The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for an Interdisciplinary (Associate Program Director) position within the Office of the Director (OD), Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) in Alexandria, VA.
For more information on OD please click here.
For more information on OISE please click here.
This Vacancy will close on January 2, 2025, or whenever 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first.
Summary
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for an Interdisciplinary (Associate Program Director) position within the Office of the Director (OD), Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) in Alexandria, VA.
For more information on OD please click here.
For more information on OISE please click here.
This Vacancy will close on January 2, 2025, or whenever 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first.
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
This position is for an Associate Program Director in the Office of the Director, Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Associate Program Director has three key areas of responsibility. The first is science diplomacy, which includes representing NSF's interests to a range of international and interagency entities. The second is to interpret relevant scientific, political, economic, social, and other significant international developments and advise NSF leadership, staff and external stakeholders on how these developments impact NSF research, education and innovation activity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The third is to develop and oversee programs that enhance STEM research excellence, workforce development, and innovation activities through international cooperation. All three responsibilities require the ability to establish and maintain an understanding of domestic and international STEM ecosystems to include the agencies/ministries responsible for basic and use-inspired funding in STEM fields.
Consistent with OISE's unique mission within NSF this position is expected require the incumbent to serve as an official representative of the United States Government (USG) with representatives from a range of foreign entities (e.g., governments, academia, and private sector). Diplomatic poise is critical for this position.
Specific Duties Include:
Science Diplomacy
- Representation and Management of International Science and Technology Activities
Monitors and contributes to advice on scientific, political, economic, social, and other significant international developments that may affect the NSF, its international collaborations and the U.S. research, education, and innovation community it serves. Works with OISE leadership and Program Directors to establish and maintain relationships with foreign counterparts, embassies and other representatives of assigned countries, science officers at U.S. embassies in assigned countries, and members of the U.S. STEM research, education and innovation community. Drafts agreements or memoranda of understanding as appropriate to ensure the interests of NSF and the U.S. STEM research, education and innovation community are properly served. Represents OISE, NSF and the USG, sometimes on short notice, to internal and external audiences from multiple sectors (e.g., governments, academia, and private sector).
-Intra-agency and Inter-agency Coordination
In coordination with OISE leadership and Program Directors and other NSF colleagues, identifies, designs, and pursues opportunities for international collaboration and engagement strategies consistent with NSF's mission and vision. As appropriate, prepares recommendations, remarks and briefing materials for OISE, Directorate and NSF leadership for intra-agency and inter-agency contexts, with moderate oversight from the OISE management team.
International Activity Analysis
Contributes to the collection, interpretation, review, and communication of information internally and externally on relevant trends in foreign STEM research, education and innovation, or events abroad that impact NSF and the U.S. STEM research, education, and innovation ecosystem. Stays updated on opportunities and barriers for U.S. researchers to engage in cooperative work with foreign counterparts. Participates in special studies concerning issues or program areas of expertise as
necessary.
Program Development and Implementation
-Program Planning and Direction
In coordination with the supervisor and as appropriate, contributes to recommendations on budgets and plans for programs that strengthen U.S. STEM research, education, and innovation through international cooperation. In collaboration with other NSF staff and, where applicable, international counterparts, contributes to the development of solicitations, Dear Colleague Letters, memoranda of understanding, and other program planning and implementation activities. As assigned, assists in overseeing the solicitation, merit review, decision, and monitoring of awards consistent with NSF policies and procedures.
-Program Solicitation, Proposal Review, and Award Management
Working with Program Directors, solicits proposals from the research community and other stakeholders, and responds to questions from prospective investigators about the solicitation. As assigned, works with Program Directors to manage the proposal review process in accordance with merit review procedures, quality standards, and applicable timelines. Contributes to programmatic opportunities to broaden participation in STEM research, education, and innovation through international cooperation. Works with Program Directors to evaluate proposals and prepare recommendations for awards or declinations.
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant STEM field plus after award of the Ph.D., four or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR a Master's degree in a relevant STEM field plus after award of the degree, six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
Relevant STEM fields include biological, mathematical, physical, social, behavioral and economic sciences, computer and information science and engineering, engineering, geosciences, and STEM education research.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section.
If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, please also submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
Additional information
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
This announcement is open to current NSF employees who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please note: NSF IPA's are not considered agency employees and are not eligible to apply.
It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to & including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment & referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
This announcement is open to All US Citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.
Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.
This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.
NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.
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.
You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities relevant to the duties of the position. In some cases, additional assessment processes may also be used. We strongly encourage you to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below. This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.
Quality Ranking Factors
Working knowledge of NSF's and OISE's mission and programmatic activities.
Understanding of U.S. science and foreign policy and the organizations responsible for establishing said policy.
Familiarity interacting with foreign government officials and/or representatives of international science-related organizations (including universities).
Ability to cooperate and work with peers across government agencies and scientific disciplines.
Familiarity with management of international research and education programming.
General understanding of U.S. and foreign scientific and engineering research and education trends
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.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format and may also submit a cover letter.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to upload a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
- Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
All applicants must submit a resume in any format and may also submit a cover letter.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to upload a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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.
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
- Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
