International Trade Specialist (DEU) Job Opening at Commerce, International Trade Administration in Washington, DC

Job Title:International Trade Specialist (DEU)

Department:Department Of Commerce

Agency:Commerce, International Trade Administration

Job Announcement Number:ITA-MAS-2012-0016

Interested in assisting U.S. businesses compete globally? The International Trade Administration is instrumental in assisting businesses compete in the global economy. Help create opportunities for U.S. workers and firms, by promoting trade, and opening foreign markets to ensure compliance with trade laws and agreements.

This position is located in the Distribution and Supply Chain Team, Manufacturing and Services, International Trade Administration. The incumbent provides critical support and input for formulating and implementing trade policies impacting distribution, logistics, and supply chain services. Specifically, the incumbent studies and analyzes complex domestic and foreign trade data to develop information and guidance for client business; evaluates economic, market, and other factors affecting trade within a distribution service/supply chain network or geographic area and contributes to development of trade strategies and positions;analyzes and recommends positions on complex trade issues, policy positions or strategies; coordinates functions involved in government-involved trade events; meets with business and industry representatives to provide export counseling; plans and coordinates trade development programs to promote U.S. exports in these sectors; develops negotiating positions; and participates in bilateral and multi-lateral negotiating teams. Additionally, the incumbent will prepare MAS briefing materials, complete assignments within MAS tasked by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary and brief senior officials.

This vacancy is being advertised under Delegated Examining (DEU) procedures & is open to all U.S. citizens. This vacancy is being concurrently advertised under merit promotion procedures (MAP) for status candidates (those currently serving on a career/career-conditional appointment, reinstatement eligibles, or those eligible under special appointing authorities) under vacancy announcement# ITA-MAS-2012-0017. Candidates who wish to be considered under DEU and MAP procedures MUST apply to both vacancy announcements.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Applications will only be accepted from United States citizens.
• Relocation expenses are not authorized.
• Annual Confidential Financial Disclosure Report is required.
• Must be registered for Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Selectee must be able to obtain and hold a Secret clearance.
• Must be Suitable for Federal employment.

The incumbent is responsible for planning and executing trade development, issue analysis, and related assignments concerning distribution, logistics, and supply chain services. The incumbent supports major program segments that address primary U.S. trade priorities, including, but not limited to resolving unfair trade practices, ensuring compliance with trade laws and agreements, and creating market access and investment. The incumbent will also enhance industry competitiveness in domestic and international markets, and impact multiple industry sectors and trading partners. The incumbent will support ITA's goals to provide critical research and analysis to promote U.S. competitiveness, develop and implement industry sector strategies for assigned industries, create market access through policy advocacy that support trade discussion and negotiations, and ensure appropriate industry and other stakeholder input into trade policy development and export promotion plans. The incumbent must possess familiarity with international trade issues and how they relate to ITA's programs and mandates.

You must possess 52 weeks of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the next lower grade level or band that has equipped you with the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

At the GS-12 level: You must meet the basic requirements and possess one year of specialized experience. Experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level. Specialized experience is defined as experience planning and conducting analysis on trade policy principle or distribution and supply chain issues encompassing bilateral or international fora; analyzing trade policy issues, summarizing key points, and presenting recommendations to management; and writing paper or reports on trade or distribution and supply chain issues.

We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/ No, Multiple Choice questions) and place you in one of three pre-defined categories. These categories are "gold," "silver," and "bronze." However, your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the self-assessment questions, or your score may be lowered. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview. How you will be evaluated for preference eligibility: Within each category, those entitled to veterans' preference will be listed at the top of the pre-defined category for which they are placed. Preference eligibles with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest quality category (gold) depending on the position and grade level of the job.

The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:

1. Knowledge of the basic principles and factors which influence trade and trade positions of the distribution and supply chain issues encompassed in major bilateral negotiations or international trade fora such as APEC, TPP, or WTO.

2. Ability to research, analyze and interpret empirical trade and economic data and information concerning distribution and supply chain issues.

3. Written communication skill sufficient to summarize trade data and information concerning distribution and supply chain issues clearly and concisely.

4. Verbal communication skills sufficient to clearly exchange information within and outside the unit and to prepare and deliver briefings to managers.

For more information on category rating, please go to: http://hr.commerce.gov/s/groups/public/@doc/@cfoasa/@ohrm/documents/content/prod01_009474.pdf

The Department of Commerce offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/benefits.asp#icc.

ICTAP candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap. ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: 1. A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement. 2. A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. The following links provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities: * * * * * * The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Office via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.

Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at 866-656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. For instructions on submitting your application in another format, please contact: Tonya Hyder, Human Resources Specialist at 202-482-4791 or email at thyder@doc.gov

A complete application consists of the following: 1. Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must indicate your citizenship and if you are registered for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume should also list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). 2. Veterans' Preference documentation. Please indicate on your resume the type of veterans' preference you are claiming and provide the appropriate supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.) to validate your claim. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please go to: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx. 3. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see "Other Information"). You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. FAILURE TO SUBMIT (VIA FAX OR UPLOAD) THE APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS MAY EXCLUDE YOU FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION.