International Trade Specialist

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience with practices of internal program management to implement, coordinate, and evaluate agricultural marketing programs and trade promotion programs. Experience providing technical leadership, staff coordination, and consultation for the assigned area, including formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation and recommendations. Experience of pertinent U.S. agricultural trade legislation, regulations, and international agreements. Experience analyzing international trade promotion programs, evaluation of proposals and budgets, develop recommendations, and oversight of U.S. agricultural trade promotion programs and events. Experience in analyzing, investigating, and resolving complex, unique, and sensitive international problems and issues, to recommend guidance and policy. Experience in developing relationships, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and engagement with USDA senior leadership. Strong proficiency with computer and software tools, especially Microsoft Office Suite, with an understanding of their applicability. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDAs Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.