Interdisciplinary (Program Director) Job in Alexandria, VA

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The incumbents will serve as Program Directors in the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) within the Office of the Director (OD) at the NSF. The Program Director has three key areas of responsibility. The first is science diplomacy, which includes representing NSF's interests to a range of international and interagency entities. The second is to interpret relevant scientific, political, economic, social, and other significant international developments and advise NSF leadership, staff and external stakeholders on how these developments impact NSF research, education and innovation activity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The third is to develop and oversee programs that enhance STEM research excellence, workforce development, and innovation activities through international cooperation. All three responsibilities require the ability to establish and maintain an understanding of domestic and international STEM ecosystems to include the agencies/ministries responsible for basic and use-inspired funding in STEM fields.

Consistent with OISE's unique mission, this position requires the incumbent to serve as an official representative of the United States Government (USG) with representatives from a range of foreign entities (e.g., governments, academia, and private sector). Diplomatic poise is critical for the position.

Specific Duties Include:

Science Diplomacy

- Representation and Management of International Science and Technology Activities, Including Policy Activities

Monitors and advises on scientific, political, economic, social, and other significant international developments that may affect the NSF, its international collaborations, and the U.S. research, education, and innovation community it serves. Establishes and maintains relationships with foreign counterparts, Embassies, and other representatives of assigned countries, science officers at U.S. Embassies in assigned countries, and members of the U.S. STEM research, education and innovation community. Drafts agreements or memoranda of understanding as appropriate to ensure the interests of NSF and the U.S. STEM research, education and innovation community are properly served. Offers insights and advises on effective options for action to advance NSF interests in the area of international partnerships. Implements selected courses of action to accomplish goals. Represents OISE, NSF and the USG sometimes on short notice, to internal and external audiences.

- Intra-agency and Inter-agency Coordination

In concert with colleagues, identifies, designs, and pursues opportunities for international collaboration and engagement strategies consistent with NSF's mission and vision. As appropriate, prepares recommendations, remarks and briefing materials for OISE, Directorate and NSF leadership for intra-agency and inter-agency contexts, with limited oversight from the OISE management team.

International Activity Analysis

Contributes to the collection, interpretation, review, and communication of information internally and externally on relevant trends in foreign STEM research, education, and innovation, or events abroad that impact NSF and the U.S. STEM research, education, and innovation ecosystem. Provides recommendations on courses of action to OISE leadership. Stays updated on opportunities and barriers for U.S. researchers to engage in cooperative work with foreign counterparts. Participates in special studies concerning issues or program areas of expertise, as necessary.
Program Development and Implementation

- Program Planning and Direction

In coordination with the supervisor and as appropriate, recommends and prepares annual and long-range budgets and plans for programs that strengthen U.S. STEM research, education, and innovation through international cooperation. Collaborates with other NSF staff and, where applicable, international counterparts, in the development of solicitations, Dear Colleague Letters, memoranda of understanding, and other program planning and implementation activities. As assigned, oversees the solicitation, merit review, decision, and monitoring of awards consistent with NSF policies and procedures. Ensures programmatic activities are consistent with the NSF mission and current U.S. science and foreign policy, and that they support current OISE and NSF strategic priorities.

- Program Solicitation, Proposal Review, and Award Management

Solicits proposals from the research community and other stakeholders, and fields questions from prospective investigators about the solicitation. As assigned, effectively manages the proposal review process. Proactively develops and implements programmatic opportunities to broaden participation in STEM research, education, and innovation through international cooperation. Evaluates proposals and prepares recommendations for awards or declinations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.

The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
- Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.

IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.

WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Next steps

You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website

Applicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.