Summary 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. This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *USDA/FAS offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section. Responsibilities 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: Applies professional economic techniques and principles to analyze factors and conditions impacting the competitive posture of the U.S. agricultural industry in international trade. Conducts in-depth analysis for use in the formulation of U.S. agricultural trade policy positions and recommendations developed by FAS. Works independently or as a member of a team, performs research, analysis, and associated functions which contribute to the accomplishment of the agency’s mission to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. Assists in preparing analytical material in connection with USG participation in international meetings and negotiations, produces briefing materials and related documents for executive-level use. Represents the agency at meetings with other USG agencies, foreign governments, industry, and other stakeholders. Consults with staff of domestic and foreign industry and trade associations. Analyzes data to evaluate consistency with U.S. Government objectives, policies, and legislation, formulating conclusions and recommendations for consideration by senior officials in making decisions, writing reports, and responding to inquiries. Analyzes and evaluates the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international agreements and legislation, as well as trade barriers to discern the impact on trade. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.-or-B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement, you also need to meet the following: TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. 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 Developing recommendations on issues impacting U.S. Trade in the international marketplace AND Producing written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues. OR a Master's 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. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-11 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: Developing recommendations on issues impacting U.S. Trade in the international marketplace; Producing written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues AND Conducting economic analysis of international trade policies and practices and develop recommendations. 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. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 and GS-11 GRADE LEVELS: 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 that grade level. To learn more about combining education and experience for this series, click the following: Combining Education and Experience for Administrative and Management Positions TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. 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 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. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Clarification from the agency: A present or former member of the Foreign Service may be considered for this opportunity if s/he previously appointed under the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended, the Foreign Service Act of 1980, or legislation that supplements or replaces the latter Act; Served in the Foreign Service under an unlimited, career-type appointment and, immediately before separation from that appointment, completed one year of continuous service under one or more non-temporary appointments in the Foreign Service, which may include the service that made him/her eligible for the career-type appointment; and Is appointed within three (3) years after separation from the Foreign Service, or completed at least three (3) years of substantially continuous service under one or more non-temporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before his separation from the unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service which may include the service that made him/her eligible for such appointment, or s/he is entitled to preference under Section 2 of the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, as amended. Any Foreign Service Officer appointed under this provision becomes a member of the competitive service in a career-conditional or career appointment, based on service time. 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. 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 to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Recruitment or Relocation Incentives will NOT be considered. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. This position is in a bargaining unit with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3976.