Summary

This vacancy announcement will be open from May 8, 2026 to May 14, 2026 or when 100 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages.

This job is open to

The public

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

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

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

Students

Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.

Duties

Pathways Opportunities in Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services

These positions are assigned to the Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services (OCS), Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA), U.S. Department of State. The Bureau of Consular Affairs directly touches lives across the globe. We serve on the front lines of U.S. diplomacy, and our work is central to the advancement of U.S. foreign policy. We guard against foreign and domestic threats by assisting U.S. citizens overseas and safeguarding our borders at home. The safety and protection of U.S. citizens overseas is among the U.S. government’s highest priorities, and CA’s number one priority. We proactively reach out to citizens to deliver the information they need to travel safely and responsibly. We continuously harness new technologies to keep information flowing during rapidly changing circumstances or crises overseas. CA plays a key role in the interagency process and development of a whole of government approach to complex problems. We are there for our citizens during the best and worst days of their lives abroad.

The Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services is responsible for formulating policy and directing, coordinating and monitoring emergency and non-emergency protective services to U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad. We examine and scrutinize potential problems and emerging issues. We provide guidance and recommendations on related foreign policy issues to Department principals and U.S. embassies and consulates. OCS manages the worldwide consular function and ensures responsive and efficient provision of consular services abroad.

These Pathways vacancies are located in The Office of Children’s Issues (CA/OCS/CI).

The Office of Children’s Issues works directly with foreign governments, U.S. embassies and consulates, U.S. law enforcement, and parents to seek the return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence and to promote safe, legal, ethical, and transparent intercountry adoptions.

In the regional parental child abduction divisions and abduction prevention branch, the Pathways intern(s) assist with implementing the Hague Abduction Convention in the United States, work bilaterally on expansion of or compliance to the Convention worldwide, and to advance U.S. government policy pertaining to international parental child abduction.

The Adoption Oversight Division oversees the regulatory framework for providing intercountry adoption services so that adoptions are safe, transparent, and ethical. A Pathways intern will be expected to learn about the Department’s role in oversight of intercountry adoption and take on increasing responsibility over time for contributing to the planning and execution of the programs and activities administered by the Adoption Oversight Division.

The Bilateral Engagement Adoption Division coordinates with foreign governments as well as U.S. embassies and consulates on intercountry adoption matters. Pathways intern(s) will manage regional and/or functional portfolios. Duties may include drafting Adoption Notices on foreign adoption laws and policy changes; updating country information sheets; engaging with posts and foreign governments on adoption procedures; and providing information on intercountry adoption policies to prospective adoptive parents, adoption service providers, senior Department officials, and Members of Congress. Pathways intern(s) will be responsible for covering a regional and/or functional portfolio. Some of the duties may require updating country information sheets, drafting Adoption Notices to inform stakeholders about foreign adoption laws and issues potentially affecting intercountry adoption; providing vital information about intercountry adoption policies, principles, practices, and processes to a variety of stakeholders, including prospective adoptive parents, adoption service providers, senior Department officials, and members of Congress; engaging with U.S. embassies and consulates and foreign governments on diplomatic efforts associated with implementation and administration of host government adoption laws, policies, and procedures; and developing and implementing Department policy regarding intercountry adoption. Pathways intern(s) will provide professional level customer service to the public, the parents, Congress, foreign central authorities and other agencies on behalf of the Bureau and the Department in both written and oral communications.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Verification from the academic institution confirming acceptance into a qualifying program.
Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0.
Must be able to obtain and maintain at least a Secret Security clearance.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution with at least a half-time course load.
Must maintain student eligibility for duration of internship.
All transcripts or educational documentation must reflect a projected graduation date after the (Spring 2027) semester or later.

Qualifications

GS-7: Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate-level education OR Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor’s degree; AND be currently accepted to/enrolled in a qualifying degree or certificate program.

Education

An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half an academic/vocational or technical course-load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for the purposes of this Program.

The Pathways Internship Program targets students accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a qualifying educational program in an accredited institution, on a full or half-time basis with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.

Applicants must meet the definition of "student" in order to be considered for this opportunity.

At the successful conclusion of the program, interns may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a Federal career or career-conditional position in the competitive service.

Conversions to the competitive service are not guaranteed.

Pathways 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.

Cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the entire Pathways Internship appointment;

Degree does not have to be related to the position/series; however to be eligible, candidate must meet the OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted.

Certificate Requirements:

Undergraduate certificates must contain a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.

Graduate certificates must contain a minimum of 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours.

For study at a business or technical school, 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school.

The Department of State no longer accepts certificates that are credited with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

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.

Student means an individual accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled), including awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program under Public Law 93-842. Students need not be in actual physical attendance, so long as all other requirements are met. An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half an academic/vocational or technical course-load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for purposes of this Program.

Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. You must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND meet one of the following provisions of the superior academic achievement:

A grade-point average of "B" (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
A grade-point average of "B+" (3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of your undergraduate study. Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision. Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

Grade point averages should be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 is rounded to 3.0, and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9. NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society.

Additional information

Pathways Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointments are made on a non-temporary basis.

Further information on Conversion to the Competitive Service can be found by clicking here.

The U.S. Department of State is not obligated to make an offer of employment, nor is the student obligated to accept an offer of employment.

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 OAA@state.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at OAA@state.gov.
If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. [REMOVE content, as appropriate, for the position].
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.

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.

Employees hired under the Pathways Programs on appointments for 90 days or more are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. Interns hired under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointment for a period expected to last longer than 1 year are eligible for health and life insurance coverage as long as they are expected to be employed under this appointment for over 1 year and are expected to be in a pay status for at least one-third of the total period of time from the date of their initial appointment to the date of the completion of the Program. The cost of premiums is split between the employee and the agency, as it is for all permanent employees. As a Department of State employee, Interns are eligible to receive a transit subsidy each month to compensate for travel to and from work via certain types of public transportation.

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.

A review of your resume will be conducted and compared against your responses to the crediting plan (CP) to determine if you are qualified for this job. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification (MQ) requirements, as described in the “Qualifications” section of this announcement, will be assigned a score between 70 and 100. The evaluation process consists of an online assessment and a subject matter expert (SME) resume review of applicants found to be among the top qualified candidates based on the CP assessment. Resumes longer than 2 pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. Responses to questions that are not fully supported by your resume may result in a rating adjustment.

Applicants who meet the MQ requirements will be assigned to one of three quality categories:

Qualified (Q) - In addition to meeting MQ, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of the required competencies and knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) for the position.

Well Qualified (WQ) - In addition to meeting MQ, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in some but not all of the required competencies and KSAs for the position.

Highly Qualified (HQ) - In addition to meeting MQ, applicants must fully demonstrate proficiency in all of the required competencies and KSAs for the position.

Resume review: SMEs will review your resume to determine your qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. Your resume should demonstrate how you meet all aspects of the specialized experience statement. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., links in your resume will not be opened.). If meeting basic qualifications through education only or a combination of education and experience, applicants will not be referred to the SMEs but will be reviewed by the HR Specialist for referral.

Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the HQ category [except when the position being filled is scientific/professional at the GS-9 or higher. Other eligible and qualified 10 pt. preference eligible and veterans with 5 pt. preference are placed above non-preference eligible applicants within the category in which they qualify. View OPM’s veterans' preference website for more information.

In accordance with the Office of Personnel Management policy, for undergraduate level education, successfully completed education is credited based on its relationship to 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours. For example, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. An academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 academic year of full-time study. If that information is not provided by the applicant, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours will be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements and submit any required supporting documentation by the closing date of this announcement.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system "Gateway to State" by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents must be submitted for your application package to be considered complete. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are received within the required timeframes. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, system failure or downtime, etc. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

Resume: limited to two pages that includes the following information: 1) contact information; 2) completed course work (unit/credit hours); 3) academic standing/GPA; 4) work/volunteer experience including the work schedule & hours worked per week as well as dates or employment; & title, series, & grade, if applicable; 5) supervisors name, phone number & email address for each work period listed & whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; & 6) references. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.

Transcript(s): unofficial copies are sufficient with the application; however if selected, official transcripts will be required. Applicants in high school should submit their most recent report card. If your transcripts do not provide the information listed below, include additional official academic documentation that meets the requirements. Transcripts MUST include:

Student's name
Name of the school
Specific degree program
Current & Cumulative GPA/academic standing
Past & current coursework
Evidence of meeting the “qualifications” as listed in the announcement

Proof of Enrollment or Class Registration for the Fall 2026 semester: 1) If you are not presently enrolled for Fall 2026 semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the Spring 2027 semester OR 2) if you will graduate from your current academic program Fall 2026 semester, you may upload an acceptance letter to a qualifying program for the following semester along with your current proof of enrollment (Note: When completing the questionnaire, be sure to select your “new” program’s projected graduation date to avoid possible disqualification). The acceptance letter must be dated within the last 12 months and must specify the term of acceptance and the program to which you have been accepted.

Proof of Graduation Date: transcripts or official educational supporting documentation that reflects a projected graduation date after the Spring 2027 semester.

Veteran’s Documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit proof of veterans' preference with your application.

If claiming 5-point veteran’s preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 is preferred), which must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, & the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm your current or expected discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not receive credit for the claimed active duty military service.

If claiming 10-point veteran’s preference (i.e., preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more), you must submit the documentation required by the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if veterans' preference requirements have been met. For further information regarding Veterans, click here. For applicants claiming 10-point derived veterans’ preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), a completed SF-15 must be submitted with the application with all required supporting documents listed on the form. For Sole Survivorship preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation which shows your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge. To gain access to your DD214 online, please click here.

If the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility or you fail to submit any of the required documents, it will disqualify you from being considered for this job opportunity.

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

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

Complete applications (to include all required documents) must be submitted electronically through the "Gateway to State" system. To begin the application process, please click on the "Apply Online" button to the right.

Candidates have until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process. This includes submitting the online application as well as any required documents as defined in the Required Documents section.

Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications well before the application deadline to ensure they receive consideration. Should candidates be missing any of the required documents or submit their application late, they will be disqualified for consideration of employment. There is a maximum number of applications for this vacancy announcement. The vacancy will close on the closing date listed above or when the maximum number of applications is received. The vacancy will close when the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Technical assistance with your on-line application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST.

Agency contact information

Pathways

Phone: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: Pathways@state.gov

Address: U.S. Department of State
Not accepting applications by Mail
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States

Next steps

After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the program qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interviews. If rewarded a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months, up to a year. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:

Upon receipt of your application.
Upon minimum qualification determinations.
If referred to the hiring manager.
After hiring manager makes final decision.

For instructions on how to view the status of your application, please click here.

Pathways Student Trainee (Program Analysis) Job in Washington, DC