ACN/EXBS Regional Program Advisor, Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

Overview This is a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) position for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation (ACN), Office of Export Controls and Border Security (EXBS). The role involves serving as an in‑country Regional Program Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Panama, supporting the implementation of ACN/EXBS mission objectives by strengthening recipient country capabilities in export controls, customs enforcement, border security, and nonproliferation. Duties and Responsibilities Assess proliferation risks and recipient nation vulnerabilities, conduct site visits, and evaluate strategic trade control, customs, and border security capabilities. Collaborate with the DC‑based program manager to set assistance priorities, draft strategic plans, support out‑year budget planning, and prepare reporting cables. Engage host government counterparts to build political will for ACN/EXBS priorities and ensure implementation of security assistance programming. Represent ACN/EXBS and broader ACN interests at the post through country‑team meetings, working groups, and bilateral dialogues. Coordinate with Embassy leadership, international donors, and U.S. assistance programs to deconflict, shift burdens, and align complementary administration priorities. Coordinate with implementers to ensure timely, compliant delivery of ACN/EXBS activities, guide strategy, approve materials, and oversee equipment deliveries, including end‑use monitoring and impact assessments; supervise local staff and conduct performance evaluations. Complete special projects and perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the FS‑03 level in the federal service, providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position under general supervision. Desired Qualifications Leadership and representation skills as a key liaison between agency leadership, political officials, and external stakeholders. Strategic communication abilities to brief senior leadership on sensitive issues and provide actionable recommendations. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting high‑level correspondence, briefing papers, cables, memos, and presentations for senior agency audiences. Program management skills to plan, organize, coordinate, implement, and evaluate program activities and communicate project risks. Strong time‑management, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Initiative and autonomy, working independently with minimal supervision. Ability to obtain Top Secret security clearance; active Top‑Secret clearance preferred. Knowledge of U.S. nonproliferation and foreign policy objectives. Familiarity with Department of State or U.S. government processes, including foreign assistance programming, budgeting, and reporting. Technical expertise in export controls, customs enforcement, border security operations, and strategic trade control management. Regional expertise in Latin America/Caribbean and relevant proliferation threats. Spanish language proficiency. Conditions of Employment U.S. citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Willingness to live abroad and travel extensively, potentially to remote or hazardous locations. Commitment to serve at the U.S. Embassy in Panama for the duration of the contract. Benefits Contractors receive a comprehensive benefits package, including: Annual and sick leave accruals based on OPM regulations, paid federal holidays, and embassy holidays. Health insurance premium reimbursement of up to 72 % (subject to annual caps), and life insurance reimbursement of up to 50 % of policy costs. Salary and overseas allowances such as post differential, cost‑of‑living allowance, danger pay, and Sunday premium pay where applicable. Furnished residence with paid utilities; transport allowances for household effects and optionally for a privately owned vehicle. Educational allowance for dependents’ elementary or secondary schooling, with an alternative child travel option. Home leave and rest and recuperation (R&R) as authorized by contract and supervisor approval. Assistance with passport and visa procurement for the contractor and eligible family members. Access to a non‑matching 401(k) plan administered by the Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation