Summary The Colin Powell Leadership Program is seeking highly motivated applicants from a variety of backgrounds who possess the potential and aspiration to become future Civil Service leaders at the U.S. Department of State. We are looking for candidates with demonstrated leadership potential as well as excellence in academic, cross-cultural, and communication skills. This vacancy announcement will be open from 10/28-11/3/2024, or when 300 applications have been received, whichever comes first. Responsibilities The Colin Powell Leadership Program is a one-year competitive service program. The incumbent receives work assignments and will complete specified career-related training and developmental assignments designed to provide productive work experience and to provide leader experience applicable to a future career in federal service. GS-07: Essential duties of this position may include: Gathers and reviews information and data submitted from a wide variety of sources. Contributes to the development of potential approaches to issues and participates in drafting policy options for presentation to Department and USG policymaking officials and staff, other bureau working level contacts and the Office Director. Working with other teammates and senior officers, the incumbent interprets the significance of events or developments in the assigned geographical region to U.S. policy and programmatic goals. Contributes to development of recommendations based on analyses, and assists in planning and implementing new policies, regulations, or legislation. Prepares informational reports, briefing materials, correspondence, and other documents related to the office served. Responds to tasking requests, prepares memoranda and other necessary documents to support the Office and Bureau leadership in meetings related to assigned geographical/thematic areas. Participates in reevaluating office activities for relevance and effectiveness in light of changing priorities, resources, and strategic objectives. Other duties as assigned. GS-09: Essential duties of this position may include: Gathering and reviewing information and data submitted from a wide variety of sources. Contributes to the development of potential approaches to issues and participates in drafting policy options for presentation to Department and USG policymaking officials and staff, other bureau working level contacts and the Office Director. Contributes to clearing analytical products with relevant Departmental and other organizations, and modification of drafts as necessary and appropriate. Working with other teammates and senior officers, the incumbent interprets the significance of events or developments in the assigned geographical region to U.S. policy and programmatic goals. Contributes to development of recommendations based on analyses, and assists in planning and implementing new policies, regulations, or legislation. Assesses impacts of options and alternatives, anticipates potential policy problems, judges authoritativeness of facts and information, and ensures that policy recommendations are consistent with USG and Departmental objectives. Prepares informational reports, briefing materials, correspondence, and other documents related to the office served. Participates in intra and interagency meetings and discussions on issues relevant to the Office. Other duties as assigned. GS-11: Essential duties of this position may include: Gathers and reviews information and data submitted from a wide variety of sources. Contributes to the development of potential approaches to issues and participates in drafting policy options on controversial or politically sensitive issues for presentation to Department and USG policymaking officials and staff, other agency working level contacts and the Office Director. Contributes to clearing analytical products with relevant Departmental and other organizations, and modification of drafts as necessary and appropriate. Interprets the significance of events or developments in the assigned geographical region to U.S. policy and programmatic goals. Contributes to development of recommendations based on analyses, and assists in planning and implementing new policies, regulations, or legislation. Assesses impacts of options and alternatives, anticipates potential policy problems, assesses their impact and Congressional reaction, and ensures that policy recommendations are consistent with USG and Departmental objectives. Prepares analytical reports, briefing materials, decision memoranda, correspondence, and other documents related to the office served. Recommends priorities for the office and Bureau’s strategic planning and program planning processes, based on in depth awareness of trends, opportunities, and the work of foreign affairs organizations. Advises office leadership on draft operation plans, notices of funding opportunities, requests for statements of interest/requests for proposals for office programs. Responds to tasking requests, prepares memoranda and other necessary documents to support the Office and Bureau leadership in meetings related to assigned geographical/thematic areas. Represents the office in intra and interagency meetings and discussions on issues relevant to the Office. Other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to be credited towards qualifications. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials. Applicants applying for the GS-07 grade level must meet the following requirements: Completion of a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major (or equivalent) 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. A cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position to be filled. Note: All applicants WILL BE required to submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you may lose consideration for this position. Applicants applying for the GS-09 grade level must meet the following requirements: Completion of a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major (or equivalent) 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. A cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. Additionally, two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree is required. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position to be filled. If only one year of graduate level education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent has been completed, specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level will be considered. Note: All applicants WILL BE required to submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you may lose consideration for this position. Applicants applying for the GS-11 grade level must meet the following requirements: Completion of a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major (or equivalent) 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. A cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. Additionally, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree is required. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position to be filled. If only two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree has been completed, specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level will be considered. Note: All applicants WILL BE required to submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you may lose consideration for this position. These positions will be across the Department. Some of the potential placements may be with, but are not limited to, the following bureaus: Bureau of Administration Bureau of Comptroller and Global Financial Services Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs International Organizations Bureau of Economic Business Affairs Global Talent Management Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Education Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials. Candidates must meet the DOS qualification standards applicable to the position being filled. All applicants must meet the qualifications by the closing date of this announcement. A cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 is required for consideration for the Colin Powell Leadership Program Fellowship appointment. At the successful conclusion of the program, fellows may be eligible for non-competitive reassignment to a Federal career or career-conditional position in the competitive service. Reassignments are not guaranteed. To be eligible for conversion, the candidate must meet the OPM qualification standards for the position to which the fellow may be converted. Additional Information SELECTIVE SERVICE - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify prior to appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION - This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – U.S. law requires organizations to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States - either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
Summary The position is telework eligible consistent with the Agency’s telework and remote work program policy. This position is in the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Finance and Operations (OFO), Executive Office. The position requires the performance of a variety of program-related assignments. The incumbent is responsible for providing operational services to Supervisor and program support staff in the areas of meeting operational objectives. Responsibilities APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 150 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 150th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a Program Specialist, GS-0301-07, you will be responsible for: Performing Special assignments/projects for the Executive Office. Serving as liaison between the Department staff and the Executive Office. Scheduling meetings and making necessary arrangements for in person, hybrid, or virtual participants. Developing and maintaining databases using Excel and other databases applications. Requirements Conditions of Employment Relocation will not be paid Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service. Must be a U.S. Citizen. You may be subject to serve a one-year probationary period. Must Complete a Background Investigation and Fingerprint check. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. 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, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience. TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: You may be eligible for occasional telework in which you are required to report to the office on a regular basis. Participation must be requested and approved by the supervisor and there must be a signed telework agreement. The number of telework days approved is determined by the agency policy, emergency situations, the approval of your immediate supervisor. You must have access to high speed internet and cell phone service meeting current Agency policy from the approved work location. Qualifications Minimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-07, if you possess the specialize experience, education, or a combination of the two. Specialized Experience for the GS-7 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-05 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience gathering information, coordinating input, and making recommendations. 2. Experience communicating orally and in writing to present recommendations and coordinate efforts. 3. Experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. OR EDUCATION (see EDUCATION SECTION of the vacancy announcement) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). Knowledge of organizational practices and policies and program/management operations sufficient to conduct research, locate and assemble background material for the supervisor\'s use, and to respond to substantive inquiries from a variety of sources. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing in presenting recommendations and coordinating efforts with Department staff. Ability to develop and compile a variety of administrative reports to meet specific requests. Skill in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel at an intermediate level. Education You may meet the minimum qualifications of this position by meeting the following education options. Minimum Qualification Requirements For GS-7 Completion of one full academic year of graduate level education. OR Completion of a bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement. OR A combination of specialized experience and education that when taken as a percentage of the required education and experience total 100% or more. Superior Academic Achievement is based on one of the three following criteria: 1) Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. 2) Grade – Point Average (GPA): Applicants must have a grade-point average of: a.) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (“B” or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or b.) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (“B+” or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. Grade-point averages will be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. 3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed below. These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must submit a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, please click Foreign Education. Additional Information Veterans’ Career Counseling: If you are a veteran interested in receiving tips on preparing a Federal resume and/or how to prepare for an interview, you may email srorecruiting@ed.gov to schedule a session with a career counselor (“Veterans Counseling Session” should be placed in the subject line of the email). Student Loan Default: If selected for this position, we will verify that you have not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are found to be in default, we will contact you to make arrangements for repayment prior to making an official offer of employment. Suitability and Investigation: If selected for this position, you will be required to complete the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for federal employment and successfully complete a pre-appointment investigation/background check. Essential/Non-Essential: This position is considered non-essential for purposes of reporting to work during federal government closures. Financial Disclosure: This position does not require financial disclosure. Bargaining Unit: This position is included in the bargaining unit (American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 252). Selections: Agencies have broad authority under law to hire from any appropriate source of eligibles and may fill a vacancy in the competitive service by any method authorized. We may make additional selections from this vacancy announcement within 90 days from the date the selection certificates are issued, should vacancies occur. We may also share selection certificates amongst program offices across the agency.
