Job Description

ISN/ECC – EXBS Program Assistant

Company: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation

Location: Washington, DC 20520

Industries: Government

Job Type: Full Time

Years of Experience: 5+ Years

Education Level: Master’s Degree Preferred

Career Level: Experienced (non-manager)

Salary: GS 11/1 ($82,764.00) to 12/10 ($128,956)

Number of Positions: Multiple positions 

Overview:  

The Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Program promotes cooperation with foreign governments to ensure their strategic trade control systems meet international standards, and to help build partner countries’ capabilities to detect, interdict, investigate, and prosecute illicit transfers of weapons of mass destruction, dual-use components, conventional arms, and explosives. 

Job Description:  

THIS IS A NON-PERMANENT POSITION. YOU DO NOT ACQUIRE COMPETITIVE OR EXCEPTED SERVICE STATUS FROM THIS POSITION. 

This is a personal services contract position located in the Office of Export Control Cooperation (ISN/ECC), U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC. The Program Assistant is responsible for facilitating and monitoring the planning, funding, and delivery of EXBS program assistance. The individual will work with EXBS program managers to oversee assistance of a specific set of countries and coordinate related assistance by other agencies.

The employee reports to the Team Lead and receives regular direction from Program Managers. As a Program Assistant, the individual assists Program Managers in assessing regional nonproliferation risks and needs through consultation with ISN and the regional bureaus, country desk officers, the intelligence community, and the interagency, establishing priorities for country assistance in conformance with U.S. nonproliferation initiatives, and planning and managing EXBS program activities and assistance for partner countries. 

As part of the Program Team, the individual works with ISN/ECC’s Financial Management Team to fund activities and ensure budget oversight; and engages with ISN/ECC officers responsible for strategic planning, country assessments, performance measurement, course development, interagency coordination, and program data collection. 

At the GS-11 equivalent level, the individual performs these tasks with direction from Program Managers and Team Lead, demonstrating thorough knowledge of EXBS programming with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment.

At the GS-12 equivalent level, the individual performs these tasks under general supervision, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, demonstrating an intimate grasp of the specialized and complex subject matter related to EXBS programming, and demonstrating leadership.

Specifically, the individual(s) shall work with the Program Manager to:  

• Identify countries at high risk for proliferation-sensitive transfers occurring within their jurisdictions and develop strategies for programming. 
• Use the strategic planning process to align EXBS program activities with U.S. nonproliferation initiatives as well as priority needs in partner countries. 
• Draft solicitations for proposals (from grantees, contractors, etc.) and select proposals that are consistent with strategic plans. 
• Assist ECC Financial Management Team in meeting program planning, award, implementation, documentation, reporting and compliance requirements. 
• Support the Department’s foreign assistance budget planning and reporting processes. 
• Compile and maintain program narratives and data for dissemination to relevant stakeholders. 
• Provide oral presentations for U.S. government officials and foreign partner interlocutors. 
• Prepare on-demand memos, policy papers, cables, briefing and background materials, talking points, and reports to Congress. 
• Travel overseas periodically, as needed. 

Desired Qualifications:  

• Program or project management experience. 
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, implement, and evaluate program activities and policies, as well as anticipate, communicate, and address project risks. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in a collaborative environment. 
• Excellent time management skills, collaborative work style, and strong interpersonal and team skills.
• Active Secret security clearance;
• Familiarity with U.S. nonproliferation and foreign policy objectives;
• Familiarity with Department of State and/or U.S. government processes.

Conditions of Employment  

U.S. Citizenship is required. Individual must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Top Secret/SCI may be required based on specific portfolio needs. Individual must be able and willing to travel, potentially to remote or hazardous locations.

BENEFITS:  

Annual and Sick Leave  

The Contractor will accrue and request annual and sick leave (paid time off) in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations. For full-time employees, annual leave accrual rates start at 4 hours every biweekly pay period, while sick leave accrual is 4 hours every pay period. Those entering on duty with prior military service and/or federal service can credit their years of service for higher annual leave accrual rates.

The employee will also be paid for federal holidays that fall within their regularly scheduled tour of duty. While serving abroad, the Contractor will also be entitled to all holidays granted by the U.S. Embassy to U.S. citizen Civil Service and Foreign Service employees.

Health & Life Insurance Reimbursement

If eligible: The individual selected will be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 72 percent against the Contractor’s health insurance premium costs toward either an individual or family policy, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by OPM. The Contractor will also be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 50 percent against the actual costs of an individual annual life insurance policy not to exceed $500.00 per year. 

The Contracting Officer will confirm the individual’s contribution is compliant with the contract requirements prior to submitting for reimbursement. Proof of health and life insurance coverage, including a receipt showing the individual’s payment for coverage, shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid. 

401K Plan  

A non-matching, privately administered 401(k) plan is available through the Department.

Relocation Assistance Available:  

None

How to Apply:

Please apply through BetterTeam.com and submit the following as a single attachment: 

• Cover letter
• Resume
• A list of at least three professional references
• Writing sample 

Failure to submit a complete package may disqualify the applicant from consideration.

You will be evaluated against the requirements outlined in this announcement, so your resume and cover letter should demonstrate that you meet the required qualifications above to undertake this position. Your references will only be contacted with your permission following an interview.

State/ISN/ECC expects to screen and interview candidates within 7 days of close of announcement. ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED. Offers of employment will be dependent on ability to obtain security clearance through the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security bureau. 

There may be unanticipated vacancies that occur during the period of this job posting or soon after its close. Candidates who apply to this announcement may also be provided the same consideration for these vacancies. 

Diversity and Inclusion  

The EXBS Program works to recruit, retain, develop, empower, and promote employees from diverse backgrounds at all levels. A team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including in leadership positions, is crucial to achieving the mission of the EXBS Program. 

Note : This is a Personal Services Contract. This is NOT a federal direct-hire position.

Vacancy announcement will close on October 24, 2024 .

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