Summary
The incumbent serves as a director in one of these offices within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR): Office of African Affairs, Office of Agricultural Affairs & Commodity Policy, Office of Environment & Natural Resources, Office of Innovation & Intellectual Property, Office of Labor Affairs, AND Office of WTO & Multilateral Affairs.
**Notice: More than one selection may be made within 90 days of the issuance of the certificate, if additional vacancies occur.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens
Duties
As a Policy Analyst (Trade), GS-301-13/14/15 your typical work assignments may include the following:
- Serving as negotiator on assigned issues in trade agreement negotiations and in other bilateral engagements with foreign governments;
- Analyzing laws and regulations of foreign countries, as well as international agreements, including World Trade Organization agreements and U.S. trade agreements;
- Developing and executing strategies to advance and achieve U.S. trade policy objectives;
- Building coalitions and consensus among diverse groups and views on U.S. trade policy objectives in negotiations;
- Leading team projects across the U.S. government interagency and contributing substantive expertise on assigned issues to interagency teams;
- Preparing Congressional testimony, briefing materials, talking points, and speeches for the U.S. Trade Representative, Deputy U.S. Trade Representatives, Assistant U.S. Trade Representatives, and other senior executives on trade-related issues.
Promotion to the next highest grade level is neither guaranteed nor implied.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national
- Selective Service registration if a male born after December 31, 1959
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug tests
- Direct Deposit is required
- RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID
- Suitability for Federal employment
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
- This is a Drug Testing Designated Position (DTDP) and is covered by the Executive Office of the President Drug-Free Workplace Program.
- More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: All applicants must meet the qualification requirements outlined below to be considered minimally qualified for this position. The qualification requirements are in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards.
ALL QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to the next lower grade or comparable pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector.
You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector, that demonstrates the following: 1. Planning and pursuing work assignments independently; AND 2. Interpreting basic legislation and agency policy statements; AND 3. Adapting existing precedents and developing new or improved approaches to research, analysis, and policy formulations related to assigned unit/office; AND 4. Conducting analyses, research and policy studies dealing with trade issues affecting assigned unit/office and United Stares (U.S.) trade issues.
You may qualify at the GS-14 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to theGS-13 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector, that demonstrates the following: 1. Analyzing information and suggest options regarding issues; AND 2. Organizing and directing negotiations subject to the general oversight of the Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) for an assigned area; AND 3. Conducting economic analytical studies and develops reports and recommendations; AND 4. Preparing positions and strategies for consultations and negotiations with foreign governments in assigned areas; AND 5. Assisting in the preparation of Congressional testimony.
You may qualify at the GS-15 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector, that demonstrates the following: 1. Leading in United States (U.S.) to international trade negotiations and conferences on issues affecting assigned area; AND 2. Analyzing international economic information and suggesting options regarding critical issues; AND 3. Communicating technical advice to senior officials, other government officials, and the public; AND 4. Assisting in the preparation of Congressional testimony; AND 5. Conducting analyses, research and policy studies dealing with trade issues affecting assigned unit/office and United States (U.S.) trade issues; AND 6. Serving on a variety of task forces and committees related to an assigned area to analyze specific problems or issues.
Desired experience should reflect one or more the following specialized areas:
a. Sub-Saharan Africa - Developing and advancing U.S. trade and investment policy initiatives with respect to Sub-Saharan African countries, including preparing negotiation strategies and policy positions, engaging foreign governments and stakeholders, and analyzing region specific trade and investment law and regulations.
b. Agricultural Trade - Applying knowledge of U.S. agricultural trade policy and related tariff measures; developing policy positions on agricultural trade issues; preparing tariff analyses, economic studies and policy options papers; and supporting the negotiation, implementation, and oversight of agricultural trade agreements
c. Environment and Natural Resources - Participating in environmental related negotiations; analyzing foreign environment laws and regulations; and contributing to development of trade policy positions related to environmental protection and natural resource management.
d. Innovation and Intellectual Property -Participating in innovation and intellectual property protection and enforcement, including negotiation, implementation, monitoring and enforcement of bilateral, regional, and multilateral agreements; developing and coordinating U.S. trade policy related to intellectual property and related innovation issues.
e. Labor Affairs - participating in labor-related discussions or negotiations; analyzing foreign labor laws and practices; and contributing to development of policy positions addressing labor standards and workers' rights in the context of trade agreements.
f. Subsidies and Non-Market Practices - addressing trade issues involving subsidies and non-market policies and practices, including those related to state-owned enterprises, supporting negotiations and policy development to address unfair trade practices.
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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
Additional information
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, you must be a preference eligible or a Veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Active Duty Military Members MAY apply under this announcement due to the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act. You must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions along with your application for Federal employment. A certification is a document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days from the date of application. If selected, appointment eligibility requirements must be met prior to the effective date of appointment.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs & Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/ictap/
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm
Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Main_Page
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternative Application.
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.
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.
In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.
When the application process is complete, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the Occupational Questionnaire.
You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.
If after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities or you may be found ineligible/not qualified.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).
Required Documents
Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Resume: For qualification determinations, your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Your resume must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position. Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating. This will prevent you from receiving further consideration. Note: If you upload more than one resume, the last resume received will be the one utilized for consideration. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
If you choose to use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose, then you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:
- Job title
- Name of employer
- Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
- Hours worked per week.
- Detailed description of job duties for each job held, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
- Your resume must show the series and grade or equivalent for all federal positions you have held (if a federal position).
2. A complete
Assessment Questionnaire
3. Other
supporting documents to be submitted with application:
- DD214: Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable, a DD-214 Member 4 copy, which shows type of discharge. If still active, provide an official Statement of Service. Any other documentation such as VA letter documenting disability, SF-15, and any other required supporting documentation based your veterans' preference claim.
- SF-50: Federal applicants must submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) that shows your most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion (if applying as a current or former Federal Employee) showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held. Do not use Award actions. If you are an EOP employee you may obtain a copy of your SF-50 from OPF or eOPF. If you have separated from Federal Government employment, you may obtain a copy of your SF-50 via: National Personnel Records Center, Annex, 1411 Boulder Boulevard, Valmeyer, IL, 62295; FAX (618) 935-3014; Email rm.communications@nara.gov; or visit the https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/new-nprc.
- Peace Corps volunteers must submit a copy of your "Description of Service (DOS)" in lieu of the SF-50. If you do not have one you should email the Peace Corps Office of Volunteer and PSC Financial Services at certify@peacecorps.gov.
- If you are currently serving in a pay banded position, please include a copy of your pay band chart with your application.
Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents contain personal information such as SSN and DOB and some documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove said personal information before you submit your application.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. If an application limit has been reached, the vacancy may close prior to the stated closing date.
- 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. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
- 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/. To ensure full consideration of your experience and education we encourage you to use the USAJOBS resume builder to prepare your resume or to guide you in preparing your resume. See
http://www.usajobs.gov/Content/pdfs/Tutorials-Resume.pdf for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources
WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12949998.
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.
After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a security background investigation and drug screening. If the drug screening is negative and security background is cleared, then a formal job offer will be extended to candidate.