Public Affairs 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.
• The duties may include but are not limited to: Participating in the development of information campaigns to maximize public awareness of USDA and U.S. government programs policies and initiatives related to international trade and development.
• Using established writing and editing skills to respond to stakeholder inquiries regarding Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) programs and policies.
• Assisting in arranging domestic and foreign media opportunities for agency mission area and Departmental leadership.
• Ensuring materials comply with established information practices are accurate and concise and are consistent with FAS and USDA standards and policies.

• 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 accordance with Office of Government Ethics regulations concerning conflict of interest the incumbent will be required to submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of their effective date of appointment and annually thereafter.

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-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local county state Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Experience writing news releases on routine events of non-controversial subjects
- Experience responding timely to management concerning agency programs services or responsibilities.
- Experience researching and relaying information on various topics to a diverse audience verbally and/or orally.
OR

A Masters degree or equivalent graduate degree in international relations international economics international business international trade business administration or related degrees or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. if related.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local county state Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Experience communicating with audiences explaining organization programs objectives and/or policies.
- Experience providing analytical assessments for meaningful recommendations in improving aspects of information materials.
- Experience establishing effective and cooperative working relationships with stakeholders and government officials in order to improve cooperation in agency activities.
- Experience writing concise and accurate content for print and online media including social media that contains economic and/or statistical materials.
OR

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in international relations international economics international business international trade business administration or related degrees or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. if related.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.

FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local county state Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Experience analyzing economic and/or statistical materials prepared by agency personnel to develop online content.
- Experience conducting in-depth interviews to develop content on policies programs and/or program marketing.
- Experience utilizing web-based technologies essential to plan design and/or the development of electronic publishing programs to support agency goals.
- Experience preparing written responses about agency programs and policies in response to stakeholder inquires.

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.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school college or university