The Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) works under Title 10 authority of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) to fulfill the mission ascribed to the Center by the Secretary of Defense. The Director works closely with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Combatant Commands (primarily U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM)), and key leaders in Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in advancing National Security policy priorities in Africa.
Summary
The Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) works under Title 10 authority of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) to fulfill the mission ascribed to the Center by the Secretary of Defense. The Director works closely with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Combatant Commands (primarily U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM)), and key leaders in Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in advancing National Security policy priorities in Africa.
The Director assures that ACSS programs are consistent with DoD policy toward the Africa region as determined by the USD(P)and his/her designated regional representatives and that ACSS programs are executed in support of the U.S. National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, Guidance for Development of Alliances and Partnerships, DoD Security Cooperation Guidance, other DoD policies and programs, and Geographic Combatant Commands' (GCC) theater and country plans.
The Director exercises authority, direction, and control over the Center with support from staff and faculty. The incumbent establishes internal policy objectives and formulates short and long range plans, programs and major initiatives for approval by the USD(P) or his/her representatives. The Director manages and supervises all activities in support of DoD policy and security assistance for the region. The Director ensures that the Center shall provide a professional academic program for foreign senior military officers and civilian officials and select U.S. officials concentrating on: counterterrorism and regional security issues where USG and African security interests intersect.
Program Planning As directed by the USD(P), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (ASD(ISA)), and in coordination with Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Security Cooperation, organize the resources necessary to develop, implement, and assess resident and non-resident classroom-based activities and outreach in accordance with 10 USC 342.
Position Evaluation Overseeing an academically based program for foreign mid- and senior-level civilian officials and military officers from regional states to stimulate student thinking about strategy, policy, and defense decision-making; deepen their understanding of security threats, challenges, and regional and global cooperation; promote understanding of the security policies and concerns of partner nations of the U.S. and foster enduring relationships with U.S. partner nations.
Program Direction Exercises executive direction over all aspects of the Center; directs the resident, non-resident, and outreach programs offered by the Center in accordance with DoD policies; supervises the selection of international participants for programs offered at the Center; represents the Center in discussions of Center-related issues identified by OSD Policy, and informed by the GCC, and other DoD components.
Resource Management Oversees all budget and programming activities for the Center. Coordinates the budget with DSCA and other relevant DoD departments. Determines need for financial, manpower and other resource changes based on OSD and GCCs and on corporate level knowledge of current and long-range priorities for resident programs, outreach, and research for approval by the USD(P) or his/her designated representative.
Personnel Management and EEO Exercises overall direction and management of all civilian and military positions. Responsible for selecting all faculty and administrative staff, and for all aspects of personnel management to include ensuring that organizational objectives are translated into individual performance plans. Determines manning requirements and revises organizational structure to fit planning objectives and resource allocation. Develops an effective EEO program in coordination with DSCA, to include conducting routine climate surveys to ensure that equal opportunity underlies all personnel and supervisory actions.
Organizational Representation/Liaison Provides advice and assistance to senior officials throughout the U.S. Government, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and foreign governments as requested and under the guidance of the USD(P) and his/her designated representatives and in coordination with the appropriate regional policy officials in OSD.
Policy Interpretation and Implementation/Adaptation Interprets and establishes policies to implement DoD, OSD, DSCA, and Joint Staff regulations and directives and OSD policy guidance for the Center. Responsibilities includes ensuring implementation of policies through extensive evaluation and direct management of the Center's resident offerings, research, and outreach programs.
Professional/Technical Leadership Prepares and delivers lectures and seminars on subjects associated with the Center's curricula. Assigns responsibilities and approves procedures for reporting the Center's academic and outreach activities to DSCA and OSD. Assumes responsibility for all matters relating to the morale, welfare, and management of the Center. Encourages long-term cooperation with regional governments by facilitating contacts between defense and military officials and other security professionals.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.ssa.gov/)
This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
Extensive travel to developing countries is required.
Required to file Standard Form 278 Public Financial Disclosure Report.
Drug Testing required; drug testing designated position.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must:
Basic Education Requirement: A Master's degree is required in accordance with the National Defense University Regulation 690-4, however, a doctoral degree or equivalent terminal or professional degree in an appropriate discipline (International Affairs, International Security, or related field) is preferred.
In addition to the education requirement, the following specialized experience is required to qualify for this position:
Executive level skills or equivalent at the general officer, flag officer, or SES level or in management of senior level training and education programs and knowledge of how these programs operate within DoD.
Knowledge of executive level DoD Defense operations in support of national security policy and objectives, and ability to apply such knowledge to an international education mission.
Knowledge of African security, and policy issues to include U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and international security affairs in the African theater
Ability to develop cooperative relationships with executive and ministerial level leaders of the African [Africa Center's Area of Responsibility (AOR)] governments and international organizations.
Ability to acquire, integrate, and administer resources necessary to accomplish a complex international educational mission.
Ability to lead an educational institution
Additional Qualifications
Demonstrated success in building teams and leading collaboratively, working effectively with others in a diverse environment; ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Center personnel and representatives of various external agencies.
Demonstrated ability for innovation, critical, strategic, and analytical skills, and operate with the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
Demonstrated ability to act with discretion, maintain confidentiality and display a professional demeanor at all times.
Extensive senior professional level experience relevant to the mission and the region it supports.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Education is not substitutable for specialized experience for this grade level.
Education Requirement: A Master's degree is required in accordance with the National Defense University Regulation 690-4, however, a doctoral degree or equivalent terminal or professional degree in an appropriate discipline (International Affairs, International Security, or related field) is preferred.
Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.
Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official 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 a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education
Additional information
ACSS has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings; health, life, and long term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. ACSS employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and the opportunity to telecommute.
Background or Security Investigation: This is a Special Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information security determination to occupy a Special Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment.
Initial Probationary Period: You will be required to serve an initial probationary period of 18 months.
Supervisory Probationary Period: You will be required to serve an supervisory probationary period of 18 months. Required regardless if the incumbent previously served in a probationary status in the Federal government or at NDU/DCSA/ACSS.
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.
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.
To qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described in the qualifications and education sections. A screening panel will review your resume to evaluate your qualifications for the position.
Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil
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.
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.
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Résumé: The latest resume submitted will be used to determine qualifications. All conferred degrees and certifications should be included in your resume for full consideration
Complete Assessment Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit.
NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met.
Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement.
SF-50 - (If applicable) Notification of Personnel Action for current or former federal employees- with the exception of current permanent NDU employees, please provide your most recent SF50 or the SF50 reflecting Career/Career-Conditional tenure and the highest grade held on a permanent basis.
If you claim Veteran's Preference:- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
Other documents identified in the announcement.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application.It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
Apply Online
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. ALL eligible applicants will be referred to NDU which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. NDU will contact the applicants directly they would like to interview. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to drive status updates notification for applicants. You can elect to activate the proactive notification from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process to sign-up for automatic alerts when there are status changes for jobs to which you have applied.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Résumé: The latest resume submitted will be used to determine qualifications. All conferred degrees and certifications should be included in your resume for full consideration
Complete Assessment Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit.
NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met.
Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement.
SF-50 - (If applicable) Notification of Personnel Action for current or former federal employees- with the exception of current permanent NDU employees, please provide your most recent SF50 or the SF50 reflecting Career/Career-Conditional tenure and the highest grade held on a permanent basis.
If you claim Veteran's Preference:- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
Other documents identified in the announcement.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application.It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
Apply Online
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. ALL eligible applicants will be referred to NDU which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. NDU will contact the applicants directly they would like to interview. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to drive status updates notification for applicants. You can elect to activate the proactive notification from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process to sign-up for automatic alerts when there are status changes for jobs to which you have applied.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
