Senior Ukraine Policy Advisor

Duties The Senior Ukraine Policy Advisor's responsibilities require a significant knowledge base and depth of experience on the U.S. Ukraine bilateral defense relationship, U.S. security assistance to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, Ukraine-NATO integration, and the development of Ukraine's future force. Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Apply knowledge and background in European, NATO, and post-Soviet affairs as well as knowledge of Russian aggression and Ukraine's combat operations and force development since Russia's 2022 invasion to advise on policy development related to U.S.-Ukraine defense cooperation and bilateral defense relations.Advise senior DoD and interagency leaders on U.S. government strategy related to Ukraine's ongoing war against Russian aggression and Department-wide efforts to equip and sustain Ukraine's future force.Serve as the primary advisor on execution of U.S. security assistance programs in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including through Presidential Drawdown Authority, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), and Foreign Military Financing.Develop cross-departmental and interagency work on proposals for and execution of U.S. security assistance for Ukraine.Advise on the execution of SecDef's National Defense Strategy as it relates to Ukraine policy.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentU.S. Citizenship is requiredMales born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial periodMust be determined suitable for federal employmentRequired to participate in the direct deposit programThis position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testingMust be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978The incumbent must be able to travel throughout the United States, with occasional overseas travel. Qualifications To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and other qualifications, if applicable, listed below. 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. You must address each technical qualification separately. You are required to respond to all of the technical qualifications. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as ineligible. Please limit your written statements to no more than two pages per technical qualification, and must include your name. 1. Demonstrated ability to analyze and provide advice on complex security assistance programs and processes, including the planning and execution of wartime assistance to achieve U.S. objectives, by leveraging Department of Defense, Department of State, and Presidential authorities and working with authorizing and appropriating congressional committees. 2. Demonstrated analytical skills and wide professional recognition and stature, including with Ukrainian counterparts, and expertise regarding Ukrainian domestic politics, U.S.- Ukraine bilateral relations, and the U.S. response to the Russia-Ukraine war. 3. Demonstrated ability to represent Policy positions to Congress, executive agencies, the Military Departments, other DoD organizations, industry executives, and special interest groups, including in formal and informal interactions, on issues related to U.S. policy towards Ukraine, Russia, and NATO. 4. Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and support to senior officials (such as internal decision making, interagency deliberations, dealings with international counterparts, and more), including at the four-star level, in the areas of current Ukraine policy. Time in grade is not required for Senior Level (SL) position.All qualifications and education (if applicable) must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.Education**THIS POSITION HAS INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE MET**Basic RequirementsDegree: 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.ORCombination 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.ORExperience: 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.Evaluation of ExperienceQualifying work experience may have been gained through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries.For positions at grades GS-12 and above, 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 A above, or (b) specialized professional work of a high level of difficulty and responsibility in one or more of these fields. This 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; or (5) other specialized international affairs such as analyzing public opinion and attitudes, evaluating specific conditions, trends, or forces in a foreign country, formulating policy on problems of petroleum resources or fisheries, etc., representing foreign interests, protecting American property or interests, arranging for conferences, or similar activities.Additional information on the Individual Occupation Requirements can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/foreign-affairs-series-0130/DOES THIS VACANCY HAVE POSITIVE EDUCATION REQUIREMENT?You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Additional informationSubmit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 01/21/2025 If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application. Please view the following link for information on how to obtain an alternative application ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act Chapter 21 of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 2108a, requires Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, assuming the service member is otherwise eligible. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. The service member's military service dates are necessary in order to determine whether he or she meets the definition of "veteran" under 5 U.S.C. 2108(1). The "certification" must reflect the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of submission. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin (if applicable), your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Further, under paragraph (h) of the rule, agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD-214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible." Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title;Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);Agency; and,Beginning and ending dates of appointment.Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative. Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your résumé, Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQs), and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If, after reviewing your résumé, MTQs and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.