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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Department of the Air Force
United States Space Force Components

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$107,446 - $164,301 per year
Pay scale & grade
NH 4
Promotion potential
None
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
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
9N-AFPC-13037217-402076-SN
Control number
880538200

Duties

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The primary purpose of this position is to function as Director exercising managerial authorities over all aspects of the International Affairs program. Serves as the Command's lead POC for HQ SPACFOREUR-AF International Affairs agreements, Chief International Security Cooperation Officer (SCO), and manages the command's wide-ranging Security Cooperation, Military Partnerships, International Affairs/Strategic Engagement activities, Posture and Foreign Visit programs.

Duties:

  • Team Leadership and Mission Oversight
  • International Program Direction and Execution
  • Senior-Level Advisory and Strategic Representation

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • A security clearance may be required
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a OCONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Superior qualifications consideration
  • Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
  • Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in (cont'd)
  • Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret w/SCI clearance.
  • This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, (cont'd)
  • national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.
  • May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
  • May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Foreign Affairs Series, 0130.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. Courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR

EXPERIENCE: Four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs. Evaluation of Experience: Qualifying experience may have been through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries.

AND

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-03, equivalent to the next to lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is described as Mastery knowledge of international affairs, foreign engagement and security/foreign policy formulation with demonstrated expertise and experience in US foreign and security policy formulation and implementation. Experience and knowledge should also demonstrate expertise derived from experience on the staff of a Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) or international security organization (NATO, EU, etc) in the formulation or implementation of international agreements, foreign policy, U.S. posture policies, multinational/combined operations, Security Cooperation (SC) management, including operations, policies and procedures, concepts, theories, and best-practices. The proven ability to make decisions based on this knowledge and recommend courses of action to senior leadership, to include, U.S. and Foreign General Officers, US Ambassadors, and senior interagency leadership; knowledge of the development of international agreements, Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), Concepts of Employment (CONEMPs), Mission Area Plans (MAPs), the integrated planning process, Strategic Master Plans, the Combatant Commanders' Integrated Priority List (IPL) development, US Embassy Integrated Country Strategies (ICS), DoS Joint Regional Strategy (JRS), space system acquisition process, and the directive instructions governing these processes and procedures and the skill to apply this knowledge in executing of duties; In-depth knowledge of, and experience in multiple space missions areas, architectures and operations, and the skill to apply this knowledge in executing of duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Mastery knowledge of international affairs, foreign engagement and security/foreign policy formulation with demonstrated expertise and experience in US foreign and security policy formulation and implementation. Experience and knowledge should also demonstrate expertise derived from experience on the staff of a Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) or international security organization (NATO, EU, etc) in the formulation or implementation of international agreements, foreign policy, U.S. posture policies, multinational/combined operations, Security Cooperation (SC) management, including operations, policies and procedures, concepts, theories, and best-practices. The proven ability to make decisions based on this knowledge and recommend courses of action to senior leadership, to include, U.S. and Foreign General Officers, US Ambassadors, and senior interagency leadership.
  2. Experience in and knowledge of the development of international agreements, Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), Concepts of Employment (CONEMPs), Mission Area Plans (MAPs), the integrated planning process, Strategic Master Plans, the Combatant Commanders' Integrated Priority List (IPL) development, US Embassy Integrated Country Strategies (ICS), DoS Joint Regional Strategy (JRS), space system acquisition process, and the directive instructions governing these processes and procedures and the skill to apply this knowledge in executing of duties.
  3. Expert ability to analyze, and derive pertinent information from a variety of source inputs and devise solutions, advocate for needed funding, formulate Command position and then successfully advocate for those position through the senior leadership.
  4. In-depth knowledge of, and experience in multiple space missions areas, architectures and operations, and the skill to apply this knowledge in executing of duties.
  5. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and mentor, motivate, and appraise the staff of an organization. Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy.
  6. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.


PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

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

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, 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 conventional U.S. education programs. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Important Overseas Information: Applicants interested in applying for overseas locations please click here to review important information regarding the exceptional family member program.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: When job announcements indicate PCS costs are authorized, overseas allowances may be authorized in accordance with Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) and any applicable Federal Overseas Regulations.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval).

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

United States Space Force Components

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win ... Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Cyber Excepted Service (CES) Employees
  • AF Internal Employee
  • Cyber Interagency Transfer Authority (CITA)
  • EO 12721 Certain Former Overseas Employees
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • Non-Appropriated Fund
  • Other (Interchange Agreements)
  • Overseas - Excepted Service Family Member
  • Overseas - Family Member Preference
  • Overseas - Military Spouse
  • Overseas Family Member Preference with Veteran Preference
  • Overseas Military Spouse Preference with Veteran Preference
  • PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
  • PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
United States Space Force Components
1670 Space Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330
US

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