International Programs Specialist

• 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.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit E-Verify at is an *office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

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; and used 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 bachelors 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 Masters or equivalent graduate degree.

OR2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. if related.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 grade level) which may have been obtained in the private or public (local county state Federal) sectors that demonstrates all the following: program or project management support activities such as designing implementing monitoring or evaluating international or agricultural development or trade programs; draft or review documents or agreements for capacity-building or technical assistance; assisted in providing technical information or training to stakeholders; written and oral communication to present findings or support program discussions.

OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. if related

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level) which may have been obtained in the private or public (local county state Federal) sectors that demonstrates all the following: independently carried out program or project management activities such as design implementation monitoring or evaluation for international or agricultural development or trade programs; led or contributed to developing negotiating and implementing capacity-building or technical assistance agreements; provided technical leadership and consultation for program activities in rural development natural resources management scientific exchange or trade; and used written and oral communication to present findings recommend activities and represent an organization in discussions with internal and external partners

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

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.
• You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school college or university