International Program Specialist

Summary The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's 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. 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.
• Provide technical support and expertise in one or more program areas, such as international trade finance; agricultural trade capacity building programs; scientific exchange initiatives; and related international development activities.
• Assist with the coordination and implementation of agricultural capacity building and scientific exchange programs, including helping deliver science based training and technical assistance.
• Support the administration of program financial requirements and internal controls by helping ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
• Contribute to the negotiation, development, and implementation of agreements and cooperative activities involving FAS, other USDA agencies, academic institutions and international or foreign counterparts.
• Provide information, participate in briefings, and represent program areas in discussions with internal and external partners as assignments become more complex. Qualifications To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; OR Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

For the

GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following: Assisted with program or project support for international or agricultural development or trade activities. Helped collect and organize information for capacity-building or technical assistance work. Written or oral communication to share basic program information or support team tasks. Experience may be from the public or private sector. OR 1 full year of graduate level education OR Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND must meet certain GPA requirements.

To Qualify at the

GS-09 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following: Conducts research, gathers data, and provides inputs for reports, briefings, and analytical products. Implementing, coordinating, and evaluating agricultural assistance programs. Conducts assessments and provides initial interpretations of international trade issues, conditions, and events. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree. OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. TRANSCRIPTS are required.

Combination of Education

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Experience at the

GS-07 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. Experience refers to 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Transcripts including the date your degree was conferred are required. Applications will not be considered without this documentation.