Chief of Operations

Full Job Description

The Chief of Operations (ChOps) position serves as a senior executive in the Office of Global Operations, overseeing a portfolio of Peace Corps posts.

The ChOps manages strategic planning, policy development, personnel, and crisis response. The position advises on program direction, liaises with U.S.

and foreign officials, and ensures effective implementation of Agency goals. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements prior to the closing date of this announcement, 03/10/2026.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience demonstrated in your resume, including volunteer work. Qualification claims are subject to verification.

This vacancy is being announced at one grade level.

Specialized Experience at the FP-01 (GS-15) Level: To qualify for this position at the FP-01 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression, FP-02 or GS-14.

This experience must be directly related to the work of the position and must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the role.

Specialized experience includes: Developing and implementing complex studies and analyses related to managing domestic and international programs.

Applying administrative laws, policies, regulations, and precedents to program management.

Representing an organization at the executive level, with internal and external stakeholders, to advocate for program goals, negotiate agreements, and build collaborative partnerships that advance strategic objectives.

Managing budgets, implementing programming and training initiatives, and providing support for domestic and overseas offices.

Creating, implementing, and evaluating multi-year work plans and adjusting programs to meet changing organizational needs, budgets, legislation, and international conditions.

Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

~AND~ Selective Placement Factor: This position has one selective placement factor: Three years of: 1) executive leadership experience in transitioning or developing countries involving international development work, or 2) community development experience working with underserved communities in the United States.

Experience may be with private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or government organizations (local, state, and/or federal).

Executive experience must include either an international focus or a focus on domestic communities composed primarily of members from varied cultural backgrounds.

~AND~ Time-in-Grade Requirements: Current or former Federal employees, including Peace Corps employees, must meet applicable Time-in-Grade requirements to be eligible for this position.

For positions above the FP-09 (GS-05) level, you must have completed at least one year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the position to which you are applying.

All current or former Federal employees, including internal employees, must provide a copy of their SF-50(s), "Notification of Personnel Action," to demonstrate that you meet Time-in-Grade requirements.

For more information, refer to the "Required Documents" section below.

Please note: All Former Peace Corps employees who are applying for reinstatement per Peace Corps Manual Section 620 5.3(b) must have held the grade and promotion potential of the position advertised in this vacancy announcement.

Experience that satisfies the Specialized Experience and Selective Placement Factor requirements must be clearly documented in your resume.

Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Please review the "Required Documents" section of this announcement for further information on resume requirements.

Specialized experience may be gained in the public sector, private sector, or through volunteer service (e.g., National Service programs such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, or other organizations such as professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, or social groups).

One year of experience refers to full-time work. Part-time work will be credited on a prorated basis.

For more details on qualification requirements, refer to the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions, available on the OPM web site. Major Duties:

The ChOps position is based at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, DC.

Within the Office of Global Operations (OGO), the ChOps is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of Peace Corps posts and ensuring effective operational oversight.

Key responsibilities include: Directs day-to-day operations, including supervision of headquarters and overseas staff.

Oversees staffing requirements, position management, candidate evaluations, and provides recommendations for promotions, transfers, extensions, and terminations.

Advises and mentors Country Directors on operational, communication, and representational matters.

Provides guidance on interpreting and implementing Peace Corps policies and procedures related to Volunteer and staff performance and conduct.

Develops communication strategies and materials to convey activities within the assigned portfolio.

Prepares strategic messages, reports, and delivers briefings with stakeholders, including agency senior leadership.

Partners with headquarters teams in responding to emergency and crisis response at overseas posts, coordinating support during natural disasters, political unrest, evacuations, serious injuries, Volunteer deaths, and other critical incidents.

Contributes to the formulation of Peace Corps program policies and operational strategies, incorporating input from posts and aligning with operational priorities.

Advises senior leadership on long-term overseas priorities, budgets, staffing, and program direction, considering Agency policy and host country conditions.

Assumes additional responsibilities as directed by agency leadership including serving in executive level positions during absences or vacancies.