International Trade Specialist

Summary The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Develops, plans, and conducts in-depth analysis of complex issues which contribute to the accomplishment of the agency mission to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. Conducts assessments and develops interpretation of international trade issues, conditions, or events in support of decision-making, policy formulation, or program development by FAS and USDA. Provides assistance to businesses seeking information relative to the export of commodities to foreign countries, addressing industry and political considerations. Assures compliance with policy, philosophy, and mission requirements, and responds effectively to changing economic and political situations. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year 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 with practices of internal program management to implement, coordinate, and evaluate agricultural marketing programs and trade promotion programs. Experience providing technical leadership, staff coordination, and consultation for the assigned area, including formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation and recommendations. Experience of pertinent U.S. agricultural trade legislation, regulations, and international agreements. Experience analyzing international trade promotion programs, evaluation of proposals and budgets, develop recommendations, and oversight of U.S. agricultural trade promotion programs and events. Experience in analyzing, investigating, and resolving complex, unique, and sensitive international problems and issues, to recommend guidance and policy. Experience in developing relationships, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and engagement with USDA senior leadership. Strong proficiency with computer and software tools, especially Microsoft Office Suite, with an understanding of their applicability. Note: There is no education substitution for 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 This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position is eligible for telework within the local commuting area of the duty location of the position. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor. Recruitment or Relocation Incentives will NOT be considered. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.