FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as Air University's Chief International Military Student Officer (AU IMSO) and Field Studies Program Manager, overseeing the implementation of Joint Security Cooperation Education and Training (JSCET) policies and managing all aspects of international military student support.

Conditions of Employment (cont): The role involves regular interaction with professionals holding terminal degrees in disciplines related to international affairs.

A master's degree in a relevant field-such as International Relations, Regional Studies, National Security Affairs, Education, Personnel Management, or Political Science-is highly desirable.

A high level of cross-cultural competence is essential to successfully perform DoD International Military Student Officer (IMSO) functions, including the identification, analysis, and resolution of complex issues involving international students and their dependents.

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, Professional and Scientific Positions, Foreign Affairs Series, 0130.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: EDUCATION: 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 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.

AND In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of a wide range of DoD and USAF policies, procedures and regulations applicable to US National Security Strategy, National Military Strategy, Security Cooperation goals and objectives and their relationship to and effects on IMET and FMS training and education programs conducted within DoD and USAF institutions; general knowledge of foreign countries political, social, economic, and cultural make-up to be an effective liaison and enable interaction with foreign government officials, representatives and senior military officials in-work and social environments; exceptional working knowledge of computer functions and programs (Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, UiPath, SharePoint and the Security Assistance Network).

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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: Professional knowledge of the administration and execution of foreign affairs functions within the U.S.

Government, including the analysis and management of information related to international relations. Expert-level understanding of Department of State, Department of Defense, and U.S.

Air Force organizations, policies and guidance pertaining to security assistance, international military training, and unit operations, including coordination with SAF/IA, AFSAT, AETC/IA, and the Combatant Commands (COCOMs).

General knowledge of international politico-military affairs, with specific expertise in the goals, architecture, and processes of the DoD Security Cooperation enterprise and Air Force International Affairs programs, combined with strong inter cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively across diverse cultural contexts.

Demonstrated ability to analyze, plan, and direct operations across organizational segments to meet program objectives within resource constraints, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, Power BI, UiPath, and SANWeb to support data analysis, collaboration, reporting, process automation, and resource management.

Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to negotiate complex issues, deliver effective briefings, and maintain productive working relationships across diverse stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and manage personnel, including performance evaluation, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and fostering professional development in support of mission objectives.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

Serves as the U.S. Air Force Air University International Military Student Officer, overseeing operations related to International Affairs programs.

Exercises supervisory and personnel-management responsibilities for three Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

Serves as the Air University focal point for the Department of Defense Field Studies Program (FSP), responsible for developing, implementing, and directing initiatives that promote International Military Students' (IMS) awareness of and appreciation for internationally recognized human rights and the American democratic way of life.

Exercises full oversight of all aspects of the Air University Field Studies Program (FSP) approximately $400k annual budget.