Foreign Affairs Officer

Department of State Headquarters•Washington, DC

About The Position

This position is in the Front Office of the Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA/FO). The Bureau carries out the Secretary’s mandate to articulate U.S. foreign policy and communicate with and engage U.S. and global audiences. As a recognized expert, the Foreign Affairs Officer serves as the initial point of contact for incoming actions from Departmental offices within the assigned area. The position conducts research and advanced analysis, and may undertake overseas site visits to gather information about problems and potential solutions in policy and program implementation. The officer analyzes reporting from a wide range of sources, including U.S. Missions, NGOs, and foreign electronic and print media. The role also assists Posts with issues requiring resolution and provides follow-up problem-solving support, guidance interpretation, and technical consultations. Applicants must meet the stated basic education or experience requirements and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service. U.S. citizenship is required, the incumbent is subject to random drug testing, and the incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Situational telework may be permitted with supervisory approval if eligible.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Subject to random drug testing.
Must meet federal time-in-grade requirements, including 52 weeks at the next lower grade where applicable.
Meet the basic education or experience requirement through a qualifying degree, specified coursework, an equivalent combination of education and experience, or at least four years of appropriate experience in relevant fields associated with international organizations, problems, or foreign affairs.
Have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service, demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Specialized experience must include independently analyzing complex U.S. foreign policy issues and global political, economic, security, or social developments.
Specialized experience must include managing coordination, review, and clearance of sensitive written products across multiple offices or agencies.
Specialized experience must include planning or supporting strategic communications, press operations, or public engagement activities for senior officials.
Submit college transcripts when qualifying based on education or when required to verify educational qualifications.

Responsibilities

Serve as the initial point of contact for incoming actions from Departmental offices within the assigned area.
Conduct research and advanced analysis, and conduct overseas site visits as needed, to gather information on problems and possible solutions in policy and program implementation.
Analyze reporting from sources including U.S. Missions, NGOs, and foreign electronic and print media on world events.
Assist Posts with issues requiring resolution and provide follow-up problem-solving assistance, guideline interpretations, and technical consultations.
Independently analyze complex U.S. foreign policy issues and global political, economic, security, or social developments.
Manage coordination, review, and clearance of sensitive written products across multiple offices or agencies.
Plan or support strategic communications, press operations, or public engagement activities for senior officials.