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. 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. 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: initiates and develops agreements authorizing cooperative or cost-reimbursable activities with USDA agencies, U.S. institutions and universities, and international agricultural organizations Researches and provides information on the value, feasibility, and implication of current and future projects, requirements for new training programs or scientific research, and organization capabilities and plans. Contributes to a variety of projects and reports and/or provides input for a portion of a project being developed by other specialists. Conducts research, gathers data, and compiles information to be included in larger or more detailed reports. Initiates and develops statements of work for contracting officers to enter into contractual arrangements with private sector training providers and agricultural industry associations. Conducts analysis and provides justification for additional resources to meet requirements of supported international development efforts. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the at least the GS-09 level; or its non-federal equivalent that included experience: assisting in the development and implementation of projects or trade strategies; analyzing and interpreting international trade data and legal issues and conducting research, gathers data, and compiles information and assisting in the preparation of cooperative and cost-reimbursable agreements authorizing training, exchange, and capacity building projects. OR a 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. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: 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. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the at least the GS-11 level; or its non-federal equivalent that included experience: : participates in the development and implementation of projects or trade strategies; analyzing and interpreting international trade data and legal issues; conducting research, gathers data and compiles information to be included in larger or more detailed reports and performs analysis and offers program and policy support for assignments which involve designing and implementing policies and procedures for USDA international agricultural capacity building and scientific exchange programs. 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 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 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. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. 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. This is a term appointment not to exceed Two Years. (Appointment may be extended up to 4 years without reannouncing). For more details click: Term Appointments 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. For more information on applying under special hiring authorities such as the Veteran's Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, Schedule A Disabled, etc., explore the different Hiring Paths on the USAJOBS website. This position is in a bargaining unit with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3976.