The U.S. Department of State seeks exceptionally qualified individuals who will bring their outstanding talents and experience to the work of the Foreign Service. Candidates hired via the Lateral Entry Pilot Program (LEPP) will enter as mid-level Foreign Service Officers with one directed mid-level tour in a role aligned with their specialized skillset, experience, and/or chosen career track.
Summary
The U.S. Department of State seeks exceptionally qualified individuals who will bring their outstanding talents and experience to the work of the Foreign Service. Candidates hired via the Lateral Entry Pilot Program (LEPP) will enter as mid-level Foreign Service Officers with one directed mid-level tour in a role aligned with their specialized skillset, experience, and/or chosen career track.
For additional information, visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/benefits.
Pay scale & grade
FP 03
Location
Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic,
MANY vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - The majority of a Foreign Service Officer’s (FSO) career is generally spent serving at embassies or consulates abroad, sometimes accompanied by family and sometimes away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions. Travel requirements will vary based on an FSO’s assignment, some of which have regional responsibilities. After completing initial training in Washington, D.C., FSOs hired under the Lateral Entry Pilot Program will be directed into their first assignment.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Once the assessment and selection processes are complete and a position is offered and accepted, orientation and initial training are completed in Washington, D.C.. A LEPP will be assigned to their first tour as directed by the Department. After the initial tour, assignments will be for periods of one to three years overseas or in the United States. Applicants are responsible for all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the assessment process.
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Officer 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 to this position until one year after the closing date of this announcement.
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).
The LEPP allows candidates with exceptional qualifications to enter the Foreign Service as mid-level generalists on the strength of their qualifications and experience. All LEPP candidates will be assessed as FSO candidates. Successful candidates will enter the Foreign Service as untenured FP-03 or FP-02 officers, as determined by their qualifications and experience. LEPP participants will complete one directed assignment in their area of expertise before bidding as untenured mid-level officers and are expected to fulfill the same requirements for tenure, promotions, and onward assignments required of all FSOs.
As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the U.S. Department of State advances the interests of the American people, their safety, and economic prosperity. The Department has Foreign Service employees serving as diplomats in more than 270 locations abroad and throughout the United States. Foreign Service personnel practice diplomacy to advance America’s interests, solve global challenges, build alliances, counter adversaries, promote peace, and find new opportunities for our nation.
They make a difference globally every day through solving intellectually challenging issues, innovating creatively, achieving lifelong learning and professional development, and helping people around the world.
The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad.
If you’re passionate about public service and want to represent the U.S. around the world, a challenging and rewarding career is waiting for you. The opportunity to work abroad and experience cultures, customs and people of different nations is truly a career unlike any other.
The work you’ll do will have an impact on the world. You will be asked to serve at one of the more than 270 embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions in The Americas, Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South Asia.
When hiring Foreign Service Officers, we look for motivated individuals with sound judgment and leadership abilities who retain their composure in times of great stress— or even dire situations, like a military coup or a major environmental disaster. We are looking for individuals dedicated to public service.
A career with the Foreign Service may appear glamorous with travel, government-paid housing, and generous pay and benefits. In some instances, though, working as a Foreign Service Officer can be very challenging and sometimes dangerous. In any posting, you may face an irregular schedule or extended work schedule. These posts can be in remote locations, without U.S.- style amenities; there can be sporadic power outages, unreliable internet service, etc. Health and sanitation standards can be below U.S. standards. Some assignments are “unaccompanied,” which means family members may not travel to the post with you.
That’s why it takes a special type of person to represent America abroad, to advance diplomatic initiatives to the benefit of both the United States and the host country. Serving as a U.S. diplomat requires fortitude, flexibility, a commitment to public service, and the ability to adapt to changing situations and cultures other than your own.
Whether you want to follow a professional path that grows your management skills, impacts economic policy or helps reunite families, you’ll find five different career tracks that can direct you towards realizing your goals.
Please see these links for more information on each of the five career tracks.
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 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
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Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
In addition to the education requirements, applicants must be able to demonstrate adequate Specialized Experience in order to be considered. Specialized Experience is professional work of a progressively responsible nature that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired and/or can apply specific knowledge, skills and abilities appropriate to a Foreign Service Officer. This experience must have been acquired within the last 15 years.
Examples of Specialized Experience for Climate, Environment, and Energy candidates include, but are not limited to:
Work in engagement with the private/public/academia on policy issues, collaborations, international affairs, or any combination of these.
Technical expertise in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, artificial intelligence, quantum information technologies, advanced computing.
Developing, coordinating, and implementing international ocean, conservation, or science policy, negotiation experience preferred.
Experience providing analytical and advisory support in the planning, development, and execution of foreign policy.
Drafting, revising, or negotiating resolutions, texts, and other communications.
Evaluating world energy markets and the changing dynamics in energy trade flows, including oil, gas, renewables, and minerals critical to the energy transition.
Work in or with multilateral organizations focused on international climate, environment, space affairs, or energy diplomacy.
Monitoring, analyzing, and providing policy response recommendations for political, economic, social, military, and other significant developments.
Communications, public affairs or media relations related aspects of business, economics, sociology, law, anthropology, political science, international relations, science or environmental science. Experience preferred in planning, organizing, and coordinating activities with/for international audiences; engaging with the U.S. Federal interagency process; working with the press.
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics
Successful candidates will demonstrate the following dimensions that reflect the skills, abilities, and personal qualities deemed essential to the work of the Foreign Service at the United States Department of State.
CRITICAL THINKING
To discern what is appropriate, practical, and realistic in a given situation; to weigh relative merits of competing demands using sound judgment; to consider multiple points of view when making recommendations; to formulate creative alternatives or solutions to resolve problems; to show flexible and innovative thinking/problem solving.
CULTURAL ADAPTABILITY
To work and communicate effectively and harmoniously with persons of other cultures, value systems, political beliefs, and economic circumstances; to recognize and respect differences in new and different cultural environments.
EXPERIENCE & MOTIVATION
To demonstrate knowledge, skills or other attributes gained from previous experience of relevance to the Foreign Service; to articulate appropriate motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
INFORMATION INTEGRATION & ANALYSIS
To evaluate the importance, reliability, and usefulness of information from a variety of sources; to distill relevant details from available information; to synthesize and analyze available information; to recognize patterns or trends and draw reasoned conclusions from data.
LEADERSHIP
To recognize and assume responsibility for work that needs to be done; to persist in the completion of a task; to influence a group’s activity or direction significantly; to motivate others to participate in the activity one is leading.
NEGOTIATION
To recognize divergent and overlapping interests; to recognize advantages and disadvantages of agreement and available options; to advocate, influence and/or persuade others using information, facts, and reasoning rather than emotion; to resolve disagreements; to maintain or develop mutually beneficial working relationships with counterparts in the process.
OBJECTIVITY/INTEGRITY
To be fair and honest to all employees and keep an open mind; to present issues frankly; to analyze facts and data effectively, without interjecting bias; to be consistent in words and actions; to be dependable.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING
To prioritize and order tasks effectively, to employ a systematic approach to achieving objectives, to make appropriate use of limited resources.
PRESENTATION SKILLS
To present fluently in a concise, grammatically correct, organized, and precise manner; to think on one’s feet, adjusting quickly to changing situations; to convey key elements and nuances of meaning accurately; to respond to questions from others effectively; to use appropriate styles of communication to fit the audience and purpose.
TEAMWORK
To interact in a constructive, cooperative, and harmonious manner toward a common goal; to work effectively as a team player; to establish positive relationships and gain the confidence of others; to ease tension as appropriate.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
To write concisely yet comprehensively; to use clear arguments and facts; to use correct grammar and syntax; to use appropriate vocabulary to promote understanding.
At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-03 grade:
A bachelor’s degree, required with 10 years of specialized experience; or
A master's degree, required with eight years of specialized experience; or
A PhD degree, required with six years of specialized experience
At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-02 grade:
A bachelor’s degree, required with 12 years of specialized experience; or
A master's degree, required with 10 years of specialized experience; or
A PhD degree, required with eight years of specialized experience
Foreign language proficiency, demonstrating, through State Department testing of speaking abilities, either Minimum Professional Proficiency or Limited Working Proficiency depending on the language demonstrated. For additional details section 3 FAM 2245.7 of the Foreign Affairs Manual https://fam.state.gov/fam/03fam/03fam2240.html for the level of speaking proficiency needed for specific languages
Applicants applying for the FP-02 grade must have at least four years of experience directly supervising others.
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, and have no missing pages. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the 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. PDF documents are required. Illegible documents will not be accepted.
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 companies 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 uses 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 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 §612 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 2302(b)(2) from soliciting 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 public officials may not be appointed, employed, promoted, or advanced in or to a position if such employment is advocated by their relative.
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.
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.
The basic salary listed is from the FS Overseas Pay Schedule and the FS Washington D.C. locality Pay Schedule. For information on FS Pay Schedules, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/ of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
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.
Part time experience will be prorated.
The Foreign Service Officer selection process begins with an application, including personal narratives, and proceeds through the selection process, including the Foreign Service Officer Assessment (FSOA). Applicants to the Foreign Service are reviewed by a Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP), using a total candidate approach to score each candidate based on educational and work background and responses to personal narrative questions. The best-qualified candidates are invited to the next step: the Foreign Service Office Assessment. For those who succeed, the process culminates in hiring from the Register, at either FP-03 or FP-02 based on the candidate’s qualifications, for assignment to the training and orientation course that marks the beginning of every Foreign Service Officer career.
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to qualified candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance. For more information visit our FAQ on Reasonable Accommodation.
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.
The basic salary listed is from the FS Overseas Pay Schedule and the FS Washington D.C. locality Pay Schedule. For information on FS Pay Schedules, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/ of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
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.
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. Documents sent via link will not be accepted. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications automatically discontinue those applications from further consideration.
1. Résumé submitted using the USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
2. Complete online application, including the required Personal Narratives.
3. University transcripts and any other required supporting documentation including certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are required; illegible documents will not be accepted.
4. 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.
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 applications 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. Personal Narratives 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 the requested documentation. PDF documents are required. Illegible documents will not be accepted.
5. Review your entire application and verify your submitted documents, ensuring you have answered all questions and completed all steps in accordance with this vacancy announcement.
6. Confirm and submit your application, 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.
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. Click on "Track this application" for more information.
All applicants will be notified via their Monster account about the initial outcome of their application review, and if they will be further considered for this position. Successful candidates will receive further instructions by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
For general information, contact Careers@state.gov or contact a Diplomat in Residence near you to find out about information sessions and other opportunities to learn more about a career in the Foreign Service.
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. Documents sent via link will not be accepted. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications automatically discontinue those applications from further consideration.
1. Résumé submitted using the USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
2. Complete online application, including the required Personal Narratives.
3. University transcripts and any other required supporting documentation including certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are required; illegible documents will not be accepted.
4. 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.
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 applications 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. Personal Narratives 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 the requested documentation. PDF documents are required. Illegible documents will not be accepted.
5. Review your entire application and verify your submitted documents, ensuring you have answered all questions and completed all steps in accordance with this vacancy announcement.
6. Confirm and submit your application, 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.
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. Click on "Track this application" for more information.
All applicants will be notified via their Monster account about the initial outcome of their application review, and if they will be further considered for this position. Successful candidates will receive further instructions by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
For general information, contact Careers@state.gov or contact a Diplomat in Residence near you to find out about information sessions and other opportunities to learn more about a career in the Foreign Service.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
