Summary
The position is located in the Office of Central American and Panamanian Affairs (CEN), Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA), Department of State (DOS). The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) advances U.S. interests throughout the Western Hemisphere by promoting regional security , democratic governance, economic prosperity, and cooperation on shared transnational challenges.
Duties
Serves as Senior Nicaragua Desk Officer and provides analysis and recommendations concerning political, economic, security, migration, governance, and social developments affecting U.S. interests and foreign policy objectives in Central America.
Develops policy options, analytical assessments, briefing materials, decision memoranda, correspondence, talking points, and other products for use by Bureau and Department leadership.
Facilitates high-level communication and information sharing among Department offices, U.S. embassies, interagency partners, and other stakeholders on sensitive, complex issues to ensure coordinated implementation of approved policies and initiatives
Provides guidance and mentorship to develop junior officer (s) policy analysis, development, and implementation skills and representational prowess related to interagency and stakeholder engagement and foreign assistance review.
Education
See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.
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: Ability to communicate in writing. Knowledge of Western Hemisphere regional politics, economics and society. Ability to coach and/or train others. Knowledge of, and experience in, the realm of foreign policy / international affairs. Ability to build consensus on issues where there are conflicting positions. Ability to establish and maintain liaison. 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.