FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Job Description

Summary

Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

This is a formal Air Force civilian training position, established under the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program. As such, it is centrally managed and funded by the Air Force Personnel Center, Force Renewal and Development Directorate and administered by the International Affairs Administration Career Field Team, HQ AFPC/DPZ, JBSA-Randolph TX 78150-4530.

Duties

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– Performs developmental assignments,

– Develops skills and experience in the formulation and direction of foreign affairs and/or the study and disposition of information bearing on international affairs.

– Performs recurring assignments of limited, but gradually increasing, difficulty and complexity.

– Participates in special initiatives, studies and projects.

– Prepares written correspondence and other documentation.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship
• Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guidance
• Must sign a mobility agreement
• A security clearance may be required
• Must meet suitability for Federal employment
• You will be required to serve a one year probationary period
• Successful completion of all training and regulatory requirements as identified in the applicable training plan
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Student Loan Repayment Program and/or Recruitment Incentive may be offered for eligible candidates
• Grade Point Average – 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Mobility – you may be required to relocate during or after completion of your training.

Qualifications

Any individual who completed all requirements for a bachelor, master, professional, or doctorate degree from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years or will complete these requirements by 15 Jun 2026 meets the basic requirement to apply for the Recent Graduate Program;

-OR-

Any veteran released or discharged from active duty within the previous two years, but due to a military service obligation, was precluded from applying for a recent graduate position during any portion of the two-year eligibility period following completion of applicable degree, and not more than six years have transpired since completing the requirements for the degree.

Qualified candidates will be considered in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Pathways Guidelines . You can also visit: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/index-Standards.asp for additional qualification standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of the basic professional principles, concepts and practices used in the departmental formulation and direction of foreign affairs of the government or in the study and disposition of information bearing on international relations.

2.Skill in applying basic principles, concepts and practices of foreign affairs sufficient to perform entry-level assignments in work associated with advising or performing research in international relations.

3. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing.

4. Ability to analyze problems to identify significate factors, gather pertinent data and recognize solutions in the areas of logistics, international business and program management.

5. Ability to plan and organize work and consult effectively with co-workers.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position has an 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. http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

IF YOU QUALIFY BASED ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND YOU HAVE NOT GRADUATED PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THIS POSITION, YOU MAY BE OFFERED A POSITION CONTINGENT UPON YOUR FINAL GRADE POINT AVERAGE OR CLASS RANKING

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

YOUR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT COVERS:
• Participant Agreement
• Orientation program
• Mentorship throughout the program
• Individual Training & Development Plan to assist with career planning, professional development, and training activities
• At least 40 hours of formal, interactive training each year of the program
• Opportunity for career advancement

AFTER PROGRAM COMPLETION:
• Recent Graduates who are selected for conversion must have completed all requirements of the program successfully
• Demonstrated successful job performance consistent with the applicable performance appraisal program
• Met the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualification standard for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted

NOTE: It is important to remember that eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that the Department of the Air Force will offer conversion.

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

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. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

You MUST have one or more listed eligibilities (click “Learn more about this agency” button above) to be considered. Eligibility claims must be supported with required documentation submitted with each application package to be considered. “Transfer” and “Reinstatement” or equivalent eligibles must provide their most current SF-50 and the SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if not reflected on most current/separation SF-50. *Air Force is not responsible for erroneous eligibilities you list or fail to list.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 – the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for “substantially all” of the increased tax liability resulting from the “2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities, please visit: https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/FTR%20Bulletin%2018_05%20Relocation%20Allowances_0.pdf

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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.

Benefits

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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.

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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.