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CHIEF OF STAFF

Department of Defense
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS)

Summary

The ACSS is an academic institution within the U.S. Department of War established in 1999, and funded by Congress for the study of security issues relating to Africa. The Africa Center is the pre-eminent Department of War institution for strategic security studies, research, and outreach in Africa. The Africa Center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply in 3 days
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 29, 2026
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$169,279 - $220,065 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 15
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DSCA-26-12961546-EB
Control number
870424800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Current Career or Career-Conditional DSCA-Africa Center Employees. Eligible Priority Placement Program DoW Military Spouses Preference (MSP) applicants.

Duties

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  • Directs and integrates administrative operations involving programming, budgeting, personnel, logistics, contracting, procurement, and protocol functions supporting Center mission objectives.
  • Provides leadership and oversight of civilian and military workforce management activities, including manpower planning, supervision, hiring, performance management, and organizational alignment.
  • Oversees resource and financial management operations, including budget planning and execution, contracting support, information management, and allocation of personnel and material resources.
  • Advises senior leadership on organizational effectiveness, operational priorities, policy implementation, and strategic initiatives impacting Center operations and mission execution.
  • Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure operational continuity, program integration, and effective support of institutional objectives and strategic partnerships.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Suitable for Federal Employment
  • Registered for Selective Service (if applicable)
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
  • Some overseas travel may be required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 or equivalent level.

Specialized experience must be documented in your resume.

Specialized experience is defined as: Experience leading and integrating administrative, personnel, and resource management operations in support of complex organizational missions, including budgeting, manpower management, logistics, contracting, and strategic planning activities.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education is not substitutable for specialized experience for this grade level.

Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.

    • Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
    • An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
  • FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
    • Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education

Additional information

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.

Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a I-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

Supervisory Probationary Period: You will be required to serve an supervisory probationary period of one year if one has not already been completed.

Background or Security Investigation: This is a Non-critical Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Secret security determination to occupy a Non-critical Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment.

Reemployed Annuitants: Department of Defense has the authority to hire annuitants without reduction in pay. For more information, go to: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/1400.25-V300.pdf

All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) leads, directs and manages security cooperation programs and resources to support national security objectives that build relationships that promote U.S. interests, build allied and partner capacities for self-defense and coalition operations in the global war on terrorism, and promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces.

The Africa Center serves as a forum for bilateral and multilateral research, communication, and exchange of ideas involving military and civilian participants.

The Africa Center does this by expanding understanding of African security issues, providing a trusted platform for dialogue, building enduring partnerships, and catalyzing strategic solutions. The overarching goal is to support processes that foster security for all Africans championed by effective institutions accountable to their citizens. Africa Center programs revolve around the generation and dissemination of knowledge through its research, academic programs, and community engagement.

DSCA has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings plan (TSP); health, life, and long-term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. DSCA employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy and situational telework opportunities.

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.

HR will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Applicants meeting the basic requirements will be further evaluated by information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:

  • Organizational Administration
  • Resource Management
  • Workforce Management


You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12961546

Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Phone
(317) 212-0454
Email
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil
Address
DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
Apply Online
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US

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http://www.dsca.mil/

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