International Economist (Direct Hire Authority)

Full Job Description

An independent Federal agency, the U.S.

International Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides import injury cases; and publishes the United States' tariff schedule.

You will find a working environment throughout the Commission that is dedicated to the development of your technical skills and a commitment to provide balance between your work and personal life.

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement.

Education may only be substituted in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook General Schedule Qualification Standards (opm.gov).

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to be credited towards qualifications.

Applicants must have the general and specialized experience outlined below which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Both specialized experience, and/or the substitution of education for experience, must have required an in-depth understanding of international economic principles and theories, such as the interplay of economic forces of goods and services across international borders, matters of trade policy, and product or industry competitiveness.

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below. BASIC REQUIREMENT A.

Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR B.

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the education requirement above. You must also meet the experience requirement below.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility at, or equivalent to, the GS-9 level obtained in the Federal service or in the private or non-profit sector.

Specialized experience would include 1 or more of the following: (i) knowledge of trade laws and regulations, current trade and market conditions, factors of competitiveness in the United States and leading global markets; (ii) identifying and obtaining economic and trade information, and in processing and manipulating data; (iii) preparing a variety of written materials on complex topics and submitting written materials to others for editorial and technical review, as a demonstration of written communication skills; and (iv) planning, designing, carrying out, and leading projects, studies, or other work, as part of a team.

OR Education: Possession of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in related field.

To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility at, or equivalent to, the GS-11 level obtained in the Federal service or in the private or non-profit sector.

Specialized experience would include 2 or more of the following: (i) knowledge of trade laws and regulations, current trade and market conditions, factors of competitiveness in the United States and leading global markets; (ii) identifying and obtaining economic and trade information, and in processing and manipulating data; (iii) preparing a variety of written materials on complex topics and submitting written materials to others for editorial and technical review, as a demonstration of written communication skills; and (iv) planning, designing, carrying out, and leading projects, studies, or other work, as part of a team.

To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility at, or equivalent to, the GS-12 level obtained in the Federal service or in the private or non-profit sector.

Specialized experience would include 3 or more of the following: (i) knowledge of trade laws and regulations, current trade and market conditions, factors of competitiveness in the United States and leading global markets; (ii) identifying and obtaining economic and trade information, and in processing and manipulating data; (iii) preparing a variety of written materials on complex topics and submitting written materials to others for editorial and technical review, as a demonstration of written communication skills; and (iv) planning, designing, carrying out, and leading projects, studies, or other work, as part of a team.

To qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 level obtained in the Federal service or in the private or non-profit sector.

Specialized experience would include all 4 of the following: (i) knowledge of trade laws and regulations, current trade and market conditions, factors of competitiveness in the United States and leading global markets; (ii) identifying and obtaining economic and trade information, and in processing and manipulating data; (iii) preparing a variety of written materials on complex topics and submitting written materials to others for editorial and technical review, as a demonstration of written communication skills; and (iv) planning, designing, carrying out, and leading projects, studies, or other work, as part of a team.

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, knowledge, and skills, and 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:

This position is located in the Office of Industry and Competitiveness Analysis, Advanced Technology and Machinery Division, of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).

This division is responsible for covering manufactured products including (but not limited to) automotive and other transportation equipment, semiconductors and other electronic products, and heavy machinery equipment.

International Economists maintain broad, current subject matter knowledge of the industries, products, and markets assigned to the Division, as well as a deep understanding of the issues, programs, and policies that impact either segments of, or the entirety of, specifically assigned products, markets, and industries.

As an International Economist you will: Provide technical guidance and advice on the most appropriate method or procedure of analysis and evaluation in response to a wide range of projects relative to the market, economics, or competitive posture of the assigned industries or products.

Formulate project methodologies by identifying operational and analytical techniques that accomplish project objectives and produce explicit findings.

Provides historical insights and advice based on proven techniques and procedures. Provide guidance on alternatives and resolutions to problems.

Foresees the pros and cons of alternative solutions and explains them to other program and management staff.

Communicate with representatives from industry, providing information, referral, or assistance and requesting information on industry operations and trends.

Receives, analyzes, and resolves inquiries or complaints from industry and other government agencies. Independently prepare written materials on complex topics.

Prepares and delivers formal briefings for a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Independently provide complex research, analysis, project management, and associated functions which address mission elements critical to agency priorities and objectives; develops and implements significant new project strategies; analyzes key trade and competitiveness issues and contributes to significant agency investigations, decisions, and determinations; participates as a technical advisor for negotiating teams; represents the Commission authoritatively to key industry sectors and associations; plans and manages major and high-priority projects which are central to the agency mission.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.

NOTE: Career ladder promotions are subject to supervisor approval, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.