INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP SPECIALIST Job in Colchester, VT

Vacancy No. VT-12744675-AR-25-22 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $75,448.00 to $98,078.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/10/2025 Close Date 7/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Colchester, VT


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for an International PartnershipSpecialist, Position Description Number D2401000 and is part of the DCSOPS Plans Ops Military Support Branch of the Vermont Army National Guard

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Area I: All current On-board Permanent and Indefinite Dual Status 32 and Title 5 Only those Vermont National Guard members who are in permanent or indefinite technician status. Area II: All Members of the Vermont Army National Guard.

Duties

The purpose of this position is to plan, coordinate, and execute the State Partnership Program (SPP) initiative between the National Guard of a state and the foreign area partner nation. This position has overall responsibility for developing statewide plans, policies, and procedures for the participation in the National Guard State Partnership Program.

1.Plans, coordinates, and executes the State Partnership Program between the state and the partner country. Ensures all actions taken are within the framework, support of, and in concert with international agreements such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Charter on a distinctive partnership. These partnerships are predicated upon written agreement between NATO, United States European Command (USEUCOM), National Guard Bureau (NGB), and the participating nations of which most are classified as former Soviet Union or non-aligned states. Develops, coordinates, and obtains approval for the five-year SPP plan based on requests from United States (U.S.) Ambassador to partner country, partner country's Ministry of Defense, and geographic Commander-in-Chief (CINC). Coordinates and obtains approval through The Adjutant General to NGB, CINC, and when warranted to the Interagency Working Group at Secretary of Defense/Secretary of State level.

2. Maintains continual liaison with the partner country through the Military Liaison Team (MLT) and the Defense Attache Office stationed in the embassy of the partner nation. Conceptualizes, plans, coordinates, and executes Familiarization Visits to include visits sponsored by the United States America Information Service (USAIS). The partner nation participates in visits in which the host state is the organization of primary responsibility (OPR). Membership in the visiting delegation may consist of both military and civilian authorities from the partner nation. Visiting delegations often consist of military personnel of the highest rank as well as civil authorities of cabinet level equivalency. Incumbent is responsible for the execution of the event from start to finish. Attention to detail, as well as strict protocol considerations, is of paramount importance. The primary purpose of these visits is to demonstrate and familiarize the visiting delegation with the procedures and policies pertaining to the operation of the National Guard within the military structure of the U.S. as well as how the National Guard provides support to civil authorities. Familiarization Visits sponsored by USAIS may include elected and non-elected officials and journalists. The OPR is normally the U.S. State Department, with the state serving as the organizational secondary representative.

3.Coordinates and executes visits to the partner nation by military members and civilian personnel. Coordinates with the U.S. State Department, Department of Defense (DoD), NGB, Commander in Chief of European Command (CINCEUR), embassy staff of both the U.S. and partner nation, and U.S. Transportation Command when military air is utilized for all aspects of the event.

4. Serves as the focal point for joint and combined military exercises between the state and the partner nation, which may include other state's partner nations, both in the U.S. and overseas. In conjunction with the state command structure and the member nation's military leadership, the SPPC develops scenarios for deployment of the State National Guard soldiers and airmen. Because of the number of entities involved and the delicate balance that must be maintained, the incumbent must remain vigilant and cognizant of the protocol of such actions. Responsible for coordinating the many details that are inherent with military exercises. The utilization of a single coordinator, in this function, is necessary because of the possibilities for misunderstanding of boundaries of authority and responsibility. Takes a myriad of considerations into account in planning and executing National Guard participation in foreign military exercises and coordinates with the U.S. State Department, DoD, CINCEUR, MLT, various Service Secretariats, embassy staff members, NGB, and the partner nation's counterparts. At the onset of the SPP, the deployments of both state National Guard and partner nations may be small; however, requirements for coordination become more complex as the size of the rotational deployments increase from squad to larger formations as the program matures.

5. Oversees the development of proposed SPP events with partner country. Ensures events are submitted to NGB, U.S. State Department, Interagency Working Group where warranted, and geographic CINC for approval. Oversees the executing unit to ensure they stay within the parameters defined for the state event.

**REFER TO PD FOR FULL LIST OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES**

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
  • The incumbent will be separated at the expiration of the term of appointment.
  • The work may require the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle; if so, and an appropriate valid driver's license is mandatory.
  • *In order to be eligible, applicants must have a current military status. Prior service or non-prior service applicants are not eligible.
  • May be required to travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments.

Qualifications

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is a Title 32 excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the Vermont Army National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact 1-800-GO-GUARD or visit NATIONALGUARD.COM/VT prior to applying for this position.

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1, 2
Area I: All current On-board Permanent and Indefinite Dual Status 32 and Title 5 (Competitive and Excepted) Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite) - Only those Vermont National Guard members who are in permanent or indefinite technician status as a result of being competitively hired within that National Guard component applying for a position within the component which they are currently employed.
Area II: All Members of the Vermont Army National Guard.

Military Grade: Officer- 1LT/O2 to MAJ/O4

Work involves supervising or performing work requiring knowledge of (a) the basic processes of administration, (b) the principles and standard practices of management, and (c) the techniques of organization, direction, coordination, and control

Minimum Qualification Requirements: Experience, education or training which provided a general knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration. Compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Progressively responsible experience which demonstrates the ability to provide technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or in comparable work of the position to be filled. Experience using computer and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 36 Months experience, with 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Experience, education or training in program or managerial experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to the position to be filled or in comparable work or functions. Experience developing and recommending policy; organizing and carrying out specific programs, evaluating and recommending changes in methods of operations. Experience in supervisory, staff or technical work which included study, analysis or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of managerial or administrative policies, practices and procedures. Experience preparing written communications and oral presentations.

OR

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

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics:

--Knowledge of statewide operations and DoD directives, policies, and laws concerning the State Partnership Program.

--Must be knowledgeable of the state mobilization process.

--Must possess a significant knowledge of, or be experienced with, U.S. military joint operations.

--Ability to independently analyze and resolve difficult issues and problems in the assigned area of responsibility.

--Knowledge of a variety of aspects of management principles, practices, methods, techniques, and precedents in order to plan, organize, and advise upper level management officials engaged in a variety of military missions.

--Knowledge of major issues, (to include historical, economical, political, and military issues), program goals and objectives, work processes, and administrative operations of the partner nation and its ministry of defense.

--Ability to handle a broad spectrum of cultural differences.

--Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

--Ability to understand the ARNG/ANG orders process.


PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:
-This position is subject to the Lautenberg amendment to the gun control act of 1968 which makes it a felony for anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition. Civilian personnel of the Department of the Defense are not exempt from this provision. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
-This is not a permanent appointment.
-This is an indefinite tenure appointment not to exceed 11/01/2027
-The incumbent will be separated at the expiration of the term of appointment.




Please be advised:

1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet the specialized experience listed.
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.

DO NOT copy the specialized experience qualifications word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each statement.

Education

Completion of courses such as the Officer Advanced Course, Squadron Officer School, Command and Staff College, Air and Army War College, National Security Management Course and others of comparable level will be credited at the rate of 1 month of education for 2 months of specialized experience

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

This is an excepted appointment with indefinite tenure, Appointees do not acquire permanent status or career-conditional employment through an appointment. Employees are eligible to participate in most of the benefit programs available to permanent federal employees, e.g., the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Vermont Army National Guard personnel who are bonus recipients/student loan repayment program recipients may have their benefits terminated and/or recouped if selected as a Permanent/Indefinite Military Technician. Applicants should contact the VTARNG Incentive Manager to determine any possible termination and/or recoupment actions that may result from accepting this position.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Please be advised that the applicant rating will be evaluated on the following occupational competencies:

1. Budget Administration
2. Decision Making
3. Knowledge Management
4. Problem Solving
5. Oral Communication

Required Documents

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

1. Resume: resume must show relevant experience, where you worked, job title, detailed duties and accomplishments written in your own words (Do not plagiarize), employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.), hours per week and salary. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your position title, pay plan, series and grade. Your detailed experience should be listed under each job title with starting and ending dates. Resume must show applicants name and contact information.
2. AGO-VT Form 690-5, Military Experience and Education Resume (All applicants, currently serving in the military, prior-service and civilians MUST complete the name block and military affiliation block of the AGO-VT Form 690-5 and sign and date the form).

Other supporting documents (as applicable):

For current Federal employees: Latest SF 50, Personnel Action.
  • DD -214
  • Transcripts
  • Certifications
Helpful Hints for Applying:

- Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address and phone.
- Include details about the experience that relates to the position you are applying for.
- Be specific and always include Month and Year for the dates of your experience.
- Be sure to include your applicable military experience and explain the duties of the MOS/AFSC held.

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may lose consideration for this position.

If you are using education to qualify for this position or education is a mandatory requirement to meet qualifications, you must submit copies of college transcripts that identify each course, the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade and grade-point received. Submitting a certificate or a degree will not suffice. You must submit transcripts when required. Photocopies are acceptable.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Nathan Brimmer
Address
Vermont Army National Guard DCSOPS Plans Ops Military Support Branch
789 Vermont National Guard Road, GMA
Colchester, VT 05446
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.