Foreign Service Contracting Officer

Summary

USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID works to help lift lives, build communities, and advance democracy. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity; demonstrates American generosity; and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. We operate in five regions of the world: Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and Eurasia.

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizen's, no prior Federal experience is required.

Duties

Key member of USAID Mission's in-country development team supporting and/or leading various elements of the USAID program cycle, including strategic planning, project design, activity design, and activity implementation. Assists with strategic planning and project design by analyzing resources needed to actively implement and manage technical assistance.

Supports technical offices in understanding planning and design considerations. Supports the design of activities through which USAID projects are implemented. Analyzes activity requirements; recommends or requires, as appropriate, revisions to statements of work/activity requirement; and determines the appropriate type of acquisition or assistance instrument.

Exercises warrant authority with independent judgment in selecting implementing partners and managing the processes leading to implementing partner selection. Develops and administers solicitations leading to contracts, grants, and other agreements with individuals, firms, and institutions to carry out USAID financed activities. Ensures integrity and fairness throughout USAID Acquisition & Assistance processes. Leads technical evaluation process of proposals/applications for USAID funded projects. Leads selection of implementing partners, award monitoring and maintenance.

Performs cost and price analysis and leads negotiations to determine fairness and reasonableness of proposed price/costs and budgets. Prepares records documentation to explain rationale and methods used in arriving at final cost recommended for award.

Monitors contractor performance for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, delivery schedules, payment provisions, contract data reporting requirements, and satisfactory progress toward achieving contracted-for results and deliverables. Engages with host country officials and implementing partners on a variety of implementation issues.

Delegates authority for day to day implementation management to qualified agency sta and works through and with these officials in providing management oversight (monitoring) over implementing partner performance.

Performs final closeout of assigned contracts/agreements; e.g., assures delivery, inspection and acceptance of contractual end items and that all administrative and reporting actions have been resolved before recommending final closeout of the contract. Continuously updates practices to incorporate changes in Agency policies, priorities, and initiatives.

Develops self and other members of the Acquisition & Assistance workforce to assume increasing levels of responsibility and technical acumen within their respective roles.

You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not receive full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined. This is a Foreign Service announcement. Worldwide availability is a requirement of the position. Successful candidates must be available to work in any country in the world where USAID has a presence. Here is the link to the current list of countries.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• United States Citizenship is required.
• Relevant education and experience, see Qualifications below.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security clearance.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. If selected, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
• Worldwide Availability. Worldwide availability is a requirement of the position. While USAID uses a bidding system for assignments, Foreign Service Officers must be willing and available to accept assignments to any country where USAID operates.
• Language-If the applicant is invited to interview, they will also be provided an opportunity to be tested in a USAID tenuring language (as identified in ADS 438maa, USAID Tenuring Languages).
• Lang Con't -If they have demonstrated in a pre-test that they may have tenure level proficiency in reading and speaking at the level required for that language. Descriptions of these levels can be found in 13 FAH-1 H-242 Rating Scales.
• Lang Con't - Passing the language test at the tenure level will qualify the candidate for bonus points in the selection process. It will also meet the requirement for tenure if the applicant is selected and later onboards as a
• Lang Con't - Foreign Service Officer. Proficiency in a USAID tenuring language is not required to apply for or be selected for the foreign service with USAID. It is required to achieve tenure.
• Lang Con't-All career candidates have five years to achieve the requirements for tenure, which includes language proficiency. USAID will fund language training and testing for career candidates if they do not already have language proficiency.
• Lang Con't - This training takes place after other required training and prior to departure to the first overseas post. Additional information may be found in ADS 438 Foreign Language Program.
• Age Requirement - Must be between 18 and 59 years old at the time of application and not yet age 60 on the day of appointment as a Foreign Service Officer.
• Age Con't- Applicants who are Veterans must be between 18 and 64 years old at time of application and not yet age 65 on the day of appointment.
• Medical - Prior to being hired, a medical clearance is required for this position that would allow the applicant to serve at any USAID overseas post. If a medical clearance is not granted by the State Department Bureau of Medical Clearances,
• Medical con't the applicant may seek a reasonable accommodation from USAID. If a reasonable accommodation cannot be reached, then a waiver may be requested.
• Medical con't-Additional details can be found in ADS 414mab, Waiver Process for Medical Clearance Requirements for Initial Appointments, Tenure Review and Overseas Assignments in the Foreign Service.
• Drug Testing: These are Testing Designated Positions under the Agency's approved Drug Free WorkPlace Program. All applicants selected for this position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.
• Foreign Language Program
• Position may have promotion potential after assignment overseas.

Qualifications

The qualifications for this position include relevant graduate degree and relevant working experience overseas and or in a diverse environment as specified by:

Relevant overseas experience includes working and living outside the United States while supporting international development. Relevant diverse experience includes working and living in an economically disadvantaged community in the United States. Work must be directly related to the Foreign Service Officer's position, in which a candidate experienced firsthand development challenges, learned foreign languages, encountered different cultures and practices, and/or coordinated and engaged with external partners and local counterparts.

(1) Graduate Degree

Relevant majors for graduate degrees are business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs and/or political science, operations research, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, or materials management.

*Transcript submitted MUST HAVE Included (i) the name of the applicant, (ii) the name of the graduate university, (iii) the date the degree was conferred/awarded, AND (iv) the type of degree awarded OR IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

(2) Working Experience

Relevant professional experience includes government, private sector, commercial contracting, or regulatory affairs, international development, international business, or finance with an emphasis on contract and/or grant management cost analysis and pricing, management consulting, or public and/or nonprofit administration.

(3) Overseas working experience AND/OR experience in a (U.S.) diverse environment

(3a) Relevant overseas and or experience working and living outside the United States while supporting international development.

The applicant will need to demonstrate that the overseas experience is relevant to the technical competencies for a Foreign Service Contracting Officer listed below.

AND OR:

(3b) Diverse environment

Relevant experience in a domestic (U.S.) diverse environment includes working and/or living in an economically disadvantaged community in the United States.

The applicant will need to demonstrate the diverse experience is relevant to the technical competencies for a Foreign Service Contracting Officer listed below.

The experience in (2), (3a) and/or (3b) above must have been achieved after the Bachelor's degree and by the close of the announcement.

Experience must be:

(i) for the minimum number of years required below, and (ii) directly related to the advertised Foreign Service Officer position, in which a candidate experienced firsthand development challenges, learned foreign languages, encountered different cultures and practices, and/or coordinated and engaged with external partners and local counterparts. The applicant will need to demonstrate that the overseas and/or (US) diverse experience is relevant to the technical skills in the backstop.

Volunteer experience. Experience includes relevant 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, that meets the criteria as defined under "relevant work experience".

Competencies:

Technical

Contracting/Procurement - Knowledge of various types of contractual modalities (contracts, grants, agreements, etc.), techniques of negotiation, and administration or regulatory requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations). Preserves the integrity of US Government contracting and assures the fair treatment of offerors and implementing partners.

Information Gathering Analysis, and Problem Solving - Locates and effectively analyzes data or information. Assesses reliability and accuracy of information. Accurately summarizes General findings and conclusions verbally or in writing appropriate to audience. Networks formally and informally into communities of practice that focus on the technical areas and portfolio of the officer. Participates effectively in monitoring and evaluation activities.

Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively. Permits others to express views. Writes clearly, succinctly, and in a professional manner appropriate for the intended audience. Produces written material within established timeframes that are thorough and factually accurate.

Consensus Building - Ability to present positions in a non-confrontational way. Ability to act confidently and decisively within own purview. and support team consensus and moves to implement it.

Customer Service - Identifies customers, both internal and external; Develops and engenders customer-centric focus. Works with more senior officers to prioritize work. Meets established deadlines or negotiates them in face of constraints.

Adaptability and Flexibility - Ability to live in developing countries with difficult conditions such as harsh climate, isolation, civil unrest, quality of local health care, security concerns, pollution levels, and availability of family members employment opportunities. Ability to alter intended course of action to changing situation and constraints.

Motivation and Empowerment - Communicates and comports self in a way that inspires employee commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Provides opportunities for others to take responsibility. Supports smart risk taking, learning and adapting, innovation, and alternative solutions generated by other staff.

Education

FS-05: Master's or Doctorate level degree in a relevant major PLUS two (2) years of relevant work experience WITH a minimum of one (1) year overseas and/or in a diverse environment is required.*

FS-04: Doctorate level degree (PhD, JD) in a relevant major PLUS three (3) years of relevant work experience WITH a minimum of two (2) years overseas and/or in a diverse environment is required.*

OR Master's level degree in a relevant major PLUS four (4) years of relevant work experience WITH a minimum of two (2) years overseas and/or in a diverse environment is required.*

This vacancy has a reverse grading structure in that grade FS-04 is the higher grade of 04 and 05.

Relevant majors are business administration, public administration, law, banking, international affairs and/or political science, operations research, procurement and contracting or finance with an emphasis on commerce, trade, or materials management.

Relevant work experience is government, private sector, commercial contracting, or regulatory affairs, international development, or finance with an emphasis on contract and/or grant management cost analysis and pricing, management consulting, or public and/or nonprofit administration.

*Transcript submitted MUST HAVE Included (i) the name of the applicant, (ii) the name of the graduate university, (iii) the date the degree was conferred/awarded, AND (iv) the type of degree awarded OR IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Additional information

Benefits and Allowances. USAID offers generous federal benefits that include health and life insurance; annual, sick and home leave; contributory government pension system (Foreign Service Pension System); Thrift Savings Plan (with agency matching funds), a student loan repayment program; and while serving overseas, government-provided housing, shipment of household effects, education allowances, country specific incentive pay and allowances, and other support.

Telework. USAID defines telework as a work flexibility arrangement in which an employee performs the duties of their position of record on-site as well as from an approved alternative worksite other than the location from which the employee would otherwise work, on an approved work schedule. During the initial training period in Washington which can last 12-24 months for most new employees, new foreign service officers will be allowed to telework a portion of each two week period if their training and supervised work arrangements allow and there is prior approval from their supervisor. There will be times when they must report in-person 100% of the time based on training and work requirements. This includes all language training at the Foreign Service Institute, and the initial Orientation in the first five weeks on the job. When assigned overseas, telework flexibility is determined by the policy for the U.S. Embassy in that country.

Medical Clearance. A medical clearance or waiver for the applicant is required prior to being hired for this position verifying that the applicant is able to serve at any USAID overseas post. Many USAID assignment locations are remote, unhealthy, or have limited medical support. Therefore, prior to being appointed to the Foreign Service, applicants must have a thorough medical examination and must be able to receive a medical clearance for worldwide availability or obtain a waiver of this requirement.

Foreign Language Ability. Foreign language ability has no effect on whether or not you are selected for an interview. However, to reach required tenured status, you must be able to achieve minimum proficiency levels in a USAID tenuring language. Candidates who demonstrate proficiency through an online test will be given the opportunity to test for bonus points that will be added to their final interview score. Bonus testing will be conducted via telephone and/or in person.

Minimum and Maximum Age at Appointment, and Mandatory Retirement Age Career appointments in the Foreign Service are covered by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended which requires an applicant to be 18 years old at time of application and which directs mandatory retirement at age 65 (chapter 8, section 812). Given this mandatory retirement age and the fact that five years must be allowed to achieve tenure in the agency, Individuals must be appointed on or before their 60th birthday, unless the applicant is a preference-eligible veteran who may be hired up to age 65.

Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer is required.

Moving/relocation expenses are authorized for individuals who are not currently living in the Washington, DC area and are not current federal employees with a duty location in the Washington D.C. area.

Applicants who previously applied for this position and were interviewed will not be invited for another interview within one year from the prior interview for the same position.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Eligibility 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 Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the education and experience qualifications. Qualified applicants receive a score of 70 to 100 before veterans preference points are applied, if applicable.

Veteran's preference. Qualified veterans will be considered consistent with the requirements of the Foreign Service Act. If you are claiming a disability, you must provide proof of disability rating with a letter from the Veteran's Administration showing disability percentage rating.

To claim veteran's preference, you must provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility. Acceptable documentation include:

• a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions;
• a "certification" that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies 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 the certification is signed; OR
• a Standard Form 15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. If you are claiming 10 point preference, you must submit a SF 15. You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or online.

For more information on veteran's preference and eligibility, visit https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans-preference/#content

We will review your application package to ensure you meet the job and eligibility requirements including the education and experience required for this position. All qualifications, including experience and degree must be completed and submitted at the time of application. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, you will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the relevant education and experience you report and the degree to which you possess the required competencies listed on this vacancy announcement. A technical review panel of subject matter experts will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire to verify qualifications. USAID will invite candidates for an interview based on the competitiveness of the overall application package.

USAID must be able to conduct reference checks as part of its assessment process. Applicants who do not permit reference checks from previous employers may be disqualified.

IMPORTANT: If you are found to have rated your self assessment higher than the information in your on-line application, supporting documentation narratives, and/or any other relevant part of your application package, including attachments, this may eliminate you from the list of those referred for an interview.

USAID envisions a world where all individuals are valued, have equitable access to opportunities, and are included, respected, and safe in their societies. USAID embraces diversity as outlined in USAID's EEO Statement. We seek to elevate and include the voices of the USAID workforce, recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of all stakeholders. USAID also strives to improve equity for underrepresented communities that have historically been denied fair and just treatment and improve accessibility in all facets at USAID.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Eligibility 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  
  • Resume showing relevant experience.
  • Veterans' documentation, if requesting consideration under any Veterans' hiring eligibilities (veterans' preference and Veterans Recruitment Appointment). To verify the type of veterans' preference you are eligible for, we recommend using the Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor.
  • Graduate Transcript
  • Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded as part of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application being eliminated from consideration. A transcript is only required for the degree you are using to meet the education requirement. The unofficial transcript must
    
    LIST the name of the applicant, the name of the college/university, the degree awarded, and the completion date. The degree must be completed at the time of application. If we are unable to determine that you meet the required education, you will be found ineligible for further consideration. If you proceed past the initial application phase, official transcripts must be received by USAID from your university/institution during the final selection process.
  • Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements. Transcripts from any and all foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official Evaluation of Educational Credentials in order to be considered for the position. It is your responsibility to provide evidence that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States when applying. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of accreditation of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. There are two nationally recognized associations whose members can provide this accreditation: the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (https://www.naces.org/members)and the Association of International Credential Evaluators (https://aice-eval.org/). More information about this process may be found at https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
  
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this online application process and submit any applicable required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. All qualifications, including experience and degree must be completed and submitted at the time of application. If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you must contact the human resources office no later than two business days before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Our Office will provide an alternative application method upon approval of the hardship notification. After the advertisement has closed, we will not grant requests to apply via alternative plans.
  
  Please note, we must receive all required documents by the closing date via online or alternative methods. We will determine your eligibility and qualifications based solely on the material received by the closing date.
  
  Step 1 - Review the Job Announcement (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12465461)
  
  Before you apply, we suggest you review the entire job announcement. Pay close attention to the Major Duties section and the How You Will Be Evaluated section, where you will see the areas upon which an HR Specialist or Subject Matter Expert will evaluate your application and a link for previewing online questions.
  
  Step 2 - Create or Upload a resume with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) Create or upload a resume in USAJOBS. You may wish to customize your resume to ensure it supports your responses to the online questions and addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement. For resume tips, click here. -Although you must enter your Social Security Number (SSN) for USAJOBS, we will only see the last four digits for identification purposes.
  
  Step 3 - Apply Online Click the "Apply Online" button on this announcement and then select the resume you wish to submit with your application. You will be redirected to the OPM's USA Staffing website to complete the application process.
  
  Step 4 - Answer the Online Questions and Submit Your Online Application If this is your first time on OPM's USA Staffing website, the system will prompt you to register by answering questions about your eligibility for Federal employment. Select "Take me to the assessment" and click on the "Next" button to answer the job-specific questions. The system will save these responses and take you back to the main screen so that you can answer the job-specific questions. You must answer all the questions and click the "Finish" button.
  
  Step 5 - Review and Confirm Your Submission You will now have the option to upload a document or print fax cover sheets for documents (see Step 6 for details). Once you click "Done," you will see a summary of your application for your review, and you may also print a copy for your records. When you click "Finish" at the bottom of the page, our system will then direct you back to USAJOBS, where you can confirm that you correctly submitted your application, and you can track your application status.
  
  Step 6 - Submit Documents You can submit any applicable required or optional documents (see below) by document upload, fax, or e-mail. Whichever method you choose, please include the job announcement number with your records. To protect your privacy, we encourage you to remove your SSN from any documents that you submit.
  
  Document Upload: You may upload documents in one of two ways:
  
  
  1. Once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement, the system will prompt you to upload your document(s) to your application. You will be given a choice to either upload the document as part of the application process or select a copy that you've already loaded on USAJOBS. Or
  2. You can upload a document to an existing application by logging into your USAJOBS account profile. Click on "My Applications" and search for the vacancy. Once you've located the vacancy, click on the vacancy and select "Apply Online." Move through your existing application to the Documents page and select upload to add a document to your application. Be sure to review your complete application for confirmation that you uploaded the document.
  
  
  Agency contact information
  
  FS Careers
  
  Phone
  
  202-712-1234 X2
  
  Email
  
  fscareers@usaid.gov
  
  Address
  
  HCTM/FSC
  
  1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  
  Washington, DC 20523
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Steps to become a Foreign Service officer with USAID:
  
  1. Candidates complete application
  
  2. Highly qualified applications are referred to the Technical Review Panel (TRP)
  
  3. TRP reviews applications and selects applicants to be invited for the interview.
  
  4. Technical Selection Panel (TSP) interviews applicants.
  
  5. Reference checks are conducted of TSP recommended applicants.
  
  6. Successful completion of Top Security Clearance investigation, Class 1 Medical clearance, receipt of official transcripts and acceptance of salary offer.
  
  7. Inclusion on the agency hiring roster pending offer of employment.
  
  You must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above to apply for this position. You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement's closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you must create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. Our automated system will take you to the online application you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and apply. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

• Resume showing relevant experience.
• Veterans' documentation, if requesting consideration under any Veterans' hiring eligibilities (veterans' preference and Veterans Recruitment Appointment). To verify the type of veterans' preference you are eligible for, we recommend using the Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor.
• Graduate Transcript
• Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded as part of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application being eliminated from consideration. A transcript is only required for the degree you are using to meet the education requirement. The unofficial transcript must
  
  LIST the name of the applicant, the name of the college/university, the degree awarded, and the completion date. The degree must be completed at the time of application. If we are unable to determine that you meet the required education, you will be found ineligible for further consideration. If you proceed past the initial application phase, official transcripts must be received by USAID from your university/institution during the final selection process.
• Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements. Transcripts from any and all foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official Evaluation of Educational Credentials in order to be considered for the position. It is your responsibility to provide evidence that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States when applying. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of accreditation of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. There are two nationally recognized associations whose members can provide this accreditation: the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (https://www.naces.org/members)and the Association of International Credential Evaluators (https://aice-eval.org/). More information about this process may be found at https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this online application process and submit any applicable required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. All qualifications, including experience and degree must be completed and submitted at the time of application. If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you must contact the human resources office no later than two business days before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Our Office will provide an alternative application method upon approval of the hardship notification. After the advertisement has closed, we will not grant requests to apply via alternative plans.

Please note, we must receive all required documents by the closing date via online or alternative methods. We will determine your eligibility and qualifications based solely on the material received by the closing date.

Step 1 - Review the Job Announcement (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12465461)

Before you apply, we suggest you review the entire job announcement. Pay close attention to the Major Duties section and the How You Will Be Evaluated section, where you will see the areas upon which an HR Specialist or Subject Matter Expert will evaluate your application and a link for previewing online questions.

Step 2 - Create or Upload a resume with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) Create or upload a resume in USAJOBS. You may wish to customize your resume to ensure it supports your responses to the online questions and addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement. For resume tips, click here. -Although you must enter your Social Security Number (SSN) for USAJOBS, we will only see the last four digits for identification purposes.

Step 3 - Apply Online Click the "Apply Online" button on this announcement and then select the resume you wish to submit with your application. You will be redirected to the OPM's USA Staffing website to complete the application process.

Step 4 - Answer the Online Questions and Submit Your Online Application If this is your first time on OPM's USA Staffing website, the system will prompt you to register by answering questions about your eligibility for Federal employment. Select "Take me to the assessment" and click on the "Next" button to answer the job-specific questions. The system will save these responses and take you back to the main screen so that you can answer the job-specific questions. You must answer all the questions and click the "Finish" button.

Step 5 - Review and Confirm Your Submission You will now have the option to upload a document or print fax cover sheets for documents (see Step 6 for details). Once you click "Done," you will see a summary of your application for your review, and you may also print a copy for your records. When you click "Finish" at the bottom of the page, our system will then direct you back to USAJOBS, where you can confirm that you correctly submitted your application, and you can track your application status.

Step 6 - Submit Documents You can submit any applicable required or optional documents (see below) by document upload, fax, or e-mail. Whichever method you choose, please include the job announcement number with your records. To protect your privacy, we encourage you to remove your SSN from any documents that you submit.

Document Upload: You may upload documents in one of two ways:

1. Once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement, the system will prompt you to upload your document(s) to your application. You will be given a choice to either upload the document as part of the application process or select a copy that you've already loaded on USAJOBS. Or
2. You can upload a document to an existing application by logging into your USAJOBS account profile. Click on "My Applications" and search for the vacancy. Once you've located the vacancy, click on the vacancy and select "Apply Online." Move through your existing application to the Documents page and select upload to add a document to your application. Be sure to review your complete application for confirmation that you uploaded the document.

Agency contact information

FS Careers

Phone

202-712-1234 X2

Email

fscareers@usaid.gov

Address

HCTM/FSC

1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC 20523

US

Next steps

Steps to become a Foreign Service officer with USAID:

1. Candidates complete application

2. Highly qualified applications are referred to the Technical Review Panel (TRP)

3. TRP reviews applications and selects applicants to be invited for the interview.

4. Technical Selection Panel (TSP) interviews applicants.

5. Reference checks are conducted of TSP recommended applicants.

6. Successful completion of Top Security Clearance investigation, Class 1 Medical clearance, receipt of official transcripts and acceptance of salary offer.

7. Inclusion on the agency hiring roster pending offer of employment.

You must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above to apply for this position. You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement's closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you must create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. Our automated system will take you to the online application you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and apply. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request