This position serves as a specialist for FAS, providing technical support in one or more of FAS's areas of responsibility to include coordinating and implementing agricultural trade capacity building programs and scientific exchanges; providing science-based training and technical assistance to policy makers and members of the private sector from foreign countries; and/or negotiating and coordinating agreements between USDA agencies and academic institutions and foreign equivalents.

Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Performs strategic planning, analyses, reviews, project support, and associated functions which contribute to the accomplishment of the agency mission. Initiates and develops agreements authorizing cost-reimbursable and cooperative activities with U.S. universities, U.S. agricultural industry associations, international organizations and other funding partners. Serves as a FAS contact for a range of questions from other agencies and businesses seeking information relative to international agricultural development and trade capacity building issues. Initiates and develops statement of work for contracting officers to enter into contractual arrangements with private sector providers in support of international agricultural and scientific capacity building programs. Provides senior advice, mentors, and leads junior staff in program management and grants management services. Coordinates the activities of elements involved in research, training, planning, implementation, evaluation, and promulgation of USDA international trade capacity building and scientific exchange programs. Leads project teams in conducting of reviews of activities and programs to ensure programs are operated in the most efficient manner and provide the best possible services.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/
• Successful completion of one-year trial period.
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: There is no basic educational requirement for this position. TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience performing program/project management (e.g., design, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and/or evaluation) and financial management for an international or agricultural capacity building program/project. Experience applying knowledge of agricultural trade, international agreements, or sanitary and phytosanitary measures to programs/projects. Experience providing technical leadership, contributing to staff coordination and formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation and recommendations for a program area. Experience serving as a liaison for internal and external contacts to present findings/recommendations and represent an organization. NOTE: Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable at this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

There is no basic educational requirement for this position.

Contacts

• Address Foreign Agricultural Service Human Capital Management Division 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Eric Hoyt
• Phone: (202) 777-9063
• Email: [email protected]