FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Job Title

The primary purpose of this position is: The incumbent performs professional level work in support of policy development and implementation at a senior level. Analyzes DoD acquisition, security assistance, international armaments cooperation, national disclosure and other policy directives to determine their impact on Air Force international security cooperation policies and programs and advises the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA) leadership on opportunities and potential impediments, and recommended approaches. Develops and disseminates appropriate policy guidance and directives to MAJCOM and field organizations. Defines and interprets these policy directives and advises field organizations on implementation. Works directly with international focal points throughout the Air Force in identifying opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborative activity with Allies. Forms and leads International Cooperative Agreement Teams (ICATs) for complex, multi-national initiatives in accordance with relevant policy and law. Conducts liaison with key HQ Air Force Staff, other Service, DoD elements, and OSD stakeholders in areas such as requirements, acquisition, science and technology, and plans and operations to ensure a coordinated approach to international security cooperation within the DoD and to the extent possible relevant intelligence community organizations. Represents and communicates Air Force interests and US positions, as authorized, to foreign governments and international organizations.

Duties:

• Performs professional level work in support of policy development and implementation.
• Develops strategies for the international agreements (IA) negotiation process, as appropriate, with representatives of allied governments. Leads negotiations on complex international agreements.
• Advises Team personnel on the final steps necessary for obtaining Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) authority to conclude the International Agreement.
• Advises the Armaments Cooperation Division (SAF/IAPC), individual SAF/IA Country Directors, the Director of Policy (SAF/IAP), the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA) and other organizations regarding the technical and acquisition management aspects of current and potential international armaments cooperation programs.
• Determines appropriate collaboration vehicle (i.e., Agreement, or Foreign Military Sales case) and carries out staffing actions appropriate at the Headquarters Air Force level to establish and successfully execute security cooperation program as a result of leading ICATs for proposed international projects and programs.