This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/582560700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) is one of four official Foreign Affairs Agencies under the Foreign Service Act of 1980. The US&FCS of the U.S. Department of Commerce is comprised of approximately 1,600 American and Foreign employees operating a domestic network of more than 100 Export Assistance Centers throughout the U. S. and are present in over 75 international countries.
10/26/2020 to 11/08/2020
$58,711 - $85,448 per year
FP 4
No
75% or less - Incumbents will be in travel status for 75% of the time.
Yes— Relocation is authorized
Permanent
Full-Time
Excepted
04 - Foreign Service has a competitive promotion process for potential promotion to the Senior Foreign Service (SFS) level.
No
Yes
ITA-FSHR-2021-0002
582560700
All qualified United States Citizens or Nationals.
This is an entry-level position as a Foreign Commercial Service Officers (FCSO). FCSOs serve as members of the Commercial Section at an U.S. Embassy domestically and internationally and report to a Senior Commercial Officer.
As a Foreign Commercial Service Officer, FP-1140-04 you will:
For more detailed information about the duties of a Commercial Service Officer, please visit the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service website, http://www.trade.gov/jobs/world-of-opportunity.html.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Specialized Experience: To qualify for the FP-1140-04, you must possess three years of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service, or comparable private sector experience. You must demonstrate experience in at least five of the following examples:
1.) Assisting with the production of regional and/or international market analyses that form the basis of business for business-related decisions;
2.) Assisting with the development and/or implementation of an international trade and marketing strategy for a U.S. product or service which includes identifying target foreign markets, analyzing the potential of these markets, and developing a business plan to successfully establish business operations and promoting the product or service domestically or internationally;
3.) Assisting in the planning and implementation of trade promotion events such as trade fairs or trade missions;
4.) Serving as a liaison with foreign governments or other organizations to influence the outcome of business activities between U.S. companies and foreign markets and contacts;
5.) Contributing to the analysis of commercial issues requiring trade, economic, or business knowledge of one or more geographic regions;
6.) Researching legal casework focused on international business issues;
7.) Managing international finance in support of American companies;
8.) Leading business development work related to international trade and economic capacity building.
OR
Possess a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree with a major in international policy, commerce, management, development; intercultural relations, global economy, government and foreign affairs, international business, international trade, international economics, international affairs, international relations, or other related fields of study.
OR
A combination of education and experience.
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
EDUCATION according to Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR):
Basic Requirement: An undergraduate or graduate degree with a major in global business management, global public policy, international finance, business administration, textile and apparel studies, political science, economics, marketing, international trade, international business, international affairs, international relations, international economics, or other related fields of study. Degree must be completed within 90-days of the closing date. IOR
College Transcript: You must submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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
Conditions of Employment:
WORLDWIDE AVAILABILITY: Worldwide availability is an essential qualification for appointment to the Foreign Service. Worldwide availability is defined as domestic and international. It is common for a Foreign Commercial Service Officer to be assigned to a domestic U.S. Export Assistance Center for his/her first tour of duty. Tours of duty generally last two to four years and require a global relocation. Overnight travel is also part of the job of a Foreign Commercial Service Officer.
SECURITY AND DRUG CLEARANCES: You are applying for a national security position, which means that a comprehensive background investigation will be conducted to develop information to show whether you are reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character, and loyal to the United States. Candidates who are found unsuitable for the Foreign Service, or who cannot be granted a security clearance, are ineligible for appointment. It is the policy of the Department of Commerce to test selected applicants and employees for illegal drug use prior to employment or appointment to a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
MEDICAL CLEARANCE: Foreign Service employees must be able to serve at a wide variety of overseas posts, some of which are remote, located in cities with health and sanitation concerns, or have limited medical support. Therefore, each candidate must meet fitness standards that are often more rigorous than those of other professions. Medical disqualification renders a candidate ineligible for Foreign Service appointment. Regardless of who administers the medical exam, The Department of State's Office of Medical Service determines whether a candidate is available for assignment to all Department of Commerce posts worldwide. While medical clearance for overseas duty is an essential qualification for prospective Foreign Service employees, the Department of Commerce does not consider the medical condition of eligible family members for pre-employment purposes. However, the Department requires medical clearances for family members before they can travel overseas to accompany an employee on assignment at U.S. Government expense. Family members who, for medical reasons, are unable to accompany an employee on an overseas assignment may be eligible for a separate maintenance allowance.
AGE: Must be at least 21 years old, but not older than 59 years old upon entry. The Foreign Service has a mandatory retirement age of 65. To retire under the Foreign Service retirement system, one must have at least five years of service credit under the system.
BARGAINING STATUS: This position is in the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: While not required for initial appointment as a career candidate, applicant's proficient in foreign languages, especially Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and Russian are highly desired. Proficiency in foreign languages may enhance the competitive standing of applicants who pass the assessment process and are selected for the Rank Order Register. Proof of language proficiency will be required. Additional information will be provided to those candidates who pass the assessment process.
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.
Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at Federal Government Benefits
APPOINTMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE - GRADE: This is an entry-level position in the Foreign Service as a career-candidate Foreign Commercial Service Officer leading to career status. Starting Foreign Service grade and salary are commensurate with experience. The current base salary range for FP-04 is $58,186- $85,448 per year, plus additional locality pay determined by duty location. For example, an officer serving in Washington, D.C. would have a salary range of $75,921 - 111,493.
TENURE: Employees entering the Foreign Service will have up to five years to become career officers, according to the provisions of the Foreign Service Act. The Commissioning and Tenure Board will review individuals in accordance with the Commissioning and Tenure policy. During the five-year period, the employee will be required to attain proficiency in a foreign language at a level prescribed by and tested at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. If an employee does not receive tenure, he/she may not continue with the US&FCS.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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.
The evaluation process for the FCSO position occurs in two phases:
Phase I:
We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored Occupational Skills Questionnaire, Situational Judgment Test, and Writing Exercise. The highest-ranking applicants as determined by their scores and validated by the resume and supporting documents will be invited to participate in a virtual Assessment from November 30, 2020 to December 11, 2020. Invitees will be notified in advance of the specific date, IT requirements/specifications and virtual platform for the Assessment Center.
*WRITING SAMPLE: All applicants must complete the individual occupational questionnaire and additional assessment (writing sample questions).
Phase II:
The virtual Assessment Center is a day-long testing process consisting of an oral and written examination on subjects of general and commercial interest, including individual and group exercises. The Assessment Center measures competencies, including: International Relations, Leadership, Managing Human Resources, Accountability, Business Promotion/Advocacy, Decision Making, Flexibility, Influencing & Negotiating, Conflict Management, Change Management, Interpersonal Skills, Research, Cross-cultural, Managing Trade Events, Oral Communication, Planning & Evaluating, Problem Solving, Teamwork, and Written Communication.
Candidates who are invited to the Assessment Center will receive more detailed information on the assessment process with their invitation. Successful candidates will be placed on a rank-order register for up to 24 months. Offers of appointment are made as vacancies become available based on the needs of the Service.
*Note: Applicants who were previously separated from the Foreign Service under sections 607, 608, 610, or 611 of the Foreign Service Act as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions, will not be considered. In addition, applicants who were previously separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof will not be considered.
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.
Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at Federal Government Benefits
APPOINTMENT TO THE FOREIGN SERVICE - GRADE: This is an entry-level position in the Foreign Service as a career-candidate Foreign Commercial Service Officer leading to career status. Starting Foreign Service grade and salary are commensurate with experience. The current base salary range for FP-04 is $58,186- $85,448 per year, plus additional locality pay determined by duty location. For example, an officer serving in Washington, D.C. would have a salary range of $75,921 - 111,493.
TENURE: Employees entering the Foreign Service will have up to five years to become career officers, according to the provisions of the Foreign Service Act. The Commissioning and Tenure Board will review individuals in accordance with the Commissioning and Tenure policy. During the five-year period, the employee will be required to attain proficiency in a foreign language at a level prescribed by and tested at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. If an employee does not receive tenure, he/she may not continue with the US&FCS.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
For instructions on submitting your application in an alternate format, please contact the SO Staffing number listed in this vacancy announcement.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER: The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov and clicking on “Track Your Online Application.” The four points of notification are:
1. Application Received or Application Incomplete
2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Not Met;
3. Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Not Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
4. Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans’ preference, disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
For instructions on submitting your application in an alternate format, please contact the SO Staffing number listed in this vacancy announcement.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER: The Department of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov and clicking on “Track Your Online Application.” The four points of notification are:
1. Application Received or Application Incomplete
2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Not Met;
3. Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Not Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
4. Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans’ preference, disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/582560700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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