The External and Government Affairs Division is responsible for maintaining effective relationships and communications with Congressional offices, particularly on pending legislation. Governmental Affairs staff facilitate agency responses to Congressional inquiries and requests for technical assistance, prepare agency officials to participate in hearings and briefings, track and analyze relevant legislation, draft materials, and provide strategic advice on Congressional matters.

Duties

Serves as a communication liaison and an internal coordinator in multi-stakeholder inquiries and projects involving other government partners and stakeholders. Interacts with Congressional staff, committees, and members, as well as with other federal, state, and local government entities and stakeholders to advance the agency's mission. Provides support on administrative and substantive matters that may vary considerably and that may involve special assignments, which may deal with any of the 15 programs and related activities of FNS. Researches, analyzes and develops recommendations to support agency strategic initiatives, partnerships and stakeholder outreach efforts. Works to support strategic initiatives, partnerships and outreach strategies to address issues that are significantly important to FNS or concerning subjects of widespread public and congressional concern and scrutiny. Makes recommendations to senior staff members to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of strategic initiatives, partnerships and stakeholder outreach. Supports FNS executives in Congressional engagement and hearing preparation. Maintains awareness and tracks legislation efforts that may affect FNS program operations. Prepares documents for FNS leadership understanding of novel state and local legislative and policy trends. Ensures timely and proactive response to government stakeholder concerns by serving as liaison between the Office of EGA, FNS program staff, the Office of the Administrator and Deputy Under Secretary, and USDA Office of Congressional Relations. Researches, analyzes and develops assessments and recommendations concerning information pertaining to strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). You must include an SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one) that supports meeting this requirement with your application package. To qualify for the GS-12: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal and or Public Service. Specialized experience is defined as: Communicating program policy to or managing technical assistance requests from external stakeholders, including members of Congress or their staff, oversight authorities, or other federal, state, and local government entities; Analyzing, interpreting, or tracking Congressional activities or legislation; Executing legislative or Congressional communications strategy aligned with an organization's interests or priorities. Advising agency leaders on how to proactively address and resolve issues, interacting with senior leaders; Composing clear and concise briefing materials, talking points, Congressional hearing documents, or memoranda for senior leader; and Facilitating meetings, on a regular basis, between policy makers and members of Congress or their staff, which involves preparatory work, including gathering information prior to meetings from congressional offices and agency representatives. To qualify for the GS-13: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal and or Public Service. Specialized experience is defined as: Communicating program policy to or managing technical assistance requests from external stakeholders, including Members, Congressional staff, oversight authorities, or other federal, state, and local government entities; Analyzing, interpreting, or tracking Congressional activities or legislation; Developing and executing legislative or Congressional communications strategy aligned with an organization's interests or priorities. Advising agency leaders on how to proactively address and resolve issues, interacting with senior leaders; and Composing clear and concise briefing materials, talking points, Congressional hearing documents, or memoranda for senior leaders. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

There is no substitution of education at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Food and Nutrition Service 1320 Braddock Place Alexandria, VA 22314 US
• Name: FNS HR Support
• Phone: 844-208-2364
• Email: [email protected]