Clarification from the agency

This position is open to DoD employees only.

• Coordinate high visibility HQ USCENTCOM planning efforts both internally across the command and externally with other agencies to ensure unity of effort.
• Represents the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate, with a variety of internal and external organizations.
• Plans, executes and chairs conferences and meetings and represents the CCJ5 at meetings/discussions with DoS, DoD, U.S. Ambassador's foreign flag-level officers, U.S. defense contractors and other professionals within the U.S. Strategy, Policy and Planning community.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Position requires accompanying the USCENTCOM staff and performing assigned duties in both exercise and actual wartime situations. This may require operation in both field conditions and a combat zone.
• Incumbent may be required to perform periodic travel (CONUS and OCONUS) in commercial and military aircraft.

Qualifications

• Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
• This position has been designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Agency Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the USCENTCOM, national security, and public safety. Therefore, incumbent is required to: (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and misuse of prescription medication, and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing on short notice. Incumbent must pass initial and may be selected for random drug testing. May be subject to reasonable suspicion testing, safety mishap, or accident testing. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.
• This position is emergency-essential (EE). The incumbent of this position must meet all requirements of E-E positions and may be required as a condition of employment to take a series of vaccinations and annual boosters to immunize against anthrax and other diseases. In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the E-E duties until relieved by proper authority. The incumbent or designated alternate may be required to take part in readiness exercises. This position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively. This meets the criteria of an E-E position and requires the incumbent, or designated alternate, to be removed from any military recall status. While deployed to an overseas location, the E-E duties require the incumbent to be issued and carry a firearm; operate a government vehicle during specific authorized situations, and to wear a gas mask and chemical protection gear. Incumbent must obtain and maintain firearms qualification. Incumbent is required to wear the approved Department of Defense (DOD) civilian uniform while deployed. Some of USCENTCOM's AOR has been considered "war zone" hazardous duty. Position is subject to recall during off-shift hours seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.
• LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT: 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.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, Miscellaneous Administration and Program, Series 0301.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes expert knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods plus a thorough understanding of how regulatory or enforcement programs are administered to select and apply appropriate program evaluation and measurement techniques in determining the extent of compliance with rules and regulations issued by the agency, or in measuring and evaluating program accomplishments; Mastery of advanced management and organizational principles and practices along with a comprehensive knowledge of planning, programming, and budgeting regulations, guidelines and process, and thorough knowledge of the military command's facilities planning, acquisition, and management process to prepare long-range (5 year) and short-range planning guidance in accordance with broad agency program policies and objectives; Skilled at directing complex studies requiring application of advanced analytical and statistical methods and techniques; Knowledge of military command structure, missions, programs, and organizational relationships plus a thorough knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques to develop staffing standards covering complex program functions or missions, e.g., management of agency research operations, or staffing requirements for new or substantially altered training or operational missions and programs.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of command level strategic and operational crisis plans and programs for conducting major operations such as operations, exercises, special operations, or similar operations in the HQUSCENTCOM AOR.
2. Expert knowledge in joint doctrine and the Joint Planning Process with extensive experience in conducting strategic planning and analysis of key issues impacting theater war plans, developing campaign, posture and deliberate plans.
3. Expert knowledge of the political, military and information environment of the HQ USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR) and the extent to which these factors influence the success of developed war plans and flexible deterrent options as well as Security Cooperation efforts.
4. Expert knowledge of federal and Department of Defense contracting and procurement regulations, procedures, and practices.
5. Ability to analyze, plan and adjust work operations of one or more subordinate organizations to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources while effectively communicating both orally and in writing; and demonstrating the ability to negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relationships.
6. Ability to lead teams of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skills toward the development of feasible solutions to complex problems.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. 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. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
6. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate 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 requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s 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).

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

Next steps