This position serves as a Senior International Trade Specialist for FAS, providing analysis and expertise on trade matters affecting U.S. Agricultural interests and lead a team on projects to prepare policy analysis for achieving agency objectives. The incumbent will coordinate with other agencies to formulate policy recommendations in international meetings. The incumbent will work with government officials, and U.S. Agricultural and Food Industry officials to carry out the mission of FAS.

Duties

Provides technical expertise, guidance, and assistance to FAS and USDA senior leadership, applying specialized knowledge of FAS missions and strategic goals. Serves as an authority for assigned program(s) in advocating support for FAS’s lead role in expanding and maintaining international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. Assists in the development of U.S. policies and strategies related to agricultural trade issues and is responsible for the direction and integration of the contributions of senior professionals both within and outside FAS. Maintains a broad, continuing, subject matter knowledge that can be applied to both specific agricultural trade situations and issues and to overarching matters, programs, and policies. Accurately represents U.S. policy positions, communicate significant meeting results to appropriate USDA officials, and outline needed follow-up activities. Effectively represents 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. Prepare analysis, memoranda, briefing and policy papers and other written material that capture key developments affecting trade, preferably in agricultural and food products. Reviews and evaluates agreements, legislation, and policies to promote international standards, enforcement of international agreements, lead negotiations, and international cooperation in the areas affecting food and agriculture.

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.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.
• 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, and specialized experience, 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. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Briefing on complex issues to senior leaderships. Collaborating with senior leadership and providing technical advice in the formulation of strategy. Knowledge of trade and agricultural policy issues including trade agreements, market access, environment, climate, and trade policy coordination. Managing the execution of program and policy projects and priorities that seek to fulfill USDA FAS goals. Conducting data and policy analysis in order to support key decisions and policy recommendations on agricultural trade and policy issues. 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

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Foreign Agricultural Service Human Capital Management Division 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Tanesha Tillman
• Phone: 202-572-5986
• Email: [email protected]