FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
What you'd do
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide developmental experience designed to broaden the skills and/or enhance the leadership perspective of an identified high-potential, mil-level manager/executive; it is not a continuing position and assignment duration is NTE 36 months.
Major duties
DUTY 1: Reviews USAF and USG policy and procedures and collaborates on DoW-wide efforts to ensure appropriate handling of proposed and ongoing security assistance and security cooperation programs in support of the DAF Security Cooperation and Security Cooperation Governance structure. In concert with SAF/IA Regional Divisions, oversees development, coordination, and establishment of Security Cooperation programs. Manages, in coordination with the Secretariat, the administrative functions of the Security Cooperation Governance structure, to include all logistics and correspondence requirements as well as coordination and alignment with other USAF corporate structures. DUTY 2: At the agency level, is responsible for analyzing and examining all segments of security cooperation case/line authority. Conducts required analysis of program provisions and operations. Compiles, interprets and maintains statistical data to make recommendations and to determine process improvements are executed, Directs and analyzes various security cooperation and security assistance program executions by organization and/or program based on a variety of historical and/or actual execution of data. Analyzes monthly reports on all Air Force security cooperation and security assistance programs. Analyzes development/execution of cases through continuing dialogue with management officials and staff, review of written documents to include legislative and policy guidance. Examines a variety of government-to-government contracts and documents, to include accounting and logistical records to ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory guidance. Analyzes the impact of new or revised legislation regarding current and new policies and procedures. DUTY 3: As a Career Broadener, represents the International Affairs Directorate with a variety of command and functional area organizations. Establishes, develops and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of high-level offices. Meets with key customers and coordinating officials to assess customer satisfaction, explain organization policy and procedures, and resolves significant problems that arise. Ensures subordinate units provide customer guidance and training. Participates in special projects and initiatives and performs special assignments. Identifies the need for special projects and initiates milestones and goals. Evaluates reports by analyzing facts and performing appropriate research and prepares detailed responses. DUTY 4: Performs career broadening assignments as a senior Foreign Affairs Specialist at the SAF level. Responsible for interpreting and advising on planning issues and DAF export recommendations as they impact and relate to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. Provides expertise to develop and execute Security Cooperation initiatives and actions relating to DAF international affairs. DUTY 5: As a Career Broadener, support to regional divisions and country directors in support of various Country portfolios. Supports assigned regional division by providing oversight and guidance on various FMS, Pol-Mil and foreign policy issues related to assigned portfolio. Support Key Leader Engagements by drafting talking points, products and coordinating support elements for meetings between foreign partner leadership and senior Air and Space Force Leadership. Career Broadener will also attend and support as needed any program reviews for major or politically sensitive FMS programs.
What you need to qualify
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. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/foreign-affairs-series-0130/ BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: 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. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Expert knowledge of international relations principles, methods, practices, processes, and techniques; knowledge of US foreign and security policy. Thorough knowledge of the role of the military in the development and implementation of foreign policy at the DOD, Joint Staff and Unified/Specified Command levels. Professional knowledge of the expeditionary Air Force and the organization, training, and employment of the various air expeditionary forces. Vocal advocate of airpower and the unique aspects that airpower brings to the table. Knowledge and skill in qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques to develop performance measures. Knowledge to apply particular methods or procedures and research findings for broad international policy issues. Skill in refining techniques, developing new approaches, and conducting probing innovative analyses which involve complex variables that significantly impact the interpretation or implementation of important policies. Ability to identify and analyze how changes in US foreign policy, as well as changes in other nations' and international / regional organizations' policies affect relationships with the assigned organizations operations and programs. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-13 or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. 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 of knowledge of International Affairs functions, operations, policies, procedures and practices and the concepts, theories and practices of the specialist work performed in the subordinate organizations. 2. Thorough knowledge of the role of the military in the development and implementation of foreign policy at the DoW, Joint Staff and Unified/Specified Command levels. 3. Ability to research, organize, and respond effectively on Security Cooperation efforts, issues, and problems. 4. Skill in analyzing large quantities of complex information from diverse sources involving geo-political, politico-military, economic, and other non-military topics; and the ability to link the data to previous military data in order to synthesize and communicate findings and recommendations effectively. 5. Ability to support SAF/IA senior leaders with internal decision-making, development of policies, and executing and maintaining the SAF/IA Mission.
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