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CBP International Advisor

Department of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection
Office of International Affairs
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of International Affairs, Africa, Middle East and Central Asia Division located in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
09/15/2025 to 09/19/2025
Salary
$106,382 to - $138,296 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Temporary promotion - 3-5 years
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
INA-IMP-12794846-HJB
Control number
845428200

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are currently working in a permanent competitive service position; Career Transition Assistance Plan CBP employees.

Duties

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Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of International Affairs will allow you to use your expertise to manage one or more national programs in order to help to detect and prevent terrorists and instruments of terror from entering/exiting the U.S. Apply for this exciting opportunity to direct programs that strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security.

This position starts at a salary of $106,382.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $138,296.00 (GS-14, Step 10). Does not include Cost of Living Allowanceand Post (Hardship) Differential rate, see this link for current rates.
  • Gathering information between the U.S. and the host country to intercept and prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S.
  • Halting the proliferation of fraudulent documents enhancing U.S. border security and safety; combating the smuggling and trafficking of noncitizens, narcotics, and contraband merchandise.
  • Detecting and preventing fraud in the invoicing and documentation of all types of merchandise imported into the U.S.
  • Preventing currency violations and exportation of critical technology and supporting progress in cargo and air passenger security.
  • Enhancing information sharing of other alleged or suspected criminal offenses against U.S. laws enforced by DHS and other Federal law enforcement agencies.
To learn more about CBP's Office of International Affairs, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/international-initiatives or visit us on X/Twitter: @CBPIntlAffairs

If going from a LEO Covered Position to a Secondary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for Law Enforcement Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). For further information on the Secondary CBPO Enhanced Retirement Coverage, please see the Qualifications section

If going from a Primary CBPO Special Retirement Covered (SRC) Position to a Secondary CBPO SRC Position and you have less than 3 years in a Primary CBPO SRC Position: Please be advised that when you enter on duty in this Secondary CBPO SRC position you will no longer be covered under the Special Retirement System for CBP Officers, but will only be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or covered under your applicable non-special retirement system depending upon previous service. For further information on the Secondary CBPO SRC, please see the Qualifications section.

Temporary Assignment: To meet agency needs, this position will be filled on a temporary basis not-to-exceed 3 years, with possible extension(s) for an additional 2 years in 1-year increments, for a maximum of five years. Based on applicable laws and regulations, you may be returned, at any time, to the position from which temporarily promoted, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay. If you are currently a permanent GS-14, you will be laterally reassigned into this position and may be returned upon completion of the assignment or at any time it is determined that there is no longer an Agency need for this assignment, to the position held prior to this NTE assignment or to a similar permanent position. Return to your original location will be prioritized but is not guaranteed. Applicants who currently hold a permanent position at the advertised grade level will be referred for consideration through an alternative method.

Retirement: This position is being filled on a not-to-exceed (NTE) temporary assignment; therefore, in the event the incumbent becomes eligible for retirement and chooses to retire, the incumbent will be returned to the home office of record at least two full pay periods prior to retirement. The incumbent will not be eligible to retire while serving on a NTE assignment in Office of International Affairs.

Relocation: Relocation expenses will be paid in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation limits and agency policy.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
  • Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
  • All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
  • You may be required to pass a background investigation and/or polygraph
  • CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
  • You must have taken the required CBP Officer Promotional Assessment component and have a passing Total Score
  • Firearm Requirement-This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996. An applicant whose background includes any of the following will be ineligible for consideration: 1) convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year; 2) has any outstanding warrants or is a fugitive from justice; 3) unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance; 4) adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution; 5) illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 6) renounced U. S. citizenship; 7) subject to a court-ordered restraining (protection) order from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner (spouse, former spouse, parent of applicant's child, individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the applicant), or child; or 8) convicted under Federal, State, or Tribal Court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against an intimate partner or child.
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess the Ability to operate a Government Owned Vehicle. A valid, non-restricted driver's license is required.
  • DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.

  • Financial Disclosure is required.

  • Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

  • Developing, managing, or directing operational policies or programs;
  • Interacting with officials of other organizations and advising management officials of higher rank on operational issues related to program operations;
  • Determining goals and objectives that need additional emphasis and developing measures that evaluate performance;
  • Making recommendations for program improvement; Serving as a liaison with high-ranking officials in other Federal agencies top-level managers in DHS and various governing boards.
  • Serving as a liaison with high-ranking officials in other Federal agencies top-level managers in DHS and various governing boards.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Administrative Secondary CBP Officer (CBPO) Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) Requirement: This position meets the definition of secondary administrative CBPO SRC under the laws and regulations defined in 5 U.S.C. 8331 (31), Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for CBPO defined in 5 U.S.C. 8401(36), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The criterion is that knowledge, skill and ability in a position deemed to meet primary CBPO SRC is a mandatory prerequisite to satisfactorily perform the major duties and responsibilities of this job. The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1604 for CSRS and 5 C.F.R. § 842.1003 for FERS. As defined in 5 C.F.R. § 831.1602 CSRS and 5 CFR 842.1002 FERS, to be eligible for this secondary administrative CBP) SRC position you must have permanently served in a primary CBPO SRC position, e.g. Customs Inspector, GS-1890; Immigration Inspector, GS-1816; Canine Enforcement Officer, GS-1801; or CBP Officer, GS-1895.

Mandatory Prerequisite for Administrative Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Covered Requirement: This position has been identified as Administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government is a mandatory prerequisite, as defined by 5 C.F.R. § 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 C.F.R. § 8.802 (FERS).Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.

You must:
  • Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
  • Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 09/19/2025
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.

For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Polygraph Examination: The CBP International Advisor position is a polygraph-required position. If you are not a current CBP employee in a law enforcement position, you may be required to take a polygraph exam and have favorable results in order to continue in the pre-employment process. Please see Polygraph Examination.

Polygraph Reciprocity: CBP may accept the results of a prior federal polygraph exam in lieu of a CBP polygraph exam. You will receive information to request reciprocity in your Background Investigation Package.

Polygraph Waiver: Certain veterans may be eligible to obtain a polygraph waiver. You will receive information to request a waiver in your Background Investigation Package.

Probationary Period: Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

If you are not a current GS-1895, and you are selected, you will have to meet the following medical/physical standards:

Physical/Medical Requirements: Following a tentative job offer, candidates must undergo and successfully complete a medical screening process. Individuals must be medically and physically capable of performing the essential job functions and duties of the position safely and efficiently without endangering the health and safety of the individual, others, or national security. For more information regarding the medical screening process and requirements, check out our video and visit our website.

Physical Fitness Test: You will be required to successfully pass the Pre-employment Fitness Test. Please view both Hiring Process Deep Dive Video: The Fitness Test and Pre-Employment Fitness Test Physical Readiness Program, a 6-week program designed to assist you in achieving a level of physical fitness that will help you successfully pass the CBP fitness test.

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
  • Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
  • A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
  • Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
  • Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Annual Leave: When you are selected for a position at a foreign post of duty for INA, you will earn annual leave at the same rate as stateside. The maximum accumulation of annual leave while at a foreign post of duty is 45 days (360 hours).

Home Leave: In addition to annual leave, you will earn five, ten-, or fifteen-days home leave per year depending on your foreign post of duty and post differential rate. Home leave is granted to you when your foreign post of duty assignment is extended for another tour. The Government pays your per diem and transportation expenses from your foreign post of duty to your former official residence in the U.S. In addition, the Government pays for the transportation expenses of your dependents that accompany you on home leave to your residence in the U.S.

Temporary Lodging Allowance: A temporary lodging allowance is a tax-free quarters allowance, which is granted to you for the reasonable cost of temporary quarters, which are incurred by you and your family for a period not to exceed (1) 60 days after first arrival at a new foreign post of duty, or a period ending with the occupation of permanent quarters, if earlier; and (2) 30 days immediately preceding final departure from the foreign post of duty subsequent to the necessary vacating of residence quarters.

Return Rights: No later than 365 days prior to the completion of your tour at a foreign post of duty, you will have 60 days to submit a prioritized list of up to five duty locations, to which you prefer to be reassigned, to the Human Capital Division, Overseas Support Branch. This list may contain field or Headquarters duty locations , or a combination of both. If no vacancies are available in the preferred locations you requested, you will be returned to your original duty location held prior to this assignment or to a similar position of equivalent grade and pay.

Foreign Transfer Allowance - The foreign transfer allowance is divided into two separate allowances. These allowances are payable as follows:
A. Miscellaneous Expense Allowance - This allowance is intended to assist you with certain extraordinary costs in connection with establishing residence quarters at the foreign post of duty. An amount of $750 for a single employee and $1500 for an employee with a family may be granted without any receipt or itemizing required. This allowance is not paid to employees who are returning to the United States for separation.
B. Subsistence Expenses Allowance - A subsistence expense allowance applicable to lodging, meals (including tips), laundry, cleaning and pressing expenses in temporary quarters for you and each member of your family for up to 10 days before final departure from a post in the United States to a foreign post of duty. Expenses of local transportation are not allowable.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Additional information

Travel: Frequent travel required for extended periods of time. May be subject to adverse working conditions for the assigned country or foreign post.

Passports: You will be required to obtain official OR diplomatic passports for yourself and your dependents as a condition of selection. Exception: If the foreign post of duty is with the Department of Defense, you and your dependents will require an official passport.

Visa: Incumbent may be required to obtain a visa depending on the host country travel requirement to perform official duties within the Embassy.

Medical Clearance: Incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance.

Mandatory Training: Incumbent will be required to complete a series of mandatory DHS, CBP, DOS training prior to deployment.

Security Clearance: You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance based on a Single Scope Background Investigation with access to sensitive compartmented information.

Uniform: This position requires you to wear an officially-approved uniform while in a duty status.

Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work environment includes offices, aircraft operation areas, airline passenger and cargo areas, and marine docks. Periods of outdoor work may be required in snow, rain, or extreme heat. Occasional periods of outdoor work may be required in remote areas with no modern comfort facilities. The work may involve the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and fumigants. Protective clothing may be required such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, and respirators.

Data Systems: You will be required to maintain access to all data systems necessary for duty execution.

Shift work: You may be required to perform work on a shift and rotational basis.

Overtime: You must be readily available to work overtime on a scheduled or unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour work week.

Transportation of Household Effects and Related Expenses:

A. Maximum weight of household goods and personal effects, which may be transported or stored at the Governments expense, shall not exceed 18,000 pounds net weight for all employees.
B. The transportation of household goods must be accomplished using a Government Bill of Lading. This includes transfers either to or from a foreign post of duty.
C. Allowance for Transportation and Accessories Service - The actual cost of transportation of household goods and personal effects, including the packing and crating of materials, lift vans, or other temporary containers with the weights prescribed in the previous paragraph, will be allowed at the Governments expense.
D. Temporary Storage of Household Goods - Temporary storage incident to the transportation of household goods is allowable for a period of up to 90 days.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which you claim in the job questionnaire AND you must provide the supporting documentation. You will not be considered for Eligibilities for which you did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794846.

A series of vacancy questions will be used to determine your eligibility. If you meet those basic requirements, your application package may be referred to management for selection consideration. Falsification of your application will remove you from consideration and could subject you to disciplinary action.

You will be ranked on the basis of the scores received on your Promotional Assessment. You must have a current, valid score by 09/15/2025 if you have not held the GS-14 on a permanent basis, or if you have been demoted due to performance or conduct reasons. You do not need to have a current, valid test score if you have permanently held a position at the GS-14 or higher. Your application record will remain in a pending status until after the announcement closes, at which time we will upload test scores.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using an assessment questionnaire.

This self-assessment will be used to assess the following competencies or KSAs:
  • Knowledgeable in the application of CBP laws policies and procedures related to law enforcement operations and international trade regulations instructions policies practices and priorities to include U.S. and international trade law border security operations agreements and requirements.
  • Advanced skill in consolidating ostensibly disparate facts events and other types of intelligence or investigative material and developing information and techniques for application in the detection apprehension and prosecution of criminal activity.
  • Expert analytical and evaluation skills to identify program requirements recommend and implement actions and resolve critical issues.
  • Ability to deal with widely varying and complex or sensitive situations; identify possible violations; and to distinguish criminal intent and admissibility.
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. As a part of the interview process, additional selection criteria may be administered by the hiring manager. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794846.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. Information about CTAP eligibility can be found here. View information about CTAP eligibilityon OPM's Career Transition Resources website. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.

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