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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 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: Conducts in-depth analysis for use in the formulation of U.S. agricultural trade policy positions and recommendations developed by FAS. Assists in preparing complex analytical material in connection with USG participation in international meetings and negotiations, produces briefing materials and conducts briefings for senior USDA officials. Participates in negotiating teams representing FAS and participates in major projects which are central to the agency's mission. Analyzes and evaluates the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international agreements and legislation, as well as trade barriers to discern the impact on U.S. trade relations. Produces written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues. Represents the agency at meetings with other USG agencies, foreign governments, industry, and other stakeholders. Consults with staff of domestic and foreign industry and trade associations. 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. BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.-or-B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement, you also need to meet the following: 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-09 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 Applying economic analysis in areas such as agriculture, food policy, or international trade. Assisting with collecting, evaluating, and analyzing current and historical trends of economic or agricultural data; and Preparing tables, charts, graphs, or maps to better illustrate or support analytical conclusions. 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. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. FOR THE GS-11 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: Working with and manipulating data from numerous sources or databases; and Applying economic theories, concepts, and techniques in a professional setting. Writing, reviewing, or editing economic or agricultural reports and other written 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. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-09 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. To learn more about combining education and experience for this series, click the following: Combining Education and Experience for Administrative and Management Positions 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: Applying economic techniques and principles using mathematical and/or econometric models, statistical techniques, and software in a professional setting. Independently collecting, evaluating, and analyzing current and historical trends of economic or agricultural data for use in policy proposals or research projects. Preparing and presenting tables, charts, graphs, or maps to illustrate or support analytical conclusions in a professional environment. Preparing written reports or other written materials analyzing economic or agricultural market conditions; OR writing or reviewing economic studies, working papers, briefing papers, talking points, or decision reports. 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. 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 Please see above for education qualification requirement information. 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.