International Programs Specialist

US Foreign Agricultural Service; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

US Foreign Agricultural Service is seeking qualified candidates for roles at GS-07 through GS-12 levels in the United States. The position requires specialized experience and/or relevant education and offers opportunities to contribute to international agricultural development and trade initiatives.

Qualified applicants may qualify with education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts may be required for education-based qualifications.

Qualifications

• One full year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 level.
• Graduate-level education may substitute for experience.
• Superior Academic Achievement requirements for GS-07 eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze international or agricultural development/trade programs.
• Gather data and contribute to reports, briefings, and analyses.
• Coordinate and evaluate agricultural assistance programs and capacity-building activities.
• Prepare and present findings to stakeholders and partners.

Skills

Program management

Data analysis

Report writing

Education

Master's degree or higher

Bachelor's degree

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

Job description

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL

Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following:

• assisted with program or project support for international or agricultural development or trade activities;
• helped collect and organize information for capacity‑building or technical assistance work;
• used written or oral communication to share basic program information or support team tasks.

Experience may be from the public or private sector.

OR 1 full year of graduate level education.

OR Superior Academic Achievement

To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and must meet certain GPA requirements.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-09 LEVEL

Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following:

• conducts research;
• gathers data and provides inputs for reports, briefings, and analytical products;
• implementing, coordinating, and evaluating agricultural assistance programs;
• conducts assessments and provides initial interpretations of international trade issues, conditions, and events.

OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree.

OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-11 LEVEL

Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following:

• program or project management support activities such as designing, implementing, monitoring, or evaluating international or agricultural development or trade programs;
• draft or review documents or agreements for capacity‑building or technical assistance;
• assisted in providing technical information or training to stakeholders;
• written and oral communication to present findings or support program discussions.

OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-12 LEVEL

Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level), which may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors, that demonstrates all the following:

• independently carried out program or project management activities such as design, implementation, monitoring, or evaluation for international or agricultural development or trade programs;
• led or contributed to developing, negotiating, and implementing capacity‑building or technical assistance agreements;
• provided technical leadership and consultation for program activities in rural development, natural resources management, scientific exchange, or trade;
• used written and oral communication to present findings, recommend activities, and represent an organization in discussions with internal and external partners.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.

TRANSCRIPTS are required if:

• You are qualifying for the position based on education.
• You are qualifying for this position based based on a combination of experience and education.
• You are qualifying for this position based on Superior Academic Achievement.
• This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-07 GRADE LEVEL

Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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