Congressional Affairs Specialist

Defense Security Cooperation Agency • Arlington, VA

6d

About The Position

This position is part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The Congressional Affairs Specialist leads and coordinates Department of Defense actions as a subject matter expert for major Foreign Military Sales Congressional Notification packages, from inception through completion, in accordance with federal regulations and DoD policies. The role supports timely congressional notification about major defense sales and transfers, develops procedures for processing notifications, tracks sales documentation to ensure consistency with notified levels, and prepares briefings and papers for agency leadership.

The position is advertised at GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13. Applicants must qualify through specialized experience, or—in specified circumstances—education or a combination of education and experience. Education cannot substitute for specialized experience at GS-12 or GS-13. The incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce Practitioner-level certification within two years of entering the position and complete 60 hours of continuing education every two years. The role is full-time, has a flexible tour of duty, is telework eligible, and may require occasional overtime. It is subject to an initial and random drug testing.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• For GS-11, qualify with one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, a qualifying doctoral-level education alternative, or an allowed combination of education and experience.
• For GS-12, qualify with one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11; education cannot substitute for specialized experience.
• For GS-13, qualify with one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12; education cannot substitute for specialized experience.
• GS-11 specialized experience includes developing timely, comprehensive, factual, and coordinated responses to sensitive congressional inquiries in coordination with DoD components.
• GS-12 specialized experience includes identifying, evaluating, and recommending improvements to Congressional Notification processes related to FMS.
• GS-13 specialized experience includes FMS experience; coordination with the Department of State, Military Departments, and other DoD components; leading DoD actions on major arms-sale Congressional Notification packages; and developing, processing, and reviewing notifications.
• Meet applicable eligibility, time-in-grade, time-after-competitive-appointment, minimum qualification, and other regulatory requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce certification and complete related continuing-learning requirements; complete Practitioner-level certification within two years of entering the position and 60 hours of continuing education every two years.
• The position is subject to an initial drug screening and random testing thereafter; a negative result must be received within 30 calendar days after the start date.
• If using education to qualify, submit transcripts or other supporting documentation by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate DoD actions as the subject matter expert for Foreign Military Sales Congressional Notifications concerning the sale or transfer of defense articles and services to foreign governments and organizations.
• Provide timely notification to members of Congress, congressional staffs, and congressional committees about major defense sales, in compliance with the Arms Export Control Act and other authorization and appropriation legislation.
• Develop standard operating procedures for Congressional Notification development and processing for DSCA, the Military Departments, and other organizations.
• Track Letters of Offer and Acceptance, amendments, and modifications throughout their lifecycle to ensure compliance with Congressionally notified levels.
• Prepare Congressional Notification informational briefings and papers as needed to report or assess notification activity for DSCA leadership.
• Participate in pre-countersignature meetings to ensure draft Letters of Offer and Acceptance are consistent with the Congressional Notification.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree