Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens - No prior federal service required.

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• Researches and analyzes topics in international assistance crisis operations and develops strategies, plans, and guidance for application into USG policies, programs and/or operational functions;
• Coordinates, advises and collaborates on interventions with Agency leadership and external stakeholders on developments and approaches for effective international assistance crisis operations in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives;
• Participates in developing strategies and plans for formulating and implementing international crisis operations policies, programs, and/or operational functions, and develops detailed plans for implementing them and ensuring goals are achieved;
• 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;
• Identifies and proposes solutions to problems towards planning the direction of future international crisis programs and/or operational functions that have implications for foreign and national security policy, strategy, programs, and budgets; and
• Exercises independence and applies good judgment in developing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders in the international crisis operations community.

Conditions of employment

• United States Citizenship is required.
• Relevant experience (see Qualifications below).
• 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.
• All candidates selected for these position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.
• Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer is required
• You may be required to serve a two year probationary period if selected for one of these positions.

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 need at least one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 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) advising and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders (other 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) representing political transition crisis operations equities in international affairs to senior inter-agency and/or international partners; (c) leveraging expertise in international affairs and crisis operations to research and apply principles, policies, procedures, and techniques of rapid response operations and/or programs to provide recommendations to senior officials making U.S. foreign policy decisions; (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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Our assessment process for these positions consists of two phases: a resume review and a competency-based assessment. During the resume review phase, subject matter experts evaluate your application against the specialized experience and selective placement factor statements for the grade level(s) you applied for. The experts only review the first five pages of your resume, so it is important to note relevant experience in that space. After the first phase, only applicants who clearly document experience equivalent to the specialized experience requirement will move to the competency-based assessment.

To be considered among the most qualified candidates, please ensure that you thoroughly document your KSAs, including the QRF, in your resume. SMEs can only evaluate applicants based on what is documented in their resume, so it is important to carefully review the requirements noted in the announcement prior to submitting your application.

Please review the full announcement on the USAID Careers Page to apply and for more information on the assessment process.