Foreign Service Diplomatic Courier (FS 2580)

Experience At the time of application, candidates must possess at least three years of work experience with progressively increasing responsibility. Qualifying experience must demonstrate the ability to analyze problems, gather pertinent information and data, plan and organize work, form solutions, implement action, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Evidence of working and/or living in a multicultural environment is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate experience and abilities in at least two of the following areas: Experience in office operations in a government agency or a business, or an industrial firm servicing a client or client organization, demonstrating initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness and judgment required to organize, implement and accomplish tasks. The ability to think logically and objectively, to analyze and evaluate facts, and to apply sound judgment in assessing the practical implications of solutions such as those required for negotiating contracts, and scheduling services or production runs and to do so independently with little direct supervision. Responsibility for planning and scheduling resource needs or organizing requirements for deliverables. Experience preparing written and oral reports and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner. Interpersonal skills, including cultural sensitivity, discretion, tact, and capacity for obtaining the cooperation and confidence of others during team efforts and when supervising. Experience scheduling airline and other transportation. Dealings with routing practices and customs processes, or with agents or officials involved in transporting materials across international boundaries, is also credited. Candidates must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation. Foreign Service Specialists consistently must meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness). Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. A candidate’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria. Knowledge of material handling equipment and operating environments, the logistics process and practices, the Travel and Transportation Sector, pertinent international regulations, and knowledge of safety standards and practices and personal protection measures. General skills in financial management and individual financial accountability, team leading, initiative, reporting, customer service, negotiation and conflict resolution, being adaptable and resilient, maintaining awareness of working environment, and self-development. Superior oral and written communication skills: must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness). Physical ability to move heavy objects, tolerate endurance demands, and physical ability to drive. Other requirements: cross-cultural awareness, tolerance of travel and being on call, tolerance for working overseas, tolerance of varying work environments with high endurance demands, world-wide availability, tolerance of living away from family, dependability, integrity, and willingness to perform other duties.
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Diplomatic Couriers (DCS) positions. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.