These Trade Policy & Geographic Affairs (TPGA) positions lead projects that coordinate input from stakeholders to prepare appropriate policy analysis and country/regional strategies for achieving agency objectives. The incumbent formulates longer-term strategies for addressing outstanding trade policy issues.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. Leads a team and/or projects that develop, plan, and conduct in-depth analysis of complex issues that contribute to the accomplishment of the agency mission to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. Conducts assessments and develops interpretations of international trade issues, conditions, or events in support of decision-making, policy formulation, or program development by FAS and USDA. Contributes to the development and implementation of country strategies; analyzes key trade and competitiveness issues; and to significant agency policies, decisions, and determinations. Represents Division, Agency, or Department at intra- and inter-agency meetings, meetings/negotiations with foreign officials, and meetings with domestic farm and trade groups on issues in assigned areas. Conducts independent research, gathers data, and compiles information or provides recommendations to be included in larger or more detailed reports/policy decisions.

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/.
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

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: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service or its non-federal equivalent that included experience: performing research in multiple areas, i.e., international trade, U.S. export facilitation, foreign direct investment promotion, trade promotion, trade-policy analysis, the resolution of trade barriers, and/or negotiations; developing strategies for U.S. business facilitation, trade and investment promotion initiatives, and global trade-policy positions and briefing senior-level management on logistical and technical details for trade, marketing or development programs. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. 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

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address Foreign Agricultural Service Human Capital Management Division 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Dorene Jones
• Phone: 000-00-0000
• Email: [email protected]