FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Summary

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The primary purpose of this position is to provide developmental experience designed to broaden the skills and/or enhance the leadership perspective of an identified high-potential, mil-level manager/executive; it is not a continuing position and assignment duration is NTE 36 months.

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Duties

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DUTY 1:

Reviews USAF and USG policy and procedures and collaborates on DoW-wide efforts to ensure appropriate handling of proposed and ongoing security assistance and security cooperation programs in support of the DAF Security Cooperation and Security Cooperation Governance structure. In concert with SAF/IA Regional Divisions, oversees development, coordination, and establishment of Security Cooperation programs. Manages, in coordination with the Secretariat, the administrative functions of the Security Cooperation Governance structure, to include all logistics and correspondence requirements as well as coordination and alignment with other USAF corporate structures.

DUTY 2:

At the agency level, is responsible for analyzing and examining all segments of security cooperation case/line authority. Conducts required analysis of program provisions and operations. Compiles, interprets and maintains statistical data to make recommendations and to determine process improvements are executed, Directs and analyzes various security cooperation and security assistance program executions by organization and/or program based on a variety of historical and/or actual execution of data. Analyzes monthly reports on all Air Force security cooperation and security assistance programs. Analyzes development/execution of cases through continuing dialogue with management officials and staff, review of written documents to include legislative and policy guidance. Examines a variety of government-to-government contracts and documents, to include accounting and logistical records to ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory guidance. Analyzes the impact of new or revised legislation regarding current and new policies and procedures.

DUTY 3:

As a Career Broadener, represents the International Affairs Directorate with a variety of command and functional area organizations. Establishes, develops and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of high-level offices. Meets with key customers and coordinating officials to assess customer satisfaction, explain organization policy and procedures, and resolves significant problems that arise. Ensures subordinate units provide customer guidance and training. Participates in special projects and initiatives and performs special assignments. Identifies the need for special projects and initiates milestones and goals. Evaluates reports by analyzing facts and performing appropriate research and prepares detailed responses.

DUTY 4:

Performs career broadening assignments as a senior Foreign Affairs Specialist at the SAF level. Responsible for interpreting and advising on planning issues and DAF export recommendations as they impact and relate to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. Provides expertise to develop and execute Security Cooperation initiatives and actions relating to DAF international affairs.

DUTY 5:

As a Career Broadener, support to regional divisions and country directors in support of various Country portfolios. Supports assigned regional division by providing oversight and guidance on various FMS, Pol-Mil and foreign policy issues related to assigned portfolio. Support Key Leader Engagements by drafting talking points, products and coordinating support elements for meetings between foreign partner leadership and senior Air and Space Force Leadership. Career Broadener will also attend and support as needed any program reviews for major or politically sensitive FMS programs.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Mobility agreement must be signed
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at:
• PCS cost will be paid IAW Career Broadening Policy under this agreement.
• Career Broadening positions are managed by AFPC/DPZ and are centrally funded.
• Positions are established specifically to provide developmental experience designed to broaden the skills and/or enhance the leadership perspective of a high-potential, mid-level manager.
• Career Broadening also provides training and developmental opportunities at various organizational levels.
• These assignments offer the qualified candidate a unique assignment in that the candidates brings certain experience to the assignment while gaining new experiences in a different work environment
• TEMPORARY PROMOTION: If the position is filled as a temporary promotion, upon completion of the career broadening assignment, the temporary promotion may lead to permanent promotion without further competition
• Position may be subject to random drug testing
• Travel by regularly scheduled commercial or military conveyances IAW Joint Travel Regulations may be required in performance of TDY
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

1. 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
2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
   OR
3. 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.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Expert knowledge of international relations principles, methods, practices, processes, and techniques; knowledge of US foreign and security policy. Thorough knowledge of the role of the military in the development and implementation of foreign policy at the DOD, Joint Staff and Unified/Specified Command levels. Professional knowledge of the expeditionary Air Force and the organization, training, and employment of the various air expeditionary forces. Vocal advocate of airpower and the unique aspects that airpower brings to the table. Knowledge and skill in qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques to develop performance measures. Knowledge to apply particular methods or procedures and research findings for broad international policy issues. Skill in refining techniques, developing new approaches, and conducting probing innovative analyses which involve complex variables that significantly impact the interpretation or implementation of important policies. Ability to identify and analyze how changes in US foreign policy, as well as changes in other nations' and international / regional organizations' policies affect relationships with the assigned organizations operations and programs.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-13 or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Mastery of knowledge of International Affairs functions, operations, policies, procedures and practices and the concepts, theories and practices of the specialist work performed in the subordinate organizations.

2. Thorough knowledge of the role of the military in the development and implementation of foreign policy at the

DoW, Joint Staff and Unified/Specified Command levels.

3. Ability to research, organize, and respond effectively on Security Cooperation efforts, issues, and problems.

4. Skill in analyzing large quantities of complex information from diverse sources involving geo-political, politico-military, economic, and other non-military topics; and the ability to link the data to previous military data in order to synthesize and communicate findings and recommendations effectively.

5. Ability to support SAF/IA senior leaders with internal decision-making, development of policies, and executing and maintaining the SAF/IA Mission.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION : Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

PCS restrictions : An employee selected to make a PCS to a Career Broadening assignment is restricted from making a second PCS for 12 months

Defense National Relocation Program is Authorized

Direct Deposit : All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.

Mobility is a condition of employment. Incumbent must sign an AF-wide mobility agreement.

Incumbent must be able to attain and maintain the required security clearance.

The employee may be required to work overtime and is required to be available to work other than normal duty hours, which may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.