The U.S. International Trade Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides unfair import and import injury cases and publishes the U.S. harmonized tariff schedule. This position is located in the Office of Commissioner Johanson. The incumbent will provide administrative support to the Commissioner as well as working on special projects on international trade matters.
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides unfair import and import injury cases and publishes the U.S. harmonized tariff schedule. This position is located in the Office of Commissioner Johanson. The incumbent will provide administrative support to the Commissioner as well as working on special projects on international trade matters.
The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and thorough and able to engage with Commission staff at all levels. Although not required, an ideal candidate would have an interest in learning about the substantive areas of the Commission's work under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g. antidumping and countervailing duty investigations) and under section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930 for fact finding investigations on international trade and U.S. competitiveness matters. Due to the level of the organization that this position operates in, you will be required to keep confidences, and you must be able to adjust to changes in direction and perform effectively under pressure.
As Confidential Assistant to the Commissioner, you will manage the Office of the Commissioner. Responsibilities include managing the calendar and files of the Commissioner, scheduling and organizing meetings and events, booking travel, records management, coordinating office workflow, and assisting the other aides to the Commissioner on administrative matters. The Confidential Assistant may also be assigned special projects involving research or data collection or be asked to assist the Commissioner's other aides on their work under Title VII or section 332. There is a high degree of interaction and collaboration with the other Commissioner offices, so the incumbent must have excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and judgment.
The Office of the Commissioner interfaces with all other offices in the agency as well, so the incumbent must be able to work well with all levels of staff, as well as outside stakeholders. The incumbent maintains National Security Information, handles confidential business information, and may assist the Commissioner in sensitive matters; therefore, the incumbent must keep confidences and exercise discretion. The incumbent must be detail-oriented, thorough, well-organized, a self-starter, and responsive to the needs of the office. The incumbent must be able to adjust to changes in direction and perform effectively under pressure. The incumbent may be assigned special projects involving research, data collection or assisting the Commissioner's other aides with mission work under Title VII and section 332, the ideal candidate will have an interest in and aptitude to perform or learn these tasks based on instruction and guidance provided by the Commissioner's other aides. Candidates that possess an interest in or relevant experience in economics or international trade matters are a plus.
The incumbent will utilize information technology such as Microsoft Office applications and therefore must have experience using these applications. The incumbent will also use systems and databases to process travel, timekeeping and other administrative matters for the office and must be knowledgeable about or have a demonstrated ability to learn these systems and applications.
You may be required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications at each grade level:
GS-11:
Experience: In order to qualify at the GS-11 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-9 or equivalent level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is typically demonstrated with experience in administrative office work such as: responding on behalf of a senior staff member or managerial official to inquiries regarding the work of their office which involved detailed knowledge of operations and missions; preparing a variety of correspondence which included the development of standardized responses or editing such to fit a particular task; advanced knowledge of computer software which includes selecting the best application for the task and combining programs to prepare advanced documents and reports; meeting and greeting of executive level or international visitors; serving as a personal assistant to executive level individuals that required maintaining confidences and handling of sensitive information; knowledge of detailed administrative requirements, such as required for the complexity and attention to detail for actions described in the job duties, and experience in dealing with a variety of individuals, including some who may be demanding in their requirements.
OR
Education: Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree.
GS-12: In order to qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-11 or equivalent level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is typically demonstrated through progressively responsible administrative office work such as: independently responding on behalf of a senior staff member or managerial official to inquiries requiring in-depth knowledge of the organization's operations, priorities, and mission; drafting, editing, and tailoring a wide range of correspondence to address specific issues or audiences; utilizing advanced computer software and integrating multiple applications to develop complex documents, reports, and presentations; coordinating and facilitating interactions with executive-level or international visitors; serving as a principal personal assistant to executive-level officials, exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality of highly sensitive information; and applying comprehensive knowledge of administrative processes to manage competing priorities and resolve issues. At this level, work is performed with a high degree of independence, including anticipating the needs of leadership, prioritizing tasks, and proactively arranging work to meet organizational objectives.
GS-13: In order to qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-12 or equivalent level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is typically demonstrated through highly responsible administrative and executive support work such as: serving as a senior advisor or primary point of contact on behalf of executive leadership, responding to complex or sensitive inquiries requiring expert knowledge of organizational operations, policies, and strategic priorities; developing, reviewing, and finalizing high-level correspondence, reports, and briefing materials for executive audiences; applying expert-level proficiency in computer software to integrate systems and produce complex, high-visibility documents and analyses; coordinating high-level engagements with executive, interagency, or international stakeholders; serving as a confidential assistant to senior executive-level officials, exercising exceptional discretion and judgment in handling sensitive and high-impact information; and providing guidance on administrative policies, processes, and workflow improvements. At this level, work is performed with considerable independence and authority, requiring the anticipation of executive needs, resolution of complex issues, and the ability to influence outcomes and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Your resume must clearly document this experience.
This is a Schedule C position, which does not afford permanent civil service status. If selected, you will be required to sign a statement that you have been informed of the employment status of this position.
Education
At the GS-11 level: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree.
GS-12: While there is no positive education requirement or substitution for this position, the most highly-qualified applicant would have a minimum of a 4-year academic degree, in a field of study that demonstrates competency in the key requirements of the position. In addition, formal education in the mission of the Commission is highly desirable. We encourage all applications to submit copies of their unofficial transcripts.
GS:13 While there is no positive education requirement or substitution for this position, the most highly-qualified applicant would have a minimum of a 4-year academic degree, in a field of study that demonstrates competency in the key requirements of the position. In addition, formal education in the mission of the Commission is highly desirable. We encourage all applications to submit copies of their unofficial transcripts.
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. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
Additional information
NOTE: THIS POSITION WILL BE FILLED USING THE SCHEDULE C HIRING AUTHORITY. AGENCIES MAY SEPARATE SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES AT ANY TIME IF THE CONFIDENTIAL OR POLICY-DETERMINING RELATIONSHIP ENDS BETWEEN THE INCUMBENT AND THEIR SUPERVISOR.
SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES ARE NOT COVERED BY STATUTORY REMOVAL PROCEDURES AND GENERALLY HAVE NO RIGHTS TO APPEAL REMOVAL ACTIONS TO THE MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD.
1. If you are a male applicant who was born after December 31, 1959, you are required to 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 www.sss.gov.
2. Time period to meet qualifications: All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
3. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials and employment history will be verified as part of the security clearance process.
4. Excepted service appointments: This position is in the Excepted Service and therefore, does not confer rights to permanent Civil Service status.
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.
The SME review is related to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies (KSA's). You do not have to respond to the KSA's.
Knowledge of administrative service functions, regulations, and procedures
Experience with the preparation of documents using a variety of administrative computer software
Ability to work independently, organizing and accomplishing work
BASIS OF RATING: 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) and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying.
Your resume, and supporting documentation for education, should contain sufficient information for us to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualification requirements for this vacancy. We do not make inferences and can only consider the information you provide to us. Insufficient resumes and application packages will result in loss of consideration. Your experience and education is also evaluated using an assessment questionnaire, which is available at the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12935321
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.
1. Resume: Your resume may be in any written format you choose, and to be sufficient, should contain the required information as specified in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. Insufficient resumes, or resumes that contain inappropriate information, such as privacy information or photographs, will result in an ineligible rating.
2. Occupational questionnaire: A completed job-specific occupational questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.
3. Transcripts: If you have attended college, we would appreciate receipt of a copy of your transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable with the initial application. If selected, your education is verified as part of the security-processing.
4. Current or former Federal employees: Please submit a copy of an SF-50 that shows the highest grade and salary you have held, as well as your most current annual performance appraisal. Do not submit award SF-50s, or justification for awards as part of your application package.
5. Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to this position, which is in the excepted service; however, the Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor in the hiring of all positions. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include such information in their cover letter, or resume, and submit supporting documents (e.g. DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty) as part of their application package. Although the point preference system is not used as in the competitive service, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15), and documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed, as listed on the SF-15. Specific information is available on the Office of Personnel Management website at: http://www.opm.gov.
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 complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/28/2026 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
Upon receipt of your application
Upon minimum qualifications determination
After candidates have been referred to the hiring official
Once a selection has been made
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Resume: Your resume may be in any written format you choose, and to be sufficient, should contain the required information as specified in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. Insufficient resumes, or resumes that contain inappropriate information, such as privacy information or photographs, will result in an ineligible rating.
2. Occupational questionnaire: A completed job-specific occupational questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.
3. Transcripts: If you have attended college, we would appreciate receipt of a copy of your transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable with the initial application. If selected, your education is verified as part of the security-processing.
4. Current or former Federal employees: Please submit a copy of an SF-50 that shows the highest grade and salary you have held, as well as your most current annual performance appraisal. Do not submit award SF-50s, or justification for awards as part of your application package.
5. Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to this position, which is in the excepted service; however, the Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor in the hiring of all positions. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include such information in their cover letter, or resume, and submit supporting documents (e.g. DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty) as part of their application package. Although the point preference system is not used as in the competitive service, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15), and documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed, as listed on the SF-15. Specific information is available on the Office of Personnel Management website at: http://www.opm.gov.
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 complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/28/2026 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
Upon receipt of your application
Upon minimum qualifications determination
After candidates have been referred to the hiring official
Once a selection has been made
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
