Foreign Affairs Specialist

Responsibilities Plans, develops, evaluates and recommends FAA policies for meeting international civil aviation objectives and operational responsibilities. Consults with FAA operational services, FAA representatives and International Area Offices; other U.S. Government agencies, such as the Departments of State, Commerce, and Defense; U. S. industry associations and representatives of U.S. Embassies and foreign governments, including civil aviation officials in those countries; and representatives of international and regional groups such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC), and other regional organizations, etc. Develops, presents, and implements analysis supporting proposed agency policies, positions and specific programs directed toward attainment of FAA international aviation objectives. Leads FAA participation in, and assists in developing U.S. policy and positions for our attendance in regional international civil aviation organizations activities, to ensure adequate FAA representation and further our civil aviation objectives. Develops recommendations on extent to which the FAA should and will accept responsibility for execution of international programs or projects. Coordinates with responsible officials internal and external to the FAA to determine and articulate responsibilities to be assumed by the FAA in connection with foreign aviation technical assistance provided by the United States Government. Plans and executes programs, and documents decisions and arranges for the resources (personnel, equipment, funding) required to execute agreed upon FAA responsibilities in the foreign technical assistance field. Contacts are internal and external. May act as a key technical point of contact for assigned activities. Contributes to the preparation of management/technical reports or contractual documents, and may communicate the overall results of a project or work activity to FAA management, the aviation and aerospace industries, and other external parties. Works closely with other U.S. Government departments and agencies, with other FAA offices and with U.S. aviation industry on developing cooperation efforts and agreements, including but not limited to the fields of aviation safety, air traffic control, environment, and emerging technologies. Develops and presents briefing, background and issue papers on technical, policy and political aspects of international aviation issues in preparation for and in support of anticipated meetings, travel, or decision-making by senior FAA officials. Presents special studies, speeches and arranges the necessary logistical support for such events. Answers correspondence and inquiries received from Congress, the public and foreign governments and their representatives on a wide variety of FAA international program activities. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Identifies and informs management of problems that require their attention. Often develops and recommends techniques to address problem situations. Work is reviewed periodically, typically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity. As assigned, the incumbent serves as back‑up to counterpart employees on staff for the performance of the above duties for countries other than those for which the position has primary responsibility. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but allow considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Requirements We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV‑I, FG/GS‑13 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience in developing presentations, briefings, issue papers, reports, speeches and other correspondence on a variety of aviation program activities for management's review and delivery at major international meetings. In addition, this experience must have included either (a) responsibility for the direction and coordination of research, analysis, or other professional work in one or more of the fields listed in the Education Section; or (b) specialized professional work of a high level of difficulty and responsibility in one or more of these fields. The high‑level experience must have been in such specialized activities as: (1) formulation of instructions and policy guidance for United States representatives in international organizations; (2) transport and communication involving knowledge of economic, political, and technical aspects of international aviation, shipping, inland transport, or radio, telephone, and telegraph, etc.; (3) cultural affairs involving formulation and operation of policy on large‑scale international cultural exchange programs; (4) occupied area affairs involving problems of occupation of conquered or liberated countries, regions, or zones; (5) other specialized international affairs such as analyzing public opinion and attitudes, evaluating specific conditions, trends, or forces of a foreign country, formulating policy on problems of petroleum resources or fisheries, etc. Education This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to the fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered. Basic Requirements – 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 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 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. If you are a current or former Federal employee, and you currently hold or previously held a position classified in the 0130 occupational series, you are not required to submit a college transcript provided you upload a copy of the SF‑50, Notification of Personnel Action, verifying your classification in the 0130 occupational series. Applicants, who are not currently in the 0130 occupational series in the Federal Government and fail to provide a copy of an unofficial or official transcript will not receive further consideration for this vacancy. Upon selection, if not currently employed in the 0130 occupational series, you will be required to submit an official transcript prior to appointment. If you do not have an official transcript (original, with the raised seal), you should contact your school immediately to request it. Foreign Education: For additional information, visit: Other Information We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one‑year probationary period may be required. The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation‑related companies. This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre‑employment or pre‑appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. This level 2 (Non‑Critical Sensitive; Secret) position requires favorable adjudication of an Access National Agency Check and Inquiries (ANACI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained. Selections can be made for one of three API suborganizations (APC, AWH, AEU). Management requests applicants to submit which suborganization they prefer to be considered for within your application/resume (optional). Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA. #J-18808-Ljbffr