International Partnership Specialist (Title 32) (Indefinite)

International Partnership Specialist

As an International Partnership Specialist (Title 32), GS-0301-11, you will perform the below duties:

1. Plans, coordinates, and executes the State Partnership Program between the state and the partner country. Ensures all actions taken are within the framework, support of, and in concert with international agreements such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Charter on a distinctive partnership. These partnerships are predicated upon written agreement between NATO, United States European Command (USEUCOM), National Guard Bureau (NGB), and the participating nations of which most are classified as former Soviet Union or non-aligned states. Develops, coordinates, and obtains approval for the five year SPP plan based on requests from United States (U.S.) Ambassador to partner country, partner country's Ministry of Defense, and geographic Commander-in-Chief (CINC). Coordinates and obtains approval through The Adjutant General to NGB, CINC, and where warranted to the Interagency Working Group at Secretary of Defense/Secretary of State level.
2. Maintains continual liaison with the partner country through the Military Liaison Team (MLT) and the Defense Attaché Office stationed in the embassy of the partner nation. Conceptualizes, plans, coordinates, and executes Familiarization Visits to include visits sponsored by the United States America Information Service (USAIS). The partner nation participates in visits in which the host state is the organization of primary responsibility (OPR). Membership in the visiting delegation may consist of both military and civilian authorities from the partner nation. Visiting delegations often consist of military personnel of the highest rank as well as civil authorities of cabinet level equivalency. Incumbent is responsible for the execution of the event from start to finish. Attention to detail, as well as strict protocol considerations, is of paramount importance. The primary purpose of these visits is to demonstrate and familiarize the visiting delegation with the procedures and policies pertaining to the operation of the National Guard within the military structure of the U.S. as well as how the National Guard provides support to civil authorities.
3. Coordinates and executes visits to the partner nation by military members and civilian personnel. Coordinates with the U.S. State Department, Department of Defense (DoD), NGB, Commander in Chief of European Command (CINCEUR), embassy staff of both the U.S. and partner nation, and U.S. Transportation Command when military air is utilized for all aspects of the event.
4. Serves as the focal point for joint and combined military exercises between the state and the partner nation, which may include other state's partner nations, both in the U.S. and overseas. In conjunction with the state command structure and the member nation's military leadership, the SPPC develops scenarios for deployment of the State National Guard soldiers and airmen. Because of the number of entities involved and the delicate balance that must be maintained, the incumbent must remain vigilant and cognizant of the protocol of such actions. Responsible for coordinating the many details that are inherent with military exercises. The utilization of a single coordinator, in this function, is necessary because of the possibilities for misunderstanding of boundaries of authority and responsibility. Takes a myriad of considerations into account in planning and executing National Guard participation in foreign military exercises and coordinates with the U.S. State Department, DoD, CINCEUR, MLT, various Service Secretariats, embassy staff members, NGB, and the partner nation's counterparts. At the onset of the SPP, the deployments of both state National Guard and partner nations may be small; however, requirements for coordination become more complex as the size of the rotational deployments increase from squad to larger formations as the program matures.
5. Oversees the development of proposed SPP events with partner country. Ensures events are submitted to NGB, U.S. State Department, Interagency Working Group where warranted, and geographic CINC for approval. Oversees the executing unit to ensure they stay within the parameters defined for the state event.
6. Responsible for coordination of the preparation of all country clearance messages, event travel, and support requirements, to include the number of people traveling, dates, air/ground transportation, meals, and hotels. Serves as the point of contact for scheduled training/educational activities throughout the state for multiple annual events with the partner country and or countries. Ensures U.S. personnel deploying to partnership country receive proper security and customs orientation briefings. Provides feedback to the Joint Chiefs of Staff personnel on trends, issues, and state concerns regarding partnership country when determined necessary.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.