The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include but are not limited to: coordinates and implements operational and financial management activities for the Division, including management of contract services. Assesses and evaluates administrative and management policies and operations against agency strategic goals and objectives. Assists management in developing, updating and maintaining financial management plans, policies, and procedures to improve the effectiveness of Division operations and management of funds Prepares, executes and monitors the program area budget for entitlement travel and transportation. Establishes and reconciles the operating budget. Prepares travel authorizations for Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) and their families arranging for shipment and storage of employee and employee family belongings over the short and long terms within the U.S. and abroad. Holds and maintains a contracting officer’s representative (COR) Level 1 certification when managing contract services. Supports the awarding of contracts to commercial organizations and state, local and foreign governments.

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-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the at least the GS-09 level; or its non-federal equivalent that included experience: provides analysis and budget formulation support to the development of the agency's annual budget submission; reviews and funds travels requests in accordance with the FAM/DSSR and Budget availability and administers contracts by assuring compliance with the terms and conditions of contracts, including resolution of problems concerning obligations. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the at least the GS-11 level; or its non-federal equivalent that included experience: provides analysis and budget formulation support to the development of the agency's annual budget submission; reviews and funds travels requests in accordance with the FAM/DSSR and Budget availability; administers contracts by assuring compliance with the terms and conditions of contracts, including resolution of problems concerning obligations and provides leadership with recommendations to improve organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity to support long range planning. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university 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

If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.

Contacts

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