Summary This position is in the Office of International Activities, Maritime Administration (MARAD). This position is established to serve as a principal/senior technical expert, analyst, and advisor to the Director. Apply a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness or the improvement of complex management processes and systems. Responsibilities As a International Trade Specialist, you will: Serve as principal advisor to the Director of International Activities by providing executive direction, assistance, and support as well as staff management for the planning, coordinating, and executing of projects, programs, and studies. Coordinate with the global MOTR Coordination Center and disseminates Maritime Alerts and Advisories to U.S. flag vessels. Regularly consult with government and industry entities engaged in maritime security or safety issues, to develop and recommend national policies, objectives, and plans for promoting and implementing effective maritime security and safety measures. Identify and lead resolution of unique or novel issues where no policy exists, taking innovative action to address emergent challenges. Participate with the Director in reviews and analyzes accomplishments of international trade policies by analysis of reports, projects, and information provided by staff members. Identify existing or potential problem areas and recommends corrective action or preventive measures. Provide advice and assistance to higher level staff pertaining to assigned programs, objectives, areas of special emphasis, etc. Represent the Director in meetings and conferences as needed. Provide advice, resolving matters of trade policy interpretation and introducing changes in program requirements and procedures. Assemble complex and highly sensitive background information and material as a basis for decision-making. Perform special as assignments that are of major significance in the accomplishment of the organization's mission. Develop and provide briefings and reports for the Director and senior managers on status of programs and operations. The ideal candidate will provide expert level advice related to international activities and trade policy. Provides authoritative advice and guidance on problems not susceptible to treatment by accepted methods; recommendations and decisions are characterized by breadth and importance. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration. You must meet specialized experience to qualify. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Applicants may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DRUG TEST: This position has been determined to be a critical safety/security position as defined in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Order, DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace." Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience in management, program functions and operations related to international activities and trade policies. To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience in administrative matters relative to international activities, responsibilities involve solving significant problems complicated by interfaces and inter-relationships between and among programs, systems, functions, policies and numerous critical issues. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: External Awareness - Understand and keep up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views; is aware of the organization's impact on the external environment. Strategic Thinking - Formulate effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization in a global economy. Examine policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determine objectives and set priorities; anticipate potential threats or opportunities. Communication -Skilled in written and oral communication to clearly develop, articulate, and disseminate actionable policies, guidance, and directives on trade policies. Ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise manner to diverse audiences and support the implementation of trade-related initiatives. 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, 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Additional Information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
