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FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
HQ USAF and Support Elements
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open date: 06/26/2023
Closed date: 07/10/2023
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$132,368 - $172,075 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Announcement number
9L-AFPC-12023662-058785-HRP
Control number
733534100

Duties

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The primary purpose of this position is: The incumbent performs professional level work in support of policy development and implementation at a senior level. Analyzes DoD acquisition, security assistance, international armaments cooperation, national disclosure and other policy directives to determine their impact on Air Force international security cooperation policies and programs, and advises the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA) leadership on opportunities and potential impediments, and recommended approaches. Develops and disseminates appropriate policy guidance and directives to MAJCOM and field organizations. Defines and interprets these policy directives and advises field organizations on implementation. Conducts liaison with key HQ Air Force Staff, other Service, DoD elements, and OSD stakeholders in areas such as requirements, acquisition, science and technology, and plans and operations to ensure a coordinated approach to international security cooperation within the DoD and to the extent possible relevant intelligence community organizations. Represents and communicates Air Force interests and US positions, as authorized, to foreign governments and international organizations. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the division workload to include: planning and programming resource requirements for the Team; assigning tasks to Team members to assure the most efficient and effective accomplishment of the mission; directing Air Force international armaments cooperation policy and programs with major US allies and other countries as assigned; identifying and analyzing armaments cooperation opportunities to determine appropriate courses of action; and advocating international armaments cooperation programs. Incumbent will manage the workload of GS-14s/GS-13s/O-4 level personnel and contractor employees assigned within the division. Additionally, performs duties of the Division Chief in the Chief's absence.

Duties:

  • Plans, directs, and leads the workload of a headquarters division comprised of military, government civilian, and contractor personnel.
  • Performs professional level work in support of policy development and implementation at a senior level.
  • Oversees management of all IAC tools to include USAF International Cooperative Research and Development Program, the USAF Foreign Comparative Test Program, the USAF implementation of OSDs Cooperative Warfare Program, the USAF Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program, the USAF Administrative Professional Exchange Program, and agreement development.
  • Interprets budgetary guidance and/or regulations to provide clear and accurate guidance during all phases of the budgetary process.
  • Advises the Armaments Cooperation Division (SAF/IAPC), individual SAF/IA Country Directors, the Director of Policy (SAF/IAP), the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA) and other organizations regarding the technical and acquisition management aspects of current and potential international armaments cooperation programs.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • PCS expenses if authorized will be paid IAW JTR and Air Force Regulations, more information on PCS benefits/requirements may be found at the following link: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Superior Qualifications may be authorized upon request
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • Incumbent must possess or be able to acquire a Secret Security clearance.
  • Incumbent must be comfortable in dealing with high-ranking foreign representatives and able to utilize tact and diplomacy on all occasions.
  • Regular travel in the United States and abroad is mandatory. Employee must be willing to travel and when traveling must be willing to travel by military or commercial air; and employee must maintain a current passport.
  • Drug Test requirement was modified to comply with AFI 90-508 Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014.
  • The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.

Qualifications

This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Foreign Affairs Series, 0130.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) or a degree with a 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

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. Evaluation of Experience: Qualifying experience may have been through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries.

AND
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of US statues, treaties and executive branch agreements, and US administration policy governinginternational cooperation in research, development, and acquisition (ICRD&A). Expert knowledge and understanding of specific US statutes regarding lCRD&A activities such as the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), including the legal requirements for ensuring that USAF international agreement language is in compliance with accepted US standards; expert knowledge of DoD directives, Air Force policy directives and instructions, and international agreements governing the establishment and management or ICRD&A programs. Working knowledge of precedents, practices, and procedures, both formal and informal, of the ICRD&A environment; extensive knowledge of international cooperative programs and principles of international finance and financial transactions. Specific knowledge of US and DoD policies and practices pertaining to the expenditure of US funds overseas, use of foreign funds on international armaments cooperation projects, and international funds transfer policies and procedures in order to review, revise and/or approve funding needs of international armaments cooperation program managers; and expert knowledge of foreign country culture and protocol sufficient to be an effective liaison with foreign government representatives. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of US foreign policy objectives, the US alliance structure, USAF and DoD acquisition policies and their impact on international programs, and the DoD international agreements process.

2. Expert skill in managing and coordinating complex activities in a multi-functional environment involving interaction with senior executive and management levels of the Air Force, DoD, and international customers.

3. Ability to apply knowledge and experience to a wide range of other programs and issues with particular emphasis on international activity. Comprehensive ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, by preparing and presenting briefings and reports to senior US and foreign government officials.

4. Ability to develop improvements in or design new work methods and procedures. Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of division and subordinate organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.

5. Skill in planning and adjusting work operations to meet changing or emergency program or production requirements within available resources and with minimum sacrifice of quantity or quality of work. Skill in analyzing organizational und operational problems and developing timely and economical solutions.

6. Ability to represent SAF/IA both within and outside SAF/IA to gain support for SAF/IAPC's program goals.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected at the full performance level and placed at the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you are unable to apply online, view the following link for information regarding Alternate Application. The Vacancy ID is 12023662.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

HQ USAF and Support Elements

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win...Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force)
  • EO 12721 Certain Former Overseas Employees
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Former Federal Employees (Reinstatement)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • National Service (Peace Corps and VISTA)
  • Non-AF DCIPS Interchange
  • Non-Appropriated Fund
  • Non-DoD Transfer
  • Other (Interchange Agreements)
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
HQ USAF and Support Elements - Pentagon
1720 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US

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