Public Affairs Specialist

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. The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Participating in the development of information campaigns to maximize public awareness of USDA and U.S. government programs, policies and initiatives related to international trade and development. Using established writing and editing skills to respond to stakeholder inquiries regarding Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) programs and policies. Assisting in arranging domestic and foreign media opportunities for agency, mission area, and Departmental leadership. Ensuring materials comply with established information practices, are accurate and concise, and are consistent with FAS and USDA standards and policies. 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-09 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: • Experience writing news releases on routine events of non-controversial subjects • Experience responding timely to management concerning agency programs, services or responsibilities. • Experience researching and relaying information on various topics to a diverse audience verbally and/or orally. OR A Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in international relations, international economics, international business, international trade, business administration or related degrees or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: • Experience communicating with audiences explaining organization programs, objectives and/or policies. • Experience providing analytical assessments for meaningful recommendations in improving aspects of information materials. • Experience establishing effective and cooperative working relationships with stakeholders and government officials in order to improve cooperation in agency activities. • Experience writing concise and accurate content for print and online media, including social media that contains economic and/or statistical materials. OR Ph.D. 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. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: • Experience analyzing economic and/or statistical materials prepared by agency personnel to develop online content. • Experience conducting in-depth interviews to develop content on policies, programs, and/or program marketing. • Experience utilizing web-based technologies essential to plan, design, and/or the development of electronic publishing programs to support agency goals. • Experience preparing written responses about agency programs and policies in response to stakeholder inquires. 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 on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-9 and GS-11 GRADE LEVELS: 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. Please see above for education qualification requirement information. If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.