An independent Federal agency, the U.S. International Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides import injury cases; and publishes the United States' tariff schedule. You will find a working environment throughout the Commission that is dedicated to the development of your technical skills and a commitment to provide balance between your work and personal life.
Summary
An independent Federal agency, the U.S. International Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides import injury cases; and publishes the United States' tariff schedule. You will find a working environment throughout the Commission that is dedicated to the development of your technical skills and a commitment to provide balance between your work and personal life.
This position is being filled using Merit Promotion procedures. This announcement is open to current or former Federal employees with competitive status, including career or career-conditional employees, as well as individuals eligible under special hiring authorities as specified in the announcement. Applicants must meet time-in-grade requirements and all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Maintains chapters of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) involving products assigned each time the HTS is revised, inputting the legal and non-legal changes as interpreted by the Office of Tariff Affairs and Trade Agreements (TATA) managers and Senior TATA employees for the chapters.
Reviews the HTS, change record and HTS History with the objective of identifying issues or inconsistencies.
Analyzes identified issues in the legal and non-legal changes to the HTS and inconsistencies and shares relevant information on issues and inconsistencies with TATA managers and senior TATA employees.
Creates and maintains the HTS, tariff and the Trade Agreement program data for TATA's and the Commission's consumption as reviewed and approved by TATA managers and senior TATA employees.
Monitors legal and non-legal sources affecting the HTS, such as trade organizations, trade associations, other USG notices, information from the World Customs Organization and World Trade Organization, etc. and shares relevant information with supervisors and colleagues.
You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Males born after 12/03/59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Selectee must pass successfully complete a background investigation.
Time-In-Grade Requirements: Applicants must meet time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.
You must be a current Career or Career Conditional employee to apply unless you are applying under a special hiring authority.
Qualifications
You must meet all the requirements below by the closing date of the announcement and they must be clearly identified in your application, resume, or supporting documents. This includes any general and specialized experience, education, and/or selective placement factors mentioned. These are used to determine if you possess the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to successfully perform in this position.
Specialized Experience
Experience that demonstrated knowledge of:
Marketing that included economic, psychological, and sociological influences bearing upon consumption patterns; Business practices pertaining to wholesale, retail, manufacturers' distribution, distribution costs, finance and tax structure, and similar areas of activity or concern; and International economic and political factors influencing balance of payments, monetary exchange and tariffs, and their bearing on the distribution of commodities.
To qualify at the GS-07 level, you must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 obtained in the federal or private sector which demonstrates all of the following:
Analyzing large data sets; and
Organizing and tracking multiple deadlines and projects; and
Writing analytical reports.
or
1 full academic year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement. Major study -- marketing, business administration, political science, public administration, history, business or commercial law, economics, finance, international trade, or international relations.
To qualify at the GS-09 level, you must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 obtained in the federal or private sector which demonstrates all of the following:
Working on or studying international trade issues; and
Analyzing large data sets; and
Utilizing quantitative or qualitative software or tools (i.e., Excel, Access); and
Organizing and tracking multiple deadlines and projects, (5) Writing analytical reports.
or
A master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Major study -- marketing, business administration, political science, public administration, history, business or commercial law, economics, finance, international trade, or international relations.
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.
Education
Major study -- marketing, business administration, political science, public administration, history, business or commercial law, economics, finance, international trade, or international relations.
GS-7: To substitute education for specialized experience, you must possess 1 full academic year of graduate level education or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement. (school transcript required by closing date)
GS-9: To substitute education for specialized experience, you must possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree or2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related; or you may combine specialized experience and graduate level education which totals at least 100 percent. (school transcript required by closing date)
For applicants qualifying on the basis of education:
A transcript or list of completed courses is required if you are claiming to qualify based on your education. The information presented in the transcript must be verifiable; at the minimum the transcript or list of courses should contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, semester hours, and GPA. If you provided an unofficial transcript or list of completed courses at the time of application and you are selected, you will be required to provide an official transcript prior to appointment.
School transcript(s):
All transcripts must be fully legible at the time of submission. Illegible, blurred, incomplete, or altered documents will not be reviewed. The reviewer will not modify, enhance, interpret, or alter any submitted documents for the purpose of determining qualifications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials are clear and readable prior to submission.
Foreign Education:
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Special Instructions for Foreign Education:
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. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education. Another listing of services that an perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
Additional information
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Employment of Relatives:
Section 3110 of Title 5, U.S. Code, prohibits a Federal official from appointing, promoting, or advocating the appointment or promotion of a relative in the agency where the official is serving or exercises jurisdiction. In addition, Section 2302(b)(7) of Title 5, U.S. Code, makes it a "prohibited personnel practice" for a person in authority to "appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for the appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement of a relative." For further information visit: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3110 and https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/2302
Work Life Balance:
USITC offers Transit subsidy for commuters using public transportation (Metro Bus/Rail, MARC, VRE, etc.). This position is telework eligible.
Background Investigation:
To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, USITC requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully completed a background investigation. This review could include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
The agency may rescind the tentative offer, if the candidate is unable to obtain an interim clearance.
Selective Service:
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit http://www.sss.gov/.
Reasonable Accommodations:
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials, employment history, etc., will be verified as part of the security clearance process.
Vacancy ID number: MP-26-011-DF
Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
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.
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.
BASIS OF RATING:
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your resume will be evaluated by a Subject Matter Expert Panel (SME). Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) as it relates to this job opportunity.
If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be excluded from further consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
You will be further evaluated on the following Competencies required for the position:
Data Management
Written Communication
Research Skills
Technical Subject Matter Expert
Customer Service
We DO NOT require a separate narrative statement responding to the competencies; however, your resume must CLEARLY show possession of these competencies.
If you meet the qualifications stated above and you are among the top candidates your application may be referred to the Selecting Official for further review.
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.
To receive consideration, you must submit the documentation specified below by
The Content of Resume: Your resume, curriculum vitae, or other written form you choose to describe your job-related experiences are used to verify your qualifications. Therefore, it is important that your resume accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total number of hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified, and you will no longer be considered for this position.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the position for which you are using to qualify. Your SF-50 must also include the Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential (if applicable) to verify your status and eligibility. An award SF-50 is not acceptable. If you are unable to provide your most recent SF-50, you should submit a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable. This explanation should include your Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential. Failure to submit the required SF50 document or statement of explanation will result in an ineligible rating under merit promotion procedures.
Recent Performance Appraisal: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your current Fiscal Year (FY2025), or an appraisal dated within 18 months. Performance Appraisal showing you have performed at an acceptable level. If you are unable to submit your current Fiscal Year (FY2025) Performance Appraisal you must submit a written explanation as to why it was not obtainable. In this explanation you should include your final rating. Failure to submit your current Fiscal Year (FY2025) Performance Appraisal or a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable will disqualify you from further consideration.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): eligibles must submit the following documents: a copy of their agency notice, a copy of their most recent performance rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, indicating their current position, grade level, and duty location. Please note that applicants will not qualify if the vacancy being applied for has a higher promotion potential than the last position they held.
Special hiring authority applicants:If you are applying under the special appointing authority such as those authorized for the severely disabled (Schedule A) you will be asked to submit documents showing eligibility to non-competitively apply under Merit Assignment announcements. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on your application. For more info on non-competitive appointments and supporting documents, please visit Federal Employment of People with Disabilities or Feds Hire Vets - Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): eligibles must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service. VEOA eligibility applies to the following categories of veterans: Preference eligibles and Service personnel separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran: If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based on a Compensable Disability you must submit your DD-214 showing discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions are eligible for veterans' preference, SF-15 and the required proof of disability, i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later. Failure to provide this documentation may result in your application not receiving preference. (Please see veteran eligibility documentation for more information on veterans preference in federal hiring) Eligibility applies to the following categories: Disabled veterans who were retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more; and Disabled veterans rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.
Cover Letter:This is optional.
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 submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/09/2026 to receive consideration.
Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
The Vacancy ID is 12895514
Resume Requirements:
Resumes are limited to two (2) pages
Resumes should focus on the knowledge, skills, abilities; accomplishments and results; and training and education relevant to this position.
Resumes must be in the following format (for each position held relevant to this position:
Short summary of position duties
Accomplishments while in the position
Results of those accomplishments
Copying and pasting position descriptions into a resume is not acceptable. Illegible Information and/or Documents
If your supporting documents and resume are illegible or do not provide the necessary information for the Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to make a qualification determination, you may lose consideration for this position.
Last Document Uploaded
If multiple copies of the same document are uploaded/faxed and submitted with your application, We will only consider the last copy of the document uploaded/faxed when determining your eligibility and qualifications. For example, if you upload/fax two or more resumes only the last resume uploaded/faxed and submitted will be considered.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account http://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Office of Tariff Affairs and Trade Agreements
500 E St SW
Washington, DC 20436
US
Next steps
After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in the online application tracking system and if you have elected to receive email updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered email address. If you have not elected to receive email updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job. This will ensure we can contact you as quickly as possible.
In addition to changing your status online, we will send you email notifications at each major step in the process: Upon receipt of your application, upon minimum qualifications determination, after candidates have been referred to the hiring official, and once a selection has been made.
Position Reconsideration Process:
Applicants who have applied for employment with the U.S. International Trade Commission who were found to be ineligible for a position, may submit a request for reconsideration upon reasonable demonstration that a reconsideration review is necessary.
Request for Reconsideration will not be accepted for failure to submit appropriate required documentation, failure to complete or respond accurately to required Assessments and/or missed deadlines.
Applicants seeking a Request for Reconsideration should reach out to the servicing Human Resources Specialist indicated in the Vacancy Announcement to see you meet the eligibility requirements for reconsideration. If you meet the eligibility requirements for reconsideration, the Human Resources Office will review the application based on the reconsideration request to determine if the rating was appropriate and render a final decision to the applicant.
A request to reconsider a rating determination must be received in the servicing Human Resources Office within 5 business days from the date indicated on the Touch Point Notification, Notice of Results received from USA Staffing, or it will be rejected as an untimely request for reconsideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To receive consideration, you must submit the documentation specified below by
The Content of Resume: Your resume, curriculum vitae, or other written form you choose to describe your job-related experiences are used to verify your qualifications. Therefore, it is important that your resume accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total number of hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified, and you will no longer be considered for this position.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the position for which you are using to qualify. Your SF-50 must also include the Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential (if applicable) to verify your status and eligibility. An award SF-50 is not acceptable. If you are unable to provide your most recent SF-50, you should submit a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable. This explanation should include your Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential. Failure to submit the required SF50 document or statement of explanation will result in an ineligible rating under merit promotion procedures.
Recent Performance Appraisal: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your current Fiscal Year (FY2025), or an appraisal dated within 18 months. Performance Appraisal showing you have performed at an acceptable level. If you are unable to submit your current Fiscal Year (FY2025) Performance Appraisal you must submit a written explanation as to why it was not obtainable. In this explanation you should include your final rating. Failure to submit your current Fiscal Year (FY2025) Performance Appraisal or a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable will disqualify you from further consideration.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): eligibles must submit the following documents: a copy of their agency notice, a copy of their most recent performance rating, and a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, indicating their current position, grade level, and duty location. Please note that applicants will not qualify if the vacancy being applied for has a higher promotion potential than the last position they held.
Special hiring authority applicants:If you are applying under the special appointing authority such as those authorized for the severely disabled (Schedule A) you will be asked to submit documents showing eligibility to non-competitively apply under Merit Assignment announcements. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on your application. For more info on non-competitive appointments and supporting documents, please visit Federal Employment of People with Disabilities or Feds Hire Vets - Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): eligibles must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service. VEOA eligibility applies to the following categories of veterans: Preference eligibles and Service personnel separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran: If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based on a Compensable Disability you must submit your DD-214 showing discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions are eligible for veterans' preference, SF-15 and the required proof of disability, i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later. Failure to provide this documentation may result in your application not receiving preference. (Please see veteran eligibility documentation for more information on veterans preference in federal hiring) Eligibility applies to the following categories: Disabled veterans who were retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more; and Disabled veterans rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.
Cover Letter:This is optional.
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 submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/09/2026 to receive consideration.
Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
The Vacancy ID is 12895514
Resume Requirements:
Resumes are limited to two (2) pages
Resumes should focus on the knowledge, skills, abilities; accomplishments and results; and training and education relevant to this position.
Resumes must be in the following format (for each position held relevant to this position:
Short summary of position duties
Accomplishments while in the position
Results of those accomplishments
Copying and pasting position descriptions into a resume is not acceptable. Illegible Information and/or Documents
If your supporting documents and resume are illegible or do not provide the necessary information for the Human Resource Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to make a qualification determination, you may lose consideration for this position.
Last Document Uploaded
If multiple copies of the same document are uploaded/faxed and submitted with your application, We will only consider the last copy of the document uploaded/faxed when determining your eligibility and qualifications. For example, if you upload/fax two or more resumes only the last resume uploaded/faxed and submitted will be considered.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account http://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Office of Tariff Affairs and Trade Agreements
500 E St SW
Washington, DC 20436
US
Next steps
After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in the online application tracking system and if you have elected to receive email updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered email address. If you have not elected to receive email updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job. This will ensure we can contact you as quickly as possible.
In addition to changing your status online, we will send you email notifications at each major step in the process: Upon receipt of your application, upon minimum qualifications determination, after candidates have been referred to the hiring official, and once a selection has been made.
Position Reconsideration Process:
Applicants who have applied for employment with the U.S. International Trade Commission who were found to be ineligible for a position, may submit a request for reconsideration upon reasonable demonstration that a reconsideration review is necessary.
Request for Reconsideration will not be accepted for failure to submit appropriate required documentation, failure to complete or respond accurately to required Assessments and/or missed deadlines.
Applicants seeking a Request for Reconsideration should reach out to the servicing Human Resources Specialist indicated in the Vacancy Announcement to see you meet the eligibility requirements for reconsideration. If you meet the eligibility requirements for reconsideration, the Human Resources Office will review the application based on the reconsideration request to determine if the rating was appropriate and render a final decision to the applicant.
A request to reconsider a rating determination must be received in the servicing Human Resources Office within 5 business days from the date indicated on the Touch Point Notification, Notice of Results received from USA Staffing, or it will be rejected as an untimely request for reconsideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
