About this role
Job SummaryThe National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is seeking Foreign Affairs Specialists to be stationed within the Office of International Operations at the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Headquarters in Washington, D.C. These positions require placement at designated U.S. diplomatic missions, where the incumbent will serve as a representative of the Secretary of Energy and the Department of Energy, offering a comprehensive DOE perspective.
QualificationsSPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., EN-03/NQ-03 or GS-13. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience applying foreign affairs practices, policies, and procedures; building relationships with foreign governments and counterparts (e.g., governments, non-governmental organizations [NGOs], or commercial entities) and/or with U.S. entities with foreign interests (e.g., U.S. Federal organizations that work on foreign policy, U.S. corporations working with foreign governments, etc.); implementing and developing foreign policy; and leading in negotiations with foreign counterparts. This experience must have included a focus on energy-, energy technology-, science-, or nuclear security-related issues. Examples of Specialized Experience might include (but certainly not be limited to): 1. Negotiating bilateral or multilateral agreements related to energy security, nuclear security, or scientific and technical cooperation in energy-related fields; communicating U.S. Government expectations with regards to a new or existing 123 Agreement for Peaceful Cooperation. 2. Developing bilateral civil nuclear projects with a focus on fuel cycles; analyzing host government legislation to determine the sustainability of U.S. energy export programs. 3. Developing background and analytical reports on international issues for senior government or industry officials; implementing international energy-, science-, and/or nuclear nonproliferation-related programs. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesAs a Foreign Affairs Specialist, you will: Serve as a Foreign Affairs Specialist and represents the Secretary of Energy and the Department of Energy (DOE) at U.S. diplomatic missions to advance U.S. security and economic interests through a mastery of the U.S. Government's (USG's) and DOE's energy, science, and nonproliferation goals, objectives, agreements, and policies, as well as other DOE initiatives. Conduct analyses of vital foreign affairs policies, programs, and projects that are of national and international interest, scope, and impact to both U.S. and foreign policy makers/officials. These analyses are a basis for decisions regarding a broad range of energy, science, and nonproliferation-related issues. Support DOE energy, science, and nonproliferation programs by: a) maintaining contact with foreign governments, industry, academia, research institutions, and NGOs; b) staying informed on global energy, science, nuclear security, and nonproliferation trends; c) coordinating with DOE headquarters and keeping the Chief of Mission and interagency informed; and d) collaborating with diplomatic mission sections (Economic, Political, Commercial) to align on DOE priorities. Brief senior government policymakers, Congressional delegations, and senior business and/or non-governmental organization decision makers on energy-, science-, and nonproliferation-related issues. Advocate DOE positions within the diplomatic community; negotiate USG and DOE stances on energy, and nuclear security challenges with foreign officials through transformative science and technology solutions; and develop negotiating strategies. Strengthen U.S. national and energy security through cooperation with foreign counterparts and support for DOE programmatic issues. Focuses include U.S. and host country multilateral security; energy policies and associated implications; energy security, fuel diversification, and global energy supplies; exports of U.S. energy and energy technology; nuclear security, energy, and nonproliferation; and commercial investment in and innovation opportunities of energy technologies and resources. Supervise DOE's locally engaged staff (LES) by planning, setting short-term priorities, scheduling work, and assigning tasks based on priorities, assignment requirements, and staff capabilities. THIS POSITION IS ALSO BEING ANNOUNCED UNDER: 26-NA-MB-XA-00755-GOV-B (NQ-0130-04; Competitive Service Announcement) "Please note that the desired locations are subject to change based on availability and operational requirements."RequirementsSubject to Random Drug Testing Must pass a pre-employment drug test. Favorable suitability determination required. Financial Disclosure is required. Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance. You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification. A 1-year service agreement is required for posts with Danger Pay allowance. A 2-year service agreement is required for all other locations. Many overseas locations require additional access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), which entails separate and additional clearance requirements. A State Department medical clearance is required for the incumbent and his/her accompanying dependents. You must be eligible for a diplomatic passport and applicable visa(s). You must possess health insurance appropriate to an overseas assignment. Transfers between the United States and overseas locations are considered a qualifying life event. May be required to successfully complete a two (2) year trial period. Employees serving on a trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. Level 3 Spanish language proficiency, as measured by the Inter-Agency Language Roundtable (ILR), is required for assignments in Latin America. Please limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Trial periods are required for all excepted service employees. Trial periods served in the same position and agency with no break in service will satisfy the requirement.