The position is located in the Interpreting Division of the Office of Language Services, European Interpreting Branch (A/PRI/LS/I/E) of the Department of State. The Division traditionally handles the most difficult interpreting assignments in the Federal Government, including service for the President, cabinet members, and congressional leaders.

Duties

As a first-level supervisor, evaluates the performance of subordinates; plans work to be accomplished and sets priorities; sets performance standards; evaluates performance and counsel's employees. Works with Program Officers to manage all interpretation projects in languages under the Branch 's purview, including project assignment; customer liaison; record keeping; quality control; and feedback. Serves as lead interpreter for the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and cabinet members on complex, sensitive interpreting assignments both domestically and overseas. Maintains a healthy roster in languages within the branch's purview of languages through continuous evaluation, upgrading, recruiting, and testing of candidates. Advises upper management on a broad range of issues, e.g. changes in the organizational structure of the Branch, changes of authority that may affect the operation of the Branch, recruiting, testing, rate-setting, technology, and training issues.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• This position requires the applicant to pass a Language Proficiency Test.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.  Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience in translating, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other language; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training. IN ADDITION, this position requires the following additional specialized experience: Experience leading a team of interpreters and project managers and managing interpretation projects. Experience communicating effectively with clients and partners at all levels to meet organizational goals and resolve issues. Experience in using data and analysis as management reporting and decision-making tools. Experience in strategic planning, e.g., developing organizational objectives that improve efficiency and effectiveness in work processes by applying technology. Experience with interpretation practices and technology to lead major initiatives designed to introduce new technology and tools in support of interpretation and translation programs. Experience with simultaneous and consecutive interpreting at the conference level for the senior level of Government or international organizations, including one-on-ones, bilateral meetings and press events. Experience with contemporary US foreign affairs and international relations. THE FOLLOWING SELECTIVE FACTOR IS REQUIRED: Must have experience in interpretation of a Foreign Language into English and English into the Foreign Language. The following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities: translator; interpreter; librarian or information specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; intelligence; writer or editor; international organizational work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, business, or other organizations; or professor, teacher, or instructor work at the high school or college level that required use of the foreign language. **ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE TESTED BY THE AGENCY FOR PROFICIENCY ON A PASS/FAIL BASIS PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT.** There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-15 position.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Contacts

• Address U.S. Department of State 600 19th Street, NW SA-17, 5th Floor Attn: A/EX/HRD Washington, District of Columbia 20522-1705 United States
• Name: Patricia Briggs
• Phone: 771-204-0754
• Email: [email protected]