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FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
Air Education and Training Command
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
Posted 06/27/24
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
$103,409 - $134,435 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
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
No
Security clearance
Secret
Announcement number
9Z-AFPC-12454422-444522-TEC
Control number
797597500

Duties

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SUMMARY
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Chief, International Military student Officer (MSO) and Field studies Program for dissemination of United States Air Force (USAF) Security Cooperation Education and Training program CETP) policy and guidelines to Air University personnel, Air University Commander, Dean of students, assigned International Military Students (IMS) and provide oversight of the USAF Air University portion of the Department of Defense (DoD) Field Studies Program (FSP). Performs primary supervisory and personnel management responsibilities for one civilian GS-09 and one military Lt Col (0-5) who supervises other military members.

DUTIES

  1. Serves as USAF Air University International Military Student (lMS) operation, the Congressionally mandated Field Stu die Program (FSP) International Affairs (A /IA) Programs, preparing lMS and their families for resident AU Professional Military Education and Professional continuing Education. Provides guidance, assistance and advises Air University personnel, Air University Commander, Dean of Students, assigned International Military Students (IMS), attending US government approved training.
  2. Serves as the USAF AU focal point for the Field Studies Program (FSP).
  3. Oversight of all aspects of the USAF AU FSP annual budget.
  4. Accomplishes special projects as assigned. Represents International Officer School Commandant and Director Air University International Affairs (AU/IA) at meetings with HQ USAF, DoD, and other agencies and international customers.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Incumbent must possess or obtain and maintain a current passport.
  • Working hours may include weekend duty and may extend beyond the normal eight-hour day.
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
  • Incumbent must meet the desired standards of education for an International Affairs Level II certification within six years of employment in this position.
  • Work occasionally requires travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
  • This is a Centrally Managed Position in the Operations Career Field

Qualifications

Completion of an Intermediate Service School, (i.e. ACSC, AFLEP, ELDP, AFIT, etc), within six years of accepting position is highly desirable.

The work requires interaction with numerous professionals possessing terminal degrees in areas related to International Affairs/Relations. A Masters degree in a professional discipline of relevance to the Air University and International Officer School Mission and curricula (e.g. International Relations, Regional Studies, National Security Affairs, Education, Personnel Management or Political Science) is highly desired.

The work requires a high level of cross-cultural competence in order to accomplish DoD International Military Student Officer (IMSO) functions for a diverse group of international officers and in the identification, analysis, and resolution of complex IMS and dependent issues.
The work requires an in-depth understanding of international protocol. Experience in the arena of protocol or protocol-type duties/responsibilities would be beneficial

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

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Basic Requirements for GS-0130: 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 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 above. NOTE: You must submit a copy of 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. For qualifying experience at the GS-12 or above click here to view occupational requirements for this position:
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-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes professional knowledge of the administration and performance of work involving the formulation and direction of foreign affairs of the Government and in the study and disposition of information bearing on international relations. Expert knowledge of a wide range of DoD and USAF policies, procedures and regulations applicable to US National Security Strategy, National Military Strategy, Guidance on Employment of the Force, Security Cooperation goals and objectives, and the USAF Global Partnership Strategy and their relationship to and effects on MET and FMS training and education programs conducted within DoD and USAF institutions. Position requires a mastery of skills required to synchronize component command international affairs programs and missions with US Security Cooperation goals and objectives, and related foreign policy. Requires expert knowledge of critical aspects of teaching methods, especially those employed in intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) and adult education programs. Knowledge of foreign countries political, social, economic, and cultural make-up in order to be an effective liaison and enable interaction with foreign government officials, representatives and senior military officials in-work and social environments.

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-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 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. Professional knowledge of the administration and performance of work involving the formulation and direction of foreign affairs of the Government and in the study and disposition of information bearing on international relations.
2. Expert knowledge of Department of State, Department of Defense and Air Force guidance relating to security assistance and military flight training and operations.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of the working of foreign governments, the nature of their military and civilian governmental structures, and the culture and political dynamics influencing them.
4. General knowledge of international politico-military affairs, with specific knowledge of the DoD Security Cooperation goals and architecture, and Air Force International Affairs processes.
5. Ability to analyze, plan, and direct operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
6.Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships.


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 and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, 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/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

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

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.

Air Education and Training Command

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
  • PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
  • PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
Maxwell AFB
50 Lemay Plaza South
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
US

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