About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Incumbent serves as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for the Western Hemisphere. Under the direction of the Deputy USTR, the AUSTR is responsible for all trade issues involving the Western Hemisphere, including managing trade negotiations, developing, implementing, and monitoring U.S. trade agreements, and overseeing the administration of those agreements.
QualificationsCandidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1: Expert knowledge of and experience in trade issues affecting Western Hemisphere, including a thorough understanding of U.S. trade laws, regulations and policy frameworks related to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM) and bilateral trade negotiations. TQ2: Expert experience leading interagency processes and in securing the cooperation of foreign counterparts, governments agencies, and other high ranking officials, and the ability to blend together diverse backgrounds and interests during negotiating sessions. TQ3: Demonstrated skill in preparing written policy briefing and option papers, as well as in making presentations to senior level officials in the public and private sectors, including Congress, and to foreign government officials on technical information and policy issues. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Major DutiesAs Assistant United States Trade Representative for Western Hemisphere, your typical work assignments may include the following: Serving as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) with responsibility for Western Hemisphere trade issues. This includes serving as the principal advisor to the Deputy USTR and the USTR on trade policy and strategy related to the Western Hemisphere and managing a team of trade professionals that provide analysis, insight, and recommendations on private sector activity, government officials, legislation, policy issues, and economic developments in the Western Hemisphere. Chairing interagency committees responsible for establishing, analyzing and administering U.S. Government trade and investment policy toward the Western Hemisphere and coordinating with other interagency committees to develop, defend, and advocate USTR positions in trade negotiations and agreements. Representing the U.S. in international trade negotiations in the Western Hemisphere, which include North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Maintaining and directing liaison efforts with advisory committees established to provide advice to U.S. negotiations on trade matters to include coordinating initiatives across U.S. Government agencies to encourage private sector investment related to trade matters in the Western Hemisphere and developing, advising on, and articulating negotiating positions for U.S. trade policy and bilateral trade agreements involving countries in the Western Hemisphere. Performing a full range of first-level supervisory responsibilities to include planning work to be accomplished by staff, setting and adjusting short-term priorities, and preparing schedules for completion of work.