Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Operations Support, Office of International Affairs, International Operations Directorate, located in Washington DC.

Duties

The International Relations Specialist (IRS) is responsible for conducting analyses of the geopolitical risk factors that impact legitimate flows of people and goods in relation to U.S. trade and security goals in the respective region(s), and for developing and managing related technical assistant and capacity building programs. This position starts at a salary of $82,764.00 (GS-11, Step 1) to $128,956.00 (GS-12, Step 10) with promotion potential to $153,354 (GS-13 Step 10). Typical duties include: Collaborating with federal interagency partners to assess the economic potential diplomatic capabilities and border security of the assigned country region or organization in an assigned area of responsibility (AOR); developing plans for international trade and travel enhanced border security for the U.S. and host nation. Promoting outreach activities and programs with the assigned country region or organization in an assigned area of responsibility (AOR) to strengthen diplomatic ties with the U.S by recommending planning and coordinating engagements with U.S. government representatives leaders and congressional members. Developing proposals and recommendations for future development and outreach activities with the assigned country region or organization in an assigned area of responsibility (AOR); and supporting the assigned country region or organization in assessing the effectiveness of economic diplomatic and border security initiatives and recommending courses of action for improvement. Participating in assigned country region or organization in an assigned area of responsibility (AOR) development and providing input on sensitive and controversial issues; collaborating with assigned country region or organizations representatives to formalize strategic plans to facilitate and substantially enhance trade diplomacy and border security between the host nation and the U.S.

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements Degree: major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods. or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in one or more of the social sciences, or in the humanities, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. or Experience: four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs. You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement listed above and possess the experience or substitution of education, if applicable, as described below: Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Assisting in developing new ways to deploy strategic outreach plans with assigned country region or organization in an assigned area of responsibility (AOR). Attending meetings planning conferences seminars and participating in activities and policies that are related to international interest such as trade and travel. Communicating international outreach strategies activities and developments with senior members host countries and other federal and state agencies. Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Assisting in analyzing the geopolitical risk factors that impact legitimate flows of people and goods in relations to United States trade and security goals within an assigned country region or organization in an assigned area of responsibility (AOR). Collaborating with other U.S government agencies and foreign counterparts on developing plans to enhance trade diplomacy and security cooperation. Providing briefings and decision memos to higher level management Commissioners and other foreign high-ranking officials on diplomatic political and economic developments and initiatives. 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. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 07/11/2024. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information, review the following links: Background investigation and the e-QIP process. Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Contacts

• Address Office of International Affairs Please read entire announcement Please apply online Washington, DC 20229 US
• Name: CBP Hiring Center
• Phone: 952-857-2932
• Email: [email protected]