FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (TRAINEE)

Summary

Foreign Service Trainees work and train in Washington, D.C. as civil service employees for an average of 18 to 36 months, followed by conversion to the Foreign Service/assignment to an overseas post. Those who demonstrate the needed competencies will be commissioned into the Foreign Service and can look forward to professional careers with increasing rank and responsibility, averaging 25 years. Additional information can be found here: https://www.fas.usda.gov/fas-foreign-service-careers

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:
• Works effectively with other FAS program areas and other agencies.
• FSO Trainees undergo comprehensive training while stationed in Washington, DC, where they participate in and complete all components of their training program under the guidance of their supervisors.
• The duties described represent the expectations at the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments may entail a narrower scope, require less autonomy, and involve less complexity.
• Administer market development and credit guarantee programs; develop and implement agricultural trade missions and trade shows; and cultivate productive working relationships with domestic agricultural industry groups.
• Coordinate and devise a global agricultural commodity analysis strategy, furnishing timely dependable market insights on production, consumption, trade, stock, and price data.
• Conduct analyses of market conditions, governmental policies, and commercial practices to furnish policy makers with actionable insights supporting USDA export programs, trade policies, and market access endeavors.
• Draft various documents including correspondence, briefing materials, market profiles, and background information pertinent to agricultural trade.
• Identify, monitor, and contribute to removal or mitigation of agricultural tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade, along with technical, sanitary, and phytosanitary barriers. Provide support for market access initiatives through policy analysis.
• Participate in the monitoring of USDA trade promotion and food assistance programs.
• Contribute to the formulation of strategies to administer these initiatives. Implement development activities aimed at advancing trade and food security objectives.
• Develop long-term trade strategies to address evolving trade policies.

Qualifications

FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: In order to qualify for this position at the GS-09 level applicants must possess one of the following: 1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service OR 2. Have qualifying education OR 3. Have a combination of specialized experience and qualifying education. Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-09 level based on specialized experience applicants must possess one year or more of specialized experience that was equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the Federal service that has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed in order to successfully perform the duties of the position at the GS-09 level. Specialized experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, be paid or unpaid, and is typically gained in the same field as the position being filled or another very closely related field. Applicants qualifying for the GS-09 level based on experience must provide evidence of the following type of specialized experience in their resume. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating: Experience assisting with professional work in one of the following three areas: Assisting in the evaluation of government regulatory policies and/ or economic data related to trade or food security. Assisting with the application of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to analyze markets and commercial trends, assess agricultural conditions, and/or assess production supply and demand. Assisting in planning and implementation of export promotion campaigns or food and agricultural development initiatives. OR Education: In order to qualify for the GS-09 level based on education applicants must have successfully completed a master's degree (or equivalent) or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a field of study directly related to the duties of this position, such as economics, business, food and agriculture sciences, development, public policy, international relations, communications, law, or other directly related fields of study from an accredited university. Applicants qualifying for the GS-09 level based on education must submit copies of their college transcripts. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. OR Combination of Specialized Experience and Qualifying Education: Applicants qualifying for the GS-09 level based on a combination of experience and education must show evidence of their experience in their resume and they must submit copies of their college transcripts. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: In order to qualify for this position at the GS-11 level applicants must possess one of the following: 1. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service OR 2. Have qualifying education OR 3. Have a combination of specialized experience and qualifying education. Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-11 level based on specialized experience applicants must possess one year or more of specialized experience that was equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the Federal service that has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed in order to successfully perform the duties of the position at the GS-11 level. Specialized experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, be paid or unpaid, and is typically gained in the same field as the position being filled or another very closely related field. Applicants qualifying for the GS-11 level based on experience must provide evidence of the following type of specialized experience in their resume. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating: Experience assisting with or performing professional work in two of the following three areas: Independently conducting qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of government policies related to trade or food security and synthesizes findings into reports. Independently conducting market research to identify shifts in consumer behavior and emerging market trends to develop strategic recommendations that inform marketing campaigns or stakeholder engagement efforts. Independently conducting qualitative and quantitative research and analysis to assess markets trends, agricultural conditions, and/or supply and demand of commodities to produce analytical reports to inform decision-makers and stakeholders. Independently planning and implementing of export promotion campaign activities or food and agricultural development initiatives. OR Education: In order to qualify for the GS-11 level based on education applicants must have successfully completed at least three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree such as economics, business, food and agriculture sciences, development, public policy, international relations, communications, law or other directly related fields of study from an accredited university. Applicants qualifying for the GS-11 level based on education must submit copies of their college transcripts. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. OR Combination of Specialized Experience and Qualifying Education: 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 the GS-11 grade level. Only graduate education beyond the second full-time year may be combined with experience. Applicants qualifying for the GS-11 level based on a combination of experience and education must show evidence of their experience in their resume and they must submit copies of their college transcripts. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: In order to qualify for this position at the GS-12 level applicants must possess one year of specialized experience that was equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service that has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of the position at the GS-12 level. Specialized experience may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, be paid or unpaid, and is typically gained in the same field as the position being filled or another very closely related field. Applicants must provide evidence of the following type of specialized experience in their resume in order to qualify for this position at the GS-12 level. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating: Experience performing professional work in 3 of the 5 GS-12 experience areas: Leading and conducting complex qualitative and quantitative analysis of government policies related to trade and food security that supports decisionmakers and stakeholders. Leading analysis of consumer trends, market demand and/or behavioral patterns and synthesizes the results into strategic recommendations that are communicated in reports, briefings, or used to develop marketing campaigns. Applying advanced analytical methods and forecasting techniques to develop data-driven recommendations for program development, marketing strategies, and outreach initiatives; and / or managing and conducting complex qualitative and quantitative analysis of agricultural conditions, production, supply, and demand. Developing predictive models and trend forecasts using advanced statistical techniques and synthesizing findings into actionable reports and analytical briefings. Leading planning and implementing of export promotion campaigns and activities or food and agricultural development initiatives. NOTE: There is no education substitution for experience allowed at the GS-12 level.

Education

TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in colleges or universities outside of the United States may be used to meet qualification requirements. To be eligible, applicants must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received at an accredited educational institution in the United States. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. EDUCATION ACCREDITATION: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be creditable toward meeting the minimum qualification requirements. To verify your college/university accreditation, please visit: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ How You Will Be Evaluated

Note: Applications of those applicants who pass the Assessment Center but are not selected during this selection cycle will be maintained for future selection consideration for a period of 2 years without the applicants being required to re-apply. Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) or competencies: Oral Communication. Written Communication. Problem Solving. Interpersonal Skills. Customer Service Teamwork Leadership Skills Assessment Process This is a multiple hurdle assessment process. Applicants in the best qualified category will be invited to complete a Written Exam. Applicants should review the information below in its entirety and are responsible for monitoring their email for additional hurdle information and responding by the deadline listed in the notification. Written Exam: A panel of subject matter experts will review and evaluate your written exam. Applicants who pass the Written Exam will then be invited to participate in a one-day in-person Applicant Oral Assessment Forum to receive further consideration. The successful applicant will demonstrate the following dimensions that reflect the skills, abilities, and personal qualities deemed essential to the work of the Foreign Service: written communication skills, analytical skills, and interpersonal skills. If you do not pass the Written Exam, you will not be considered qualified. Applicants should review the information below in its entirety and are responsible for monitoring their email for additional hurdle information and responding by the deadline listed in the notification. Oral Assessment Forum: The Oral Assessment Forum will include a role-play exercise, a group exercise, and oral interview questions. The successful applicant will demonstrate the following dimensions that reflect the skills, abilities, and personal qualities deemed essential to the work of the Foreign Service: written and oral communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, cultural adaptability skills, and client services skills. Applicants invited to the oral assessment will be given 3 weeks notice, so that they can arrange their travel to the testing location. Applicants must pass each portion of the assessment process to be eligible for potential selection. If you do not pass the Oral Assessment Forum, you will not be considered qualified. Applicants should review the information below in its entirety and are responsible for monitoring their email for additional hurdle information and responding by the deadline listed in the notification. Those who pass the Written Exam and the Oral Assessment Forum will be referred to the selecting officials on a certificate of eligibles for further consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13038851 Other Information

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection. This is a term appointment not to exceed 18 months. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without re-announcing). For more details click: Term Appointments. Selectees, who successfully complete the training, will be converted to a Foreign Service Officer excepted service position. A selectee, who does not successfully complete the training program, will have return rights to their same or like position in FAS. This position is in a bargaining unit with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3976.