PROTOCOL SPECIALIST

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. 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 extensive knowledge of the concepts, principles, and techniques of protocol matters, both national and international, to develop, establish, implement, and maintain a proactive protocol program requiring extensive thorough knowledge of Air Force, Space Force, and military traditions and skill in working with high-level military and civilian officials. Knowledge of an extensive body of rules, procedures, or operations to process a wide variety of non-standard requests. Practical knowledge of and skill in using various office automation hardware and software programs, tools, and techniques to support office operations and produce a variety of correspondence and documents (letters, reports, spreadsheets, database, briefings, etc.) Knowledge of pertinent laws, instructions, policies, and precedents that affect the Protocol Office and related support resources. 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. Comprehensive knowledge and thorough understanding of the concepts, principles and practices of protocol, military ceremonies, traditions, customs and courtesies, and governing policies, pertinent laws, regulations, and precedents. 2. Detailed knowledge and thorough understanding of regulations and procedures affecting Official Representation Funds (ORF), Special Morale and Welfare (SM&W) Funds, and Operations and Maintenance Funds (O&M) and skill in applying basic resource, budget, and funds management. 3. Knowledge of organizational components and functions located throughout the agency. 4. Skill in recognizing and analyzing complex problems, negotiating complex issues, conducting research, summarizing results, and problem resolution. 5. Skill in the use of various office automation programs, tools and techniques to support office operations and efficiently execute official events and activities. 6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with skill in working with high level military and civilian officials such as diplomats, congressional members, general officers, and members of the Senior Executive Service while maintaining effective working relationships with groups of interest. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff of a protocol organization and provide supervision and guidance to military and civilian personnel in order to meet deadlines. 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.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to function as a protocol specialist and to provide expert advice and support on all protocol matters for the Air and Space Forces highest leadership.