International Programs Specialist

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

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-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Qualifying experience includes: - Performing program or project management activities-such as design, implementation, monitoring, or evaluation-for international, agricultural development, or trade programs or projects. - Contributing to the initiation, development, negotiation, or implementation of international and/or agricultural technical assistance agreements. - Providing technical leadership and consultation to support agricultural or international capacity building efforts in areas such as rural development, natural resources management, or trade. - Using written and oral communication to present findings, recommend or propose program activities, or represent an organization in meetings, consultations, or similar engagements. 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. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

Position Overview

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

• Independently plan, conduct, and lead complex analyses, strategic planning initiatives, project reviews, and program support activities to advance the agency’s international mission and objectives.
• Conduct authoritative program and policy analyses for assignments involving strategic planning, program formulation, and evaluation of international agricultural capacity building, trade, food assistance, and scientific exchange initiatives.
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing information, guidance, and expertise on international development, capacity building, scientific exchange, and related program matters.
• Coordinate with counterparts across the agency, other U.S. government entities, and international partners to ensure program alignment, implementation of best practices, and effective communication of program priorities.