Foreign Affairs Specialist

Department of the Air Force › Air Force Civilian Career Training (59 current openings)

Who may apply

Limited to the following applicant groups:

Internal to an agency

Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia

Full-time Security Clearance: Top Secret

Application Deadline:

2026-09-01

Posted:

2026-08-19

About 2 weeks left

Apply on usajobs.gov

Salary: $143,913 – $187,093 per year (GS-14)

Job Details

Position Overview

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide developmental experience designed to broaden the skills and/or enhance the leadership perspective of an identified high-potential, mil-level manager/executive; it is not a continuing position and assignment duration is NTE 36 months.

Duties

DUTY 1:
Reviews USAF and USG policy and procedures and collaborates on DoW-wide efforts to ensure appropriate handling of proposed and ongoing security assistance and security cooperation programs in support of the DAF Security Cooperation and Security Cooperation Governance structure. In concert with SAF/IA Regional Divisions, oversees development, coordination, and establishment of Security Cooperation programs. Manages, in coordination with the Secretariat, the administrative functions of the Security Cooperation Governance structure, to include all logistics and correspondence requirements as well as coordination and alignment with other USAF corporate structures.

DUTY 2:
At the agency level, is responsible for analyzing and examining all segments of security cooperation case/line authority. Conducts required analysis of program provisions and operations. Compiles, interprets and maintains statistical data to make recommendations and to determine process improvements are executed, Directs and analyzes various security cooperation and security assistance program executions by organization and/or program based on a variety of historical and/or actual execution of data. Analyzes monthly reports on all Air Force security cooperation and security assistance programs. Analyzes development/execution of cases through continuing dialogue with management officials and staff, review of written documents to include legislative and policy guidance. Examines a variety of government-to-government contracts and documents, to include accounting and logistical records to ensure compliance with all regulatory and statutory guidance. Analyzes the impact of new or revised legislation regarding current and new policies and procedures.

DUTY 3:
As a Career Broadener, represents the International Affairs Directorate with a variety of command and functional area organizations. Establishes, develops and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of high-level offices. Meets with key customers and coordinating officials to assess customer satisfaction, explain organization policy and procedures, and resolves significant problems that arise. Ensures subordinate units provide customer guidance and training. Participates in special projects and initiatives and performs special assignments. Identifies the need for special projects and initiates milestones and goals. Evaluates reports by analyzing facts and performing appropriate research and prepares detailed responses.

DUTY 4:
Performs career broadening assignments as a senior Foreign Affairs Specialist at the SAF level. Responsible for interpreting and advising on planning issues and DAF export recommendations as they impact and relate to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. Provides expertise to develop and execute Security Cooperation initiatives and actions relating to DAF international affairs.

DUTY 5:
As a Career Broadener, support to regional divisions and country directors in support of various Country portfolios. Supports assigned regional division by providing oversight and guidance on various FMS, Pol-Mil and foreign policy issues related to assigned portfolio. Support Key Leader Engagements by drafting talking points, products and coordinating support elements for meetings between foreign partner leadership and senior Air and Space Force Leadership. Career Broadener will also attend and support as needed any program reviews for major or politically sensitive FMS programs.

Qualifications & Requirements

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/foreign-affairs-series-0130/

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Degree: major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods.

OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

OR
Experience: four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Expert knowledge of international relations principles, methods, practices, processes, and techniques; knowledge of US foreign and security policy. Thorough knowledge of the role of the military in the development and implementation of foreign policy at the DOD, Joint Staff and Unified/Specified Command levels. Professional knowledge of the expeditionary Air Force and the organization, training, and employment of the various air expeditionary forces. Vocal advocate of airpower and the unique aspects that airpower brings to the table. Knowledge and skill in qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques to develop performance measures. Knowledge to apply particular methods or procedures and research findings for broad international policy issues. Skill in refining techniques, developing new approaches, and conducting probing innovative analyses which involve complex variables that significantly impact the interpretation or implementation of important policies. Ability to identify and analyze how changes in US foreign policy, as well as changes in other nations' and international / regional organizations' policies affect relationships with the assigned organizations operations and programs.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-13 or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Mastery of knowledge of International Affairs functions, operations, policies, procedures and practices and the concepts, theories and practices of the specialist work performed in the subordinate organizations.
2. Thorough knowledge of the role of the military in the development and implementation of foreign policy at the
DoW, Joint Staff and Unified/Specified Command levels.
3. Ability to research, organize, and respond effectively on Security Cooperation efforts, issues, and problems.
4. Skill in analyzing large quantities of complex information from diverse sources involving geo-political, politico-military, economic, and other non-military topics; and the ability to link the data to previous military data in order to synthesize and communicate findings and recommendations effectively.
5. Ability to support SAF/IA senior leaders with internal decision-making, development of policies, and executing and maintaining the SAF/IA Mission.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship is required
Mobility agreement must be signed
Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance
If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
PCS cost will be paid IAW Career Broadening Policy under this agreement.
Career Broadening positions are managed by AFPC/DPZ and are centrally funded.
Positions are established specifically to provide developmental experience designed to broaden the skills and/or enhance the leadership perspective of a high-potential, mid-level manager.
Career Broadening also provides training and developmental opportunities at various organizational levels.
These assignments offer the qualified candidate a unique assignment in that the candidates brings certain experience to the assignment while gaining new experiences in a different work environment
TEMPORARY PROMOTION: If the position is filled as a temporary promotion, upon completion of the career broadening assignment, the temporary promotion may lead to permanent promotion without further competition
Position may be subject to random drug testing
Travel by regularly scheduled commercial or military conveyances IAW Joint Travel Regulations may be required in performance of TDY
Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
Employee must maintain current certifications
Disclosure of Political Appointments

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

Online Application: Questionnaire
Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
Current Air Force employees: You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/01/2026.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13033534

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.

Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.

2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant. Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application.Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Source: Data sourced from USAJOBS