These positions are located within the Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs (TPGA) program area, in Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The incumbent provides analysis and technical expertise on trade matters affecting U.S. Agricultural interests and will lead a team and/or projects that coordinate input from stakeholders to prepare appropriate policy analysis and country/regional strategies for achieving agency objectives within the area of responsibility. Secret security clearance required.

Duties

Lead 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. Review and evaluate agreements, legislation, and policies. For example, reviewing these in order to promote international standards and international cooperation in the areas affecting food and agriculture. Represent 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. Prepare memoranda, briefing and policy papers and other written material that capture key developments affecting trade, preferably in agricultural and food products. Independently identify and synthesize pertinent information based on continuous research, analysis, and evaluation of information from a range of sources and share this knowledge through oral and written communication. Contribute to the development and implementation of country strategies, analyze key trade and competitiveness issues; and contribute to significant agency policies, decisions, and determinations. Conduct assessments and develop interpretation of international trade issues, conditions, or events in support of decision-making, policy formulation, or program development by FAS and USDA.

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. For the GS-13 Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates experience: Experience maintaining international market opportunities for U.S. goods and services, particularly for food and agricultural products. Experience establishing rules governing international trade through negotiation and enforcement of trade agreements. Experience analyzing and interpreting substantive international trade and legal issues. Experience collaborating with senior leadership in the formulation and administration of policies, programs, and operations. Experience assisting in the day-to-day operations of an international trade office. Experience conducting analysis of international trade program policies and operations. Note: There is no education substitution for these grade levels. 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]