Information Technology Specialist (Information Security/Policy and Planning)

Department of the Army

Joint Activities

Special Operations Command Africa

Summary

About the Position:
The incumbent serves as the SOCAFRICA J6 Cyber Security Division Chief and SOCAFRICA's Information System Security Manager (ISSM) responsible for developing and enforcing a formal Command Cyber Security and training program, and overseeing the assessment and authorization (A&A) process across the command to include garrison networks and all special operation force (SOF) elements deployed to the African continent.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Clarification from the agency

See "Who May Apply" in the "Qualifications" section for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position.

Duties

Enforces Information Assurance Vulnerability Management (IAVM) dissemination, reporting, compliance and verification procedures in accordance with DoD/DA policies, regulations and guidelines.
Manages the Command IA Certification and Accreditation Process to ensure Information Systems and Networks are in compliance with DoD/DA regulations and guidelines.
Reports security violations and incidents to the servicing theatre network control center computer network defense (TNCC-CND) in accordance with incident and intrusion reporting procedures.
Ensures the use of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) approved IA procedures for acquiring, maintaining and disposing of hardware and removable media devices.
Supervises government civilians and military personnel assigned to specific cyber security functions.
Develops, implements, interprets and maintains policies, guidance, plans and programs, objectives, procedures, standards and criteria appropriate to manage an overall command cyber security program
Conducts risk and vulnerability assessments of planned and installed information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and protection needs.
Provides expert technical Information management and technology cyber security advice concerning policies and procedures for the command.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

One year trial/probationary period may be required.
Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program requirements as outlined in the DoD Instruction 1315.19.
Must be able to satisfy the requirements of the 26JUL12 DODI 1400.25 V1230, DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Employment in Foreign Areas and Employee Return Rights. Visit https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/140025/.
Direct deposit of pay is required.
U.S. citizens overseas under ordinarily resident status are not eligible for appointment under the Status of Forces Agreement.
This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) based on the duties and responsibilities defined.
This position requires the incumbent to possess, or obtain and maintain, a valid regular and official U.S. Passport.
This is a drug testing designated position (TDP) subject to pre-employment drug test and random drug testing based on the requirement to possess a Top Secret security clearance.
This position is designated as an Emergency Essential (E-E) position in support of mobilization and wartime mission requirements and must pass a medical examination and receive all required immunizations.
The incumbent is required to complete training and obtain the required certification/ recertification as outlined in DoD Publication 8570.01-M Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program
This position requires overnight travel for business and/or training approximately 15% of the time, to include the continent of Africa.
Must be willing and able to obtain and maintain Country/Theater Clearance per the Foreign Clearance Guide located at:
https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm, maintain no-fee passport and Visa, obtain any vaccinations and pertinent immunizations, and complete any pre-employment screening for country entry.
Incumbent is required to complete the appropriate training and obtain the required certification/recertification for this position as outlined in DoDM 8140.03, DoD Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Applying to OCONUS Positions
Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Interchange Agreement
Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
Excepted Service Overseas Family Member Appointment
Family Member Preference (FMP) for Overseas Employment
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) for Overseas Employment
Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience;

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Advising on and supporting cybersecurity projects and operations across all phases of the lifecycle to strengthen information security risk management; 2) Providing technical guidance to personnel regarding cybersecurity operations; AND 3) Conducting strategic threat and vulnerability assessments. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).

Additionally, your experience demonstrates each of the four competencies:
1) Attention to Detail - Providing advice to users; recommending solutions for problems; or ensuring troubleshooting of Information Technology problems are complete, free of error, and uses sound technical judgment in researching, choosing, interpreting, modifying, and applying guidelines for adaptation to specific problems or issues.
2) Customer Service - Delivering Information Technology support to end users, teams, and identifying problems with customer requests in order to achieve the desired product or service and course of action to take; and providing customer training on security policies and procedures.
3) Oral Communication - Presenting technical information to internal and subordinate organizations in order to coordinate security requirements and achieve understanding of desired specification or solutions to problems.
4) Problem Solving - Diagnosis of issues for Information Technology systems security requirements, or providing advice, evaluating and/or recommending IT security tools to protect information assets, or developing technical procedures for safeguarding, accounting for and control of equipment and material.

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:

Accountability
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading Comprehension
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Direct deposit of pay is required.
U.S. citizens overseas under ordinarily resident status are not eligible for appointment under the Status of Forces Agreement.
Locality pay does not apply in the overseas area.
If an employee brings a child to an overseas location and that child is entitled to attend a DoD school on a space-required basis in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, the DoDEA and the Military Department responsible for providing related services will ensure that the child, if eligible for special education, receives a free appropriate public education, including related services pursuant to DoDI 1342.12 and DoDM 1342.12.
If an employee brings an infant or toddler (up to 3 years of age) to an overseas location, and that infant or toddler, but for the child's age, is entitled to attend the DoDEA on a space-required basis in accordance with DoDEA Regulation 1342.13, then the Military Department responsible for EIS will provide the infant or toddler with the required EIS in accordance with the eligibility criteria consistent with DoDI 1342.12 and DoDM 1342.12.
Employees (and family members) who require medical or dental care in the overseas location will be responsible for obtaining and paying for such care. Access for civilian employees and their families to military medical and dental treatment facilities is on a space-available and reimbursable basis only.
Pay retention may be offered to selected applicants for positions at overseas locations. Pay retention will not be offered as an incentive for employees moving between overseas positions.
Selectees may receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, home leave, etc. Selectees will have their eligibility for foreign area benefits determined at the time of hire in accordance with Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) and DoDI 1400.25 volume 1250.
For positions in a foreign country, that country's laws or international agreements may have a direct impact on the ability of an employee's same sex domestic partner or spouse to accompany the employee and receive certain benefits. If you believe you may be affected by these laws and agreements, you should familiarize yourself with relevant information and direct questions concerning a specific country (Foreign Duty Location) to the appropriate Army Human Resources point of contact prior to the acceptance of employment and your entrance on duty.
This is a Career Program (CP) 34 - Information Technology/Cyber Management position.
The initial length of this overseas tour is 36 months.
Defense National Relocation Program will not be authorized.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
Relocation/Recruitment/Advanced Rate In-Hire/Advanced Leave Accrual incentive may be authorized if determined to be in the organization's interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information

Review our 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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Accountability
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading Comprehension
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork

The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.

If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.

You may claim Military Spouse preference.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc). Please review the following links to see which documents you need to provide to prove your eligibility to apply: Applicant Checklist for Internal/Merit Promotion Announcements (OCONUS)

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

Your resume may be submitted in any format and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., HRS per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete and you may not receive consideration for this position.
For additional information see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

Cover Letter, optional
Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
Proof of Eligibility to Apply: Your application must include the documents which prove you are eligible to apply for the vacancy. The Proof of Eligibility document describes authorities commonly used in merit promotion recruitment and what document(s) are required to prove you meet the requirements of the authority. You must meet the requirements of at least one of the authorities listed in the Who May Apply section above to receive further consideration.
Time-in-grade documentation: If you are applying for a higher grade 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 requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 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).
This position requires a job-related license or certification. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12976395
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/26/2026.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980562523540-USA-Hire-Assessments

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Website: https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq

Address: HR-APF-W6MTAA SPECIAL OPS COMMAND AFRICA SOCAFRICA
DO NOT MAIL
APO, AE 09096
US

Next steps

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, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

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