Global Agriculture Trade Economist & Policy Analyst

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Washington, DC is seeking a policy-focused economist to support international trade initiatives. The role involves researching market opportunities for U.S.

agriculture, analyzing data against federal objectives, and preparing reports and briefings for decision-makers. Candidates should have strong economic analysis skills, experience with econometric methods, and the ability to communicate findings clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree: economics with 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
• Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• GS-11: 1 year specialized experience with tables, charts, graphs, or maps involved with economic analysis.
• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in international relations, international economics, international business, international trade, business administration or related degrees, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related.
• Note: combination of education & experience may qualify for this grade level.
• GS-12: 1 year specialized experience applying economic theories, concepts, and techniques to agricultural/international trade; writing, reviewing, and editing studies and briefing materials.
• Education transcripts required if education is used to qualify.

Responsibilities

• Perform research, analysis, and associated functions to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture.
• Analyze data to evaluate consistency with federal objectives, policies, and legislation; conduct in-depth analyses for policy positions and recommendations.
• Produce written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues; consult with staff of domestic and foreign industry and trade associations.
• Participate in negotiating teams and major projects central to the agency’s mission.

Skills

Tables & charts

Economic analysis

Quantitative analysis

Econometric models

Education

Bachelor's in Economics

PhD in Economics / International Trade

Tools

Stata

R

Excel

Job description

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Washington, DC is seeking a policy-focused economist to support international trade initiatives. The role involves researching market opportunities for U.S.

agriculture, analyzing data against federal objectives, and preparing reports and briefings for decision-makers. Candidates should have strong economic analysis skills, experience with econometric methods, and the ability to communicate findings clearly to internal and external stakeholders.