felt was important, what the situation was, how you handled the situation, and the end results.
Substantive Knowledge: Demonstrate your substantive knowledge of the TESOL field by describing a recent teacher training project you managed. Explain the steps you took and the outcomes.
Communication Skills: Please describe what effective communication is and how to accomplish it when working across cultures.
Intellectual Skills: Please describe a time when you demonstrated an ability to integrate and analyze extensive information, and then critically evaluate and/or solve a complex problem requiring substantial intellectual skills.
Statement of Interest Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
Motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g., current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed)) relating to this position.
Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
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.
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
3. USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You can save your work and return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
4. Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application.PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted.
5. After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
6. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
Itis the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E. Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
The Department will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.
Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
All required supporting documentation, including university transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted.
Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
Leadership and Managerial Abilities: Describe a specific example of your leadership and managerial abilities in an English language program, evaluate the impact of this action, and explain how this experience might apply to a job as a Regional English Language Officer.
Functional Experience: Describe a specific example which demonstrates your experience in planning and implementing a significant English language program in teacher training, curriculum design, or materials development. Describe how you evaluated the success of the program and assessed the long-term effects, if any, of the program.
Interpersonal Skills: Describe a time when someone disagreed with you on something that you felt was important, what the situation was, how you handled the situation, and the end results.
Substantive Knowledge: Demonstrate your substantive knowledge of the TESOL field by describing a recent teacher training project you managed. Explain the steps you took and the outcomes.
Communication Skills: Please describe what effective communication is and how to accomplish it when working across cultures.
Intellectual Skills: Please describe a time when you demonstrated an ability to integrate and analyze extensive information, and then critically evaluate and/or solve a complex problem requiring substantial intellectual skills.
Statement of Interest Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
Motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g., current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed)) relating to this position.
Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
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.
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
3. USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You can save your work and return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
4. Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application.PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted.
5. After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
6. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
Itis the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E. Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information. Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
The Department will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
