FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

This is a Term position NTE 17 Jan 2028; the individual selected for this position may be extended without further competition.

Current Federal civilian employees may apply for this position using "Reinstatement" eligibility and if selected, a break in service of at least 4 calendar days may be required prior to appointment to this position.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Position is designed Special Sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Program (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

A nondisclosure agreement must be signed. This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program.

Employees must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing.

Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.

Incumbent must be comfortable in dealing with high-ranking foreign representatives and able to utilize tact and diplomacy on all occasions.

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 REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST 0130 SERIES: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) or a degree with a 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.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

Courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown above. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

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.

Evaluation of Experience: Qualifying experience may have been through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries.

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-13, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of the procedures and organization of the Department of the Air Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the demonstrates ability to work directly with senior members of all military branches in examining and developing policy options; master knowledge in the Foreign Affairs field, and interagency matters involving Department of the Air Force international interests; directly addresses related Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of State, and Congressional inquiries; and expert knowledge and skills sufficient to understand the operational and strategic implications of U.S.

treaties and alliances as they relate to political-military and security assistance affairs.

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-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 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: Knowledge of U.S.

foreign affairs, national security policies, and objectivities and their historical and political context as they pertain to the development, interpretation, and execution of U.S. foreign policy.

Knowledge in diplomacy with dealing with senior officials in the U.S. Federal Government, Allies and Partners, industry, and the international community at large.

Skill in oral and written communicator with ability to justify, defend, advocate, critique, and interpret U.S. foreign policy and advise on process and actions for Air Force Senior Leaders.

Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information / situations to develop and deliver sound advice and recommendations in support of Air Force Senior Leader decision making.

Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.

Ability to perform work requiring a professional knowledge of the formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, primarily of political-military, defense, or economic nature with other governments and government entities.

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:

The primary purpose of this position is: Serves as the Foreign Affairs Specialist and Technical Advisor to Headquarters, Air Force Director of Staff (HAF/DS), working in an office of civilian and military foreign policy experts to build, sustain, and expand relationships with Allies, Partners, and other nations on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

DUTIES: Serves as senior Technical Advisor to the Air Force Director of Staff on matters that pertain to U.S.

foreign policy implications of United States Air Force relations with allies, partners, and other nations.

Establishes and maintains detailed knowledge of assigned programs and provides updated information on U.S.

Government (USG) foreign policy, positions, and procedures as they relate to and intersect with foreign national government, military, and defense industry representatives.

Represents the Department of the Air Force at DoD, Departmental, and interagency engagements and in correspondence; represents USAF Foreign Policy Advisor as a member of committees and working groups.

Manages financial resources allocated to the Division including Operation & Maintenance funds and travel funds.