Special Assistant

Summary The Special Assistant position is located in the Deputy Secretary of State (D). The Special Assistant is responsible for executing complex and highly important assignments relating to a myriad of administrative, management and foreign affairs policy issues. S/he serves in an advisory and facilitative role to help plan and execute the Deputy's mission, vision, goals and objectives and manage the daily operations of the Office. Duties

• Develops a wide range of contacts and professional relationships both within and outside the Department and with other agencies, providing immediate reaction to fast breaking policy issues of interest to the Deputy Secretary.
• Provides guidance, information and advice to the Deputy Secretary of State regarding priorities, decisions and actions. Directs follow-up action consistent with the Deputy's priorities and decisions. Coordinates special activities and program areas.
• Advises and decides on which issues to refer to the Deputy Secretary's personal or immediate attention, which to manage on the Deputy Secretary's behalf together with the Executive Assistant/Chief of Staff, and which to delegate to other officials.
• Carries out special and confidential assignments on behalf of the Deputy Secretary or by direction of the Executive Assistant/Chief of Staff. Qualifications Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F. Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience ensuring that management protocols, policies, processes, and programs are aligned with overall mission objectives and ensure adherence to Department ethics standards; Experience representing interest on program and policy matters to a wide range of audiences; Experience in working with senior foreign government officials on areas of policy; AND Experience drafting scheduling and correspondence documents that reflect detailed presentation, analysis, and substantiated recommendations. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position. Education Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.