Summary
This position in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) serves as a senior advisor on Congressional relations. The incumbent provides expert guidance to ECA and Department leadership on legislative activities, lawmaker perspectives, and educational/cultural exchange policy. Responsibilities include developing testimony, managing funding proposals, and facilitating communication between State Department officials and Congress.
Duties
Initiates contact with key Congressional staff and Members on sensitive matters related to international cultural and academic exchange under consideration by the Legislative and Executive branches.
Monitors and reports on activities and developing regulations related to ECA programs and funding under consideration by both Congress and other relevant entities and government agencies.
Advises ECA leadership and management on Congressional attitudes, reactions, and opinions on international exchange issues and key policies.
Represents ECA and/or the Department with delegated authority to commit to actions and funding in legislative strategy interagency working groups with U.S. Government (USG), foreign government, and private sector partners.
Oversees outreach to potential Congressional partners; collaborates in identifying emerging policy priorities.
Evaluates the effectiveness of operations, in terms of mission accomplishment, quality and quantity standards, procedural, policy, and regulatory compliance, and technical competence.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
How you will be evaluated
The evaluation process consists of the ApplyGov Competency Based Assessments and a crediting plan for which applicants will be assigned a score between 70 and 100. A resume review will be conducted for minimum qualification requirements, as described in the “Qualifications” section of this announcement, of the top qualified candidates based on combined total score. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. Responses to questions that are not fully supported by your resume may result in a rating adjustment. You will be assessed on the following job-related competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Non-Supervisory: Oral Communication, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail and Self-Management. Set aside at least 2 hours to take the external assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. There are timed sections that must be completed within the allotted timeframe. Your score from the external assessment Non-supervisory will remain on file for 180 days, allowing you to apply for multiple DOS-announced positions without needing to retake the assessments. Top applicants may be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. The assessment is used to measure the degree in which your background matches the competencies and KSAs required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies: Knowledge of the Congressional Appropriations Process. Knowledge of the legislative process, laws, regulations, policies & procedures. Ability to establish and maintain liaison with officials throughout the Congressional community. Ability to communicate persuasively. Applicants found to be among the top qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. Qualified non-competitive candidates must be deemed best qualified based on the applicant assessment in order to be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application may result in your removal from consideration. You may preview questions for this vacancy.