The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Human Resources Officer (HRO) positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
Summary
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Human Resources Officer (HRO) positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
Yes—After completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., a Foreign Service Specialist is usually assigned to two overseas tours, each two years in length, directed by the Department. After the initial two tours, assignments will be for periods of one to three years overseas or in the United States.
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Foreign Service Specialists generally spend the majority of their careers assigned to overseas missions and may, at times, live away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions.
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) Tenure Board.
Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements.
Candidates may reapply one year after their most recent date of application submission for the same position.
Candidates may not apply if a U.S. Department of State Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years for any position, except if the denial was for a DS Special Agent (SA) candidate whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs.
Some of the specific duties and responsibilities of the HRO include managing human resource issues for U.S. Direct Hires (USDH) and Locally Employed Staff (LE Staff). These include but are not limited to:
Locally Employed Staff Human Resource Responsibilities
Talent Management: Oversees the lifecycle of LE staff employment from recruitment, security and medical clearances, onboarding, benefits, compensation, training, discipline, and performance, to separation. Oversees the hiring and performance process for Eligible Family Members (EFM), all of whom are hired locally.
Performance Management: Oversees the LE staff performance evaluation process. Counsels employees and supervisors on career development. Guides managers on handling poor performance.
Employee Relations and Recognition: Manages the interagency mission awards program. Counsels employees and supervisors on leadership and interpersonal skills. Manages disciplinary actions.
Policies and Procedures: Creates and abolishes local positions. Reviews position descriptions to ensure that position classifications are fair and accurately reflect the realities of the position. Monitors changes to local labor laws and Department policy and updates the Local Compensation Plan and LE Staff Handbook. Prepares and leads presentations for staff on policies and procedures. Coordinates with State Department lawyers on legal matters as appropriate.
Supervision: Supervises, directs, mentors, and evaluates LE and EFM HR office staff.
U.S. Direct Hire Human Resource Responsibilities
Talent Management: As Post Training Officer, approves training requests, develops mentoring programs and training programs, and administers intern, fellows, and seasonal hire programs. Coordinates the annual bidding process.
Performance Management: Coordinates the annual evaluations process. Counsels and advises USDH staff on career development. Develops workload projections.
Employee Relations and Recognition: Develops and presents orientation programs. Oversees post language programs. Oversees implementation of diplomatic immunity, accreditation, and residential permit requirements. Liaises with appropriate offices in Washington to manage poor performance and discipline.
Policies, Procedures, Salary, and Benefit Administration: Disseminates federal benefits information, assignment information, and newly enacted policies and procedures.
Contribution to Mission Development: Advises on HR policies, contributes to the annual Mission Strategic Plan, and participates in Mission-wide activities such as representational events and VIP visits. Serves as acting Management Officer or Financial Management Officer as needed.
Possible Domestic HR Assignments: Board of Examiners, Course Manager at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center, Career Development Officer, Regional Human Resources Officer, and Subject Matter Expert, among other opportunities.
Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
Foreign Service Human Resources Officers (HROs) serve at many of the Department of State posts throughout the world, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and Regional Centers in Charleston, South Carolina; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Frankfurt, Germany.
HROs are responsible for the U.S. Direct Hire (USDH) and, overseas, Locally Employed (LE) Staff Human Resources (HR) programs for the Department of State and participating U.S. government agencies. Responsibilities include managing a range of HR functions including:
Recruitment and staffing.
Performance management, appraisal, and training and development.
Salary and benefits administration.
Employment policies and procedures.
Workforce planning and position classification.
An HRO must adhere to the highest standards of integrity, dependability, attention to detail, teamwork, and cooperation while accepting the need to travel, to live overseas, and when necessary, to live away from family.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience
Specialized experience is work in the field of Human Resources management that demonstrates the candidate has a combination of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities pertinent to a Foreign Service HRO position. The candidate must demonstrate that their job-related experience has been of a progressively responsible nature.
Qualifying specialized experience must consist of 60% or more of the following duties:
Recruitment and staffing - recruitment, qualifications review, testing, and interviewing.
Staff training and development.
Performance management and appraisal.
Employee relations; work-life balance and discipline.
Salary and benefits administration - wage and benefits surveys and analysis, administration of employee benefits programs such as health benefits, life insurance, and retirement systems.
Drafting and/or implementation of Human Resources policies and procedures.
Position classification.
Supervision.
In addition to meeting the requirements above, the candidate must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a strong customer service orientation.
Experience as a Human Resources professional in a multicultural or international environment is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Department conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. The Department will consider a candidate's education level, work experience, and other qualifications as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.
General Human Resources Knowledge: Recruitment, training, candidate assessment, change management techniques, information security methods, employee evaluation procedures, awards procedures, benefit programs, grievance and disciplinary procedures, engagement and quality of work life, management of remote work, career development, leadership principles, supervision principles, mentoring techniques, performance metrics, equal employment opportunity law and sources of bias, information resources, legal terminology, cross-cultural communication.
Skills: Written communication, interpersonal interactions, building relationships, customer service, resolving conflict, working with others of different backgrounds, managing laterally and upward, leadership, training, evaluating and interviewing personnel, running meetings, teamwork, critical thinking, creative problem solving, decision making, organizing, planning, project management, time management, computer and internet technology, operating HR communication networks, data analysis, professional social interaction, counseling and giving constructive feedback, managing intense emotional situations, presentations and public speaking, adaptability and resilience, and self-development.
Other Requirements: Continuous learning, cross-cultural awareness, and cross-cultural interest. Openness to an international career, experiencing frequent travel, different work environments, and at times living away from family. Attention to detail, strong command of the English language, dependability, accountability, integrity, and willingness to perform other duties.
Education
At the time of application, the candidate must possess:
A high school diploma or equivalency, or an associate's degree, and a minimum of five years of specialized experience within the last 10 years; or
A bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of specialized experience within the last 10 years; or
A master's degree in human resources or labor relations from an accredited university or college, and a minimum of two years of specialized experience within the last 10 years.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education
Foreign education acquired outside of any state of the U.S., the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or any territory or possession of the U.S. must be evaluated by a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services - NACES or AICE - to be given credit towards qualification.
The accredited interpretation must include the summary and the foreign education transcripts.
The Department of State will not accept foreign education transcripts that have not been evaluated by a credential evaluation service and will terminate the candidacy.
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management, Foreign Education section, and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
Please refer to the Required Documents section on how to submit the required educational documentation for this position.
Additional information
*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) - Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the U.S. - either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee's information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
**The U.S. Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information, please visit: https://fam.state.gov/
No candidate will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under §607, §608, §610, or §612 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no candidate will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.
A Foreign Service Specialist separated pursuant to §§306, 607, 608, 610, or 612 may not reapply to be in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist. A Foreign Service Generalist separated pursuant to §§306, 607, 608, 610, or 612 may not reapply as a Generalist but may apply to a Foreign Service Specialist vacancy.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 U.S. Code §3303, as amended, from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 U.S. Code §3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
It is the policy of the federal government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination and retaliation, in accordance with the standards set forth by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to qualified candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodation in advance. For information on requesting reasonable accommodation, please visit: https://careers.state.gov/requesting-reasonable-accommodations/ Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and a tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary range listed is extracted from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The Department of State determines the starting step in part by the highest education level achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee. For information on salary, please view our Foreign Service Entry Salaries.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Department of State evaluates candidates on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. The Department will select only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications for this position. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
The Department of State reserves the right to cancel and/or disqualify any application or to withhold test results when, in its judgment, a testing irregularity occurs. Testing irregularities include, but are not limited to, candidate misconduct, plagiarism, and/or misrepresentation of material fact, including in narrative descriptions of accomplishments. The Department may verify content provided by candidates by contacting references. It also conducts extensive background checks of work and education history of candidates offered employment.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and a tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary range listed is extracted from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The Department of State determines the starting step in part by the highest education level achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee. For information on salary, please view our Foreign Service Entry Salaries.
Upon request, candidates with qualifying scores must submit the following documentation to demonstrate they possess the educational level and specialized skills required for this position. Candidates should add @state.gov as a trusted sender. Neither the Department of State nor Pearson VUE is responsible for the failure of a candidate's internet service provider to deliver email messages.
PDF documents are required. The Department of State will terminate the candidacy if the required documents do not meet the requirements below or if the application process is incomplete.
Resume that clearly outlines the dates of employment and specifies all relevant experience for the position, including at least 10 years of work history.
Education Documents: Official/unofficial college/university transcripts are accepted. University diplomas are not accepted in lieu of transcripts.
All documents must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:
Be in PDF format. The Department will reject other formats.
Be an attachment. The Department will reject documents sent via link, secured message, or in any other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services.
Be complete with no missing pages.
Be legible.
Transcripts must include the candidate's full name, the school's name, and the degree and date awarded/conferred. Candidates with a name change should submit an official document reflecting the change.
All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education Information in the Education Requirements section.
Veterans' Preference Documentation for candidates aged 60 to 64. If claiming Veterans' Preference, a copy of the candidate's DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" — which must include the candidate's Character of Service — must be submitted with the application. If claiming a 10-point Veterans' Preference, the candidate's VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received their DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the candidate's responsibility to complete the application process and submit all required documents before the closing deadline. There are no exceptions.
Complete the application process by registering to take the Human Resources Officer Test (HROT) as indicated in the steps below. Do not apply through USAJobs.
Follow the instructions to complete the application process.
Answer any self-assessment/affirmation questions. Your information is automatically saved as you proceed. You may interrupt the application process and return to it at any time until you submit.
Complete, review, and submit your information. Once submitted, your information will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
Select an appointment date to take the HROT at one of Pearson VUE's test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Pearson VUE Customer Service Desk by calling 1-888-671-2197 (toll free), 1-952-905-7483 (toll), or by utilizing the Chat function at www.pearsonvue.com. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time and is closed on local holidays.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street NW SA-1
Room H518
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
Pearson VUE forwards candidates' test results and information to the Department of State. After the Department of State receives the information, it will notify all candidates via the email provided during the application process of the next steps. Candidates should add the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender to their inbox.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Upon request, candidates with qualifying scores must submit the following documentation to demonstrate they possess the educational level and specialized skills required for this position. Candidates should add @state.gov as a trusted sender. Neither the Department of State nor Pearson VUE is responsible for the failure of a candidate's internet service provider to deliver email messages.
PDF documents are required. The Department of State will terminate the candidacy if the required documents do not meet the requirements below or if the application process is incomplete.
Resume that clearly outlines the dates of employment and specifies all relevant experience for the position, including at least 10 years of work history.
Education Documents: Official/unofficial college/university transcripts are accepted. University diplomas are not accepted in lieu of transcripts.
All documents must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:
Be in PDF format. The Department will reject other formats.
Be an attachment. The Department will reject documents sent via link, secured message, or in any other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services.
Be complete with no missing pages.
Be legible.
Transcripts must include the candidate's full name, the school's name, and the degree and date awarded/conferred. Candidates with a name change should submit an official document reflecting the change.
All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education Information in the Education Requirements section.
Veterans' Preference Documentation for candidates aged 60 to 64. If claiming Veterans' Preference, a copy of the candidate's DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" — which must include the candidate's Character of Service — must be submitted with the application. If claiming a 10-point Veterans' Preference, the candidate's VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received their DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the candidate's responsibility to complete the application process and submit all required documents before the closing deadline. There are no exceptions.
Complete the application process by registering to take the Human Resources Officer Test (HROT) as indicated in the steps below. Do not apply through USAJobs.
Follow the instructions to complete the application process.
Answer any self-assessment/affirmation questions. Your information is automatically saved as you proceed. You may interrupt the application process and return to it at any time until you submit.
Complete, review, and submit your information. Once submitted, your information will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
Select an appointment date to take the HROT at one of Pearson VUE's test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Pearson VUE Customer Service Desk by calling 1-888-671-2197 (toll free), 1-952-905-7483 (toll), or by utilizing the Chat function at www.pearsonvue.com. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time and is closed on local holidays.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street NW SA-1
Room H518
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
Pearson VUE forwards candidates' test results and information to the Department of State. After the Department of State receives the information, it will notify all candidates via the email provided during the application process of the next steps. Candidates should add the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender to their inbox.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
