International Relations Specialist

DUTIES:  As an International Relations Specialist, the successful candidate will perform the following duties:

• Serve as a focal point for assigned countries, regions and/or organizations in coordination with the Division Director, Deputy Director and team leads to support partnerships to implement National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) goals for effective partnerships. Coordinate cooperative activities, monitor developments in partner policies and programs, monitor agency contributions, and support the development, negotiation and implementation of agreements.
• Monitor national and international Earth observation policies, projects and programs, and analyze and advise on changes in policies and/or resources that impact NESDIS partnerships and goals.
• Support the organization of international and inter-agency meetings and conferences including supporting NESDIS participation, coordinating across NOAA and with other agencies, preparing briefing materials and presentations, advising on protocol, and ensuring timely preparation of reports. Brief and staff senior leadership for meetings and foreign travel.
• Support NESDIS participation in NOAA and U.S. government international and/or intergovernmental science and technology efforts.  Coordinate and consult with officials of other agencies and across NOAA to refine objectives, develop strategies, and coordinate negotiating tactics.

Job Announcement # NESDIS-AA-2021-0005 [MAP - Current or former competitive service federal employees, individuals with disabilities, Federal Employees who meet the definition of a 'surplus' or 'displaced' employee,  military spouses, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps Vista, Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed here but defined in the federal hiring authorities, Veterans)
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/591099300

Job Announcement # NESDIS-AA-2021-0006 (DE - U.S. Citizens/Nationals; and/or Federal Employees who meet the definition of a 'surplus' or 'displaced' employee): https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/591099100

POSITION TITLE:  International Relations Specialist
AGENCY/OFFICE:  National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data & Information Service (NESDIS) International & Interagency Affairs Division (IIAD)LOCATION:  Silver Spring, MDSALARY:   $72,750 to $113,362 per yearFEDERAL GRADE:  This position is a ZA-3 under the Commerce Alternative Pay System (CAPS), which is equivalent to a General Schedule (GS) 11/12CONTACT FOR THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:  rochelle.wright@noaa.gov
DUTIES:  As an International Relations Specialist, the successful candidate will perform the following duties:

• Serve as a focal point for assigned countries, regions and/or organizations in coordination with the Division Director, Deputy Director and team leads to support partnerships to implement National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) goals for effective partnerships. Coordinate cooperative activities, monitor developments in partner policies and programs, monitor agency contributions, and support the development, negotiation and implementation of agreements.
• Monitor national and international Earth observation policies, projects and programs, and analyze and advise on changes in policies and/or resources that impact NESDIS partnerships and goals.
• Support the organization of international and inter-agency meetings and conferences including supporting NESDIS participation, coordinating across NOAA and with other agencies, preparing briefing materials and presentations, advising on protocol, and ensuring timely preparation of reports. Brief and staff senior leadership for meetings and foreign travel.
• Support NESDIS participation in NOAA and U.S. government international and/or intergovernmental science and technology efforts.  Coordinate and consult with officials of other agencies and across NOAA to refine objectives, develop strategies, and coordinate negotiating tactics.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience OR substitution of education for experience OR combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:To qualify for the 0131 series:

EDUCATION:  A. Degree: major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods.ORB. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in one or more of the social sciences, or in the humanities, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.ORC. Experience: four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.  Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.  This experience need not have been in the federal government.

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; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To qualify at the ZA-3 or GS-11 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:    In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZA-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service.

• Assisting in development and implementation of international partnerships, including supporting negotiations, coordinating and tracking contributions, and drafting reports;
• Monitoring science and technology policies;
• Supporting planning for international meetings including foreign visits and travel; and
• Assisting in the development of policy positions and briefing materials.