ISN/ECC - EXBS Regional Program Advisor - Panama Location

Company: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation

Location: Panama

Industries: Government

Job Type: Full Time

Years of Experience: 7+ Years

Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Career Level: Experienced (manager)

Salary: $121,803.00 - $191,900.00 (FS 2 Step 1 to FS 1 Step 10)

Number of Positions: One

Overview:

The Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program advances national security by building capabilities of foreign partners to regulate trade and transfer of proliferation-sensitive goods, material, and technologies and to combat illicit trafficking of WMD, their systems of delivery, destabilizing conventional weapons, and explosives. The program works with foreign partners to achieve these goals by developing and implementing strategic trade management systems, improving customs enforcement and port of entry operations, and securing frontier and maritime borders.

Job Description:

THIS IS A NON-PERMANENT POSITION. YOU DO NOT ACQUIRE COMPETITIVE OR EXCEPTED SERVICE STATUS FROM THIS POSITION.

There is one vacancy for an overseas personal services contract position working for the Office of Export Control Cooperation (ISN/ECC), U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC. The individual will support EXBS program implementation by serving as an in-country Program Advisor at U.S. Embassy Panama City. The individual serves under the Chief of Mission while assigned to a U.S. Embassy and works closely with the Country Team to optimize EXBS assistance and to ensure assistance complements other U.S. assistance activities. The advisor in will also manage program activities in Latin America outside Mexico.

The individual(s) will focus on the following areas:

Working with government agencies, international donors, non-governmental organizations, and U.S. agencies to plan, coordinate, and deliver training, equipment, and services to address EXBS Program goals;

Conducting threat and foreign partner assessments for the EXBS Program; providing recommendations to ISN/ECC on appropriate funding levels and priority assistance activities; costing out activities to address deficiencies;

Working in close coordination with DC-based EXBS Program Manager to ensure Program funds are managed in an appropriate and timely manner;

Coordinating EXBS Program efforts with those of other U.S., foreign, and multilateral entities involved in complementary activities.

Developing and implementing EXBS Multiyear Country Strategic Plans and Annual Implementation Plans;

Assisting with acquisitions and procurements; verifying that EXBS-funded equipment is deployed, operational, and used for intended purposes;

Supervising Locally Employed Staff, and monitoring implementer activity to ensure successful activity delivery and proper accounting of EXBS funding;

Submitting monthly reports on the status of EXBS assistance, and the recipient government’s nonproliferation policies, export control system, and border control capabilities;

Extensive in-country and international travel required.

Required Qualifications:

Seven (7) years of experience with a U.S. Government agency, international or domestic organization, or non-governmental organization in the security sector, economic development, or international affairs;

Experience coordinating programmatic efforts across organizations, agencies, or offices;

Management experience overseeing, motivating, and directing staff;

Excellent oral and written communication skills in a cross-cultural environment;

Proven quantitative, analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual thinking skills;

Excellent diplomatic skills;

Highly skilled in time management, with a collaborative work style and strong interpersonal and team skills.

Desired Qualifications:

Active Secret security clearance;

Two (2) years of overseas field experience;

Experience briefing and interacting with both senior U.S. government officials and senior-level foreign partners;

Experience working in a U.S. Embassy;

Experience managing grants, interagency agreements, contracts, and donor funds, and forecasting budgeting needs;

Three (3) years of supervisory experience;

Ability to deploy to Post within four months of job offer;

Experience with and/or knowledge of strategic trade controls, border security operations, law enforcement, and customs;

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship is required. Individual must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, as well as a medical clearance through State/MED. Top Secret/SCI may be required based on specific portfolio needs. Individual must be able and willing to travel, potentially to remote or hazardous locations.

BENEFITS:

Annual and Sick Leave

The Contractor will accrue and request annual and sick leave (paid time off) in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations. For full-time employees, annual leave accrual rates start at 4 hours every biweekly pay period, while sick leave accrual is 4 hours every pay period. Those entering on duty with prior military service and/or federal service can credit their years of service for higher annual leave accrual rates.

The employee will also be paid for federal holidays that fall within their regularly scheduled tour of duty. While serving abroad, the Contractor will also be entitled to all holidays granted by the U.S. Embassy to U.S. Foreign Service employees.

Health & Life Insurance Reimbursement

If eligible: The individual selected will be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 72 percent against the Contractor’s health insurance premium costs toward either an individual or family policy, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by OPM. The Contractor will also be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 50 percent against the actual costs of an individual annual life insurance policy not to exceed $500.00 per year.

The Contracting Officer will confirm the individual’s contribution is compliant with the contract requirements prior to submitting for reimbursement. Proof of health and life insurance coverage, including a receipt showing the individual’s payment for coverage, shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid.

Salary & Overseas Allowances

In addition to the Contractor’s base salary, he/she may be eligible for other allowances that may include post differential, cost of living allowance (COLA), danger pay, and/or Sunday premium pay where applicable. See

Paid Housing & Travel Expenses

A furnished residence will be provided for the Contractor and his/her eligible family members (EFMs) in accordance with Department/Post policies. The residential lease, water, and electrical expenses will also be paid for by the Program.

Permanent change of station (PCS) travel costs will be paid for or reimbursed by the EXBS Program in accordance with the Contractor’s travel orders and/or contract.

Shipping and Storage of Household Effects

ISN/ECC will pay for costs associated with packing, hauling, and storage of the Contractor’s household effects (HHE) up to the statutory limit of 18,000 pounds, along with the shipment of a privately owned vehicle (POV) when allowable by Post. The shipment of Unaccompanied Air Baggage (UAB) will also be authorized, starting at a weight allowance of 250 pounds.

Educational Allowance

An educational allowance is an allowance to assist the Contractor in meeting the extraordinary and necessary expenses in providing adequate elementary and secondary education for the Contractor’s children. The Contractor, if authorized, will receive education allowance payments for his/her dependent children in amounts not to exceed those set forth in the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas), Chapter 270 for the “school at post” education allowance rate only.

Travel of a child may be authorized in lieu of an education allowance, once each way in a 12-month period starting on the date travel first commences between school and the employee’s post for secondary education and for college education.

Home Leave and Rest & Recuperation

Home leave and Rest and recuperation (R&R) may be applicable and may be authorized in accordance with the individual’s contract and supervisor/Chief of Mission approval.

401K Plan

A non-matching, privately administered 401(k) plan is available through the Department.

Passport and Visa Support

The EXBS Program will assist the Contractor and his/her EFMs in obtaining diplomatic passports and the necessary visas.

How to Apply:

Please apply through BetterTeam.com and submit the following as a single attachment:

Cover letter

Resume

A list of at least three professional references

Writing sample

Failure to submit a complete package may disqualify the applicant from consideration.

You will be evaluated against the requirements outlined in this announcement, so your resume and cover letter should demonstrate that you meet the required qualifications above to undertake this position. Your references will only be contacted with your permission following an interview.

State/ISN/ECC expects to screen and interview candidates within 14 days of close of announcement. ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED. Offers of employment will be dependent on ability to obtain security clearance through the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security bureau, as well as a medical clearance through State/MED.

There may be unanticipated vacancies that occur during the period of this job posting or soon after its close. Candidates who apply to this announcement may also be provided the same consideration for these vacancies.

Diversity and Inclusion

The EXBS Program works to recruit, retain, develop, empower, and promote employees from diverse backgrounds at all levels. A team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including in leadership positions, is crucial to achieving the mission of the EXBS Program.

Note: This is a Personal Services Contract. This is NOT a federal direct-hire position.

Vacancy announcement will close at midnight, April 26, 2024.

Full-Time