International Economist

Foreign Agricultural Service • Washington, DC

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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. Positions from this announcement will be filled in the Washington D.C. locality area, and/or in the Beltsville, MD locality area. Duties 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: Performs research, analysis, and associated functions to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. Analyzes data to evaluate consistency with federal objectives, policies, and legislation. Conducts in-depth analysis for use in the formulation of U.S. agricultural trade policy positions and recommendations. Produces written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues. Consults with staff of domestic and foreign industry and trade associations. Participates in negotiating teams and in major projects which are central to the agency’s mission.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Testing Designated Position: Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment is conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.
• In accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest, the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.
• Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• For GS-11: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Preparation of tables, charts, graphs, or maps involved with economic analysis. Application of economic techniques and principles using mathematical and/or econometric models, statistical techniques, and software. Planning and preparing quantitative analyses of economic data in agricultural or international trade.
• For GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in international relations, international economics, international business, international trade, business administration or related degrees, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
• For GS-12: 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: Applying economic theories, concepts, and techniques to the field of agricultural or international trade; Writing, reviewing, and editing economic, agricultural, agricultural market conditions or trade studies, working papers, and briefing materials; Summarizing and advising on trade and/or international agricultural policies and/ or supply and demand estimates and/or programs; and Communicating effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with officials within and outside the organization through formal or informal meetings and giving presentations explaining complex issues on economic/statistical information.
• Transcripts are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Performs research, analysis, and associated functions to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture.
• Analyzes data to evaluate consistency with federal objectives, policies, and legislation.
• Conducts in-depth analysis for use in the formulation of U.S. agricultural trade policy positions and recommendations.
• Produces written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues.
• Consults with staff of domestic and foreign industry and trade associations.
• Participates in negotiating teams and in major projects which are central to the agency’s mission.

Benefits

• 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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level