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Summary 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. Responsibilities Develops, plans, and conducts in-depth analysis of complex issues which contribute to the accomplishment of the agency mission to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. Analyzes and interprets substantive international trade data and legal issues as applied to financial, political, economic, scientific to include biotechnology, and business parameters of international agricultural trade. Conducts assessments and develops interpretation of international trade issues, conditions, or events in support of decision-making, policy formulation, or program development by FAS and USDA. Assists businesses seeking information relative to the export of commodities to foreign countries, addressing industry and political considerations. Serves as a technical consultant and advisor to other federal and state agencies, the academic community, industry, and scientific and regulatory review boards and meetings. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-13 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: experience of internal program management to implement, coordinate, and evaluate agricultural marketing programs and trade promotion programs; experience with leadership, staff coordination, and consultation for the assigned area, including formulating guidelines, implementing new developments, and providing policy interpretation and recommendations; experience of U.S. agricultural trade legislation, regulations, and international agreements; experience analyzing international trade promotion programs, evaluation of proposals and budgets, develop recommendations, and oversight of U.S. agricultural trade promotion programs and events. Note: There is no education substitution for this 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. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will NOT be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Recruitment or Relocation Incentives will NOT be considered. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. This position is in a bargaining unit with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3976.