Foreign Affairs Officer – Direct Hire Authority at DEPARTMENT OF STATE – USA

Foreign Affairs Officer – Direct Hire Authority at DEPARTMENT OF STATE – USA

The Biological Policy Staff Office within the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN/BPS) at the Department of State is seeking a highly qualified Foreign Affairs Officer. This role involves serving as an expert on biological weapons/biosecurity policy, monitoring global developments, and managing areas related to biosecurity and countering biological weapons.

Duties

As a Foreign Affairs Officer, your responsibilities will include:

Serving as a recognized expert within the Department on biological weapons/biosecurity policy and monitoring significant global developments.
Managing areas pertinent to biosecurity and countering biological weapons, including laws, international political issues, and technical matters.
Providing advice on issues and problems, developing resolutions for policy and procedural issues, and coordinating the implementation of policy decisions.
Conducting research, analysis, and consultations with U.S. and foreign experts to gather information on policy and program implementation.
Drafting, clearing, and issuing policy and procedural guidance for use by U.S. delegations in relevant international forums and bilateral meetings.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following conditions:

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the basic requirements, which include having a bachelor’s or graduate degree in fields such as international law, international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, or related disciplines. Additionally, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level is required. Qualifying specialized experience should demonstrate:

Experience analyzing implications of developments related to biological weapons, biosecurity, and/or biodefense/global health security.
Experience fostering multi-stakeholder support for policy initiatives in the above areas.
Experience negotiating or advocating in a multilateral (international organization or interagency) setting.

Education

Education requirements are outlined in the vacancy announcement. If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit transcripts as verification of the educational requirement.

How You Will Be Evaluated

This position is being filled through the Department of State’s direct hire authority for Foreign Affairs positions. Veterans’ preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply under this authority. Applicants will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on various factors, including knowledge of foreign policy/international affairs, knowledge of biological weapons nonproliferation policy or international life science technical and policy issues, knowledge of the political dynamic of governing bodies of relevant international organizations and the U.S. interagency, ability to provide advice/guidance, and ability to negotiate complex issues involving multiple stakeholders.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit a resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education, and training, along with transcripts (if applicable) and ICTAP/CTAP documentation if eligible.