Program Specialist

Summary The incumbent works in the International Visitors Center (IVC) located within International Services agency of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Leads the staff to provide the administrative, strategic, and logistical support to manage the IVC effectively and efficiently. The IVC coordinates and supports foreign delegations seeking to understand APHIS program activities or technical exchanges with program subject matter experts. Responsibilities 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: Serves as primary contact for the IVC and provides coordination of all Agency representational events. Provides oversight Agency's official foreign gift program, annual reception, coordination and partnership of joint events, and data about protocol guidance. Advises management on the effectiveness and efficiency of policies and procedures. Manages the official representation program for foreign visitors. Research information for APHIS Attaches, foreign news agencies and other sources, and forwards this information and other pre-visit reports to appropriate APHIS managers. Prepares information books for the host of social functions planned for visiting dignitaries or the annual reception, which include biographical data, menu, guest lists and appropriate seating. Serves as the APHIS international protocol expert. Maintains a directory of agricultural contacts at embassies in Washington, D.C. 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-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Effective communication in writing to develop instructions, procedures, recommendations, and respond to requests for information and prepare reports on a variety of complex administrative issues. Communication that established and maintained effective working relationships with customers, briefed program officials, and communicated sensitive and technical information. Provided policy advice as a subject matter expert to agency and external stakeholders. Experience in project management to track milestones, address challenges, manage finances, and record accomplishments to assure accountability. Experience working across agency programs to meet mission needs. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are not required. If supplied, education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university 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. Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). 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. For more information on applying under special hiring authorities such as the Veteran's Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, Schedule A Disabled, etc., explore the different Hiring Paths on the USAJOBS website. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Refer to PUBLIC LAW 114-47-AUG. 7, 2015 for more information. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. 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. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.