International Programs Specialist
What you'd do
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.
Major duties
The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. Provide technical support and expertise in one or more program areas, such as international trade finance; agricultural trade capacity building programs; scientific exchange initiatives; and related international development activities. Assist with the coordination and implementation of agricultural capacity building and scientific exchange programs, including helping deliver science based training and technical assistance. Support the administration of program financial requirements and internal controls by helping ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies. Contribute to the negotiation, development, and implementation of agreements and cooperative activities involving FAS, other USDA agencies, academic institutions and international or foreign counterparts. Provide information, participate in briefings, and represent program areas in discussions with internal and external partners as assignments become more complex.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following: assisted with program or project support for international or agricultural development or trade activities; helped collect and organize information for capacity-building or technical assistance work; and used written or oral communication to share basic program information or support team tasks. Experience may be from the public or private sector. OR1 full year of graduate level education OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements. TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following: conducts research, gathers data, and provides inputs for reports, briefings, and analytical products; implementing, coordinating, and evaluating agricultural assistance programs; conducts assessments and provides initial interpretations of international trade issues, conditions, and events. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree. OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following: program or project management support activities such as designing, implementing, monitoring, or evaluating international or agricultural development or trade programs; draft or review documents or agreements for capacity-building or technical assistance; assisted in providing technical information or training to stakeholders; written and oral communication to present findings or support program discussions. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following: independently carried out program or project management activities such as design, implementation, monitoring, or evaluation for international or agricultural development or trade programs; led or contributed to developing, negotiating, and implementing capacity-building or technical assistance agreements; provided technical leadership and consultation for program activities in rural development, natural resources management, scientific exchange, or trade; and used written and oral communication to present findings, recommend activities, and represent an organization in discussions with internal and external partnersNote: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.