Contracting Officer Representative Job

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

Key Skills:Contract Performance MonitoringSurveillance and Evaluation PlansSchedule and Cost EstimatingTechnical Contractual GuidanceConflict Resolution and NegotiationAdverse Weather AdaptationInterpersonal CommunicationProblem Solving and AnalysisStress ToleranceSelf-Management

Become a Contracting Officer Representative in Djibouti with NAVFAC Atlantic

For federal employees and specialized professionals, few opportunities offer the unique blend of adventure, patriotism, and financial incentive found in forward-deployed civilian service. The Department of the Navy, through the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic, is offering a career-defining position as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

This position is not your typical office desk job. It is a 100% Temporary Duty (TDY) assignment stationed at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa. Offering a GS-12 base salary alongside exceptional deployment pay differentials, this one-year temporary assignment is perfect for individuals looking to apply their contracting skills on the world stage, helping secure critical operations in East Africa.

About the Agency: NAVFAC Atlantic and the Expeditionary Mission

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) is the United States Navy's engineering command, delivering critical infrastructure, utilities, and contingency support to navy and marine corps units globally. Operating within NAVFAC Atlantic’s Expeditionary Department, this role supports the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa: Camp Lemonnier.

Camp Lemonnier serves as a strategic hub for operations in the Horn of Africa, providing essential security, combat support, and humanitarian logistics. As a civilian employee in this department, you represent a vital link between active-duty military forces and the civilian contractors who build, maintain, and secure the base. You will directly contribute to global security, working side-by-side with military specialists to ensure mission readiness.

Job Responsibilities

As a Contracting Officer Representative (GS-12), you are the eyes and ears of the Contracting Officer on the ground. In a remote and fast-paced environment like Djibouti, ensuring contracts are executed on schedule and within cost parameters is critical. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Performance Oversight: Inspecting completed contractor work to ensure quality and compliance with contract requirements, identifying deficiencies, and directing corrective actions.
Acquisition Monitoring: Reviewing complex contract plans, modifications, and change requests for accuracy, propriety, and programmatic feasibility.
Cost and Schedule Estimating: Formulating pre-award and post-award timelines, cost metrics, and performance benchmarks for upcoming solicitations or contract modifications.
Technical Guidance: Translating complex contract language into technical instructions for on-site execution, resolving ambiguities, and guiding contractors to successful project delivery.
Problem Resolution: Working with multi-disciplinary engineering and logistics teams to gather program data and resolve dynamic on-base operational disputes.

Requirements & Specialized Experience

To qualify for this GS-12 role, you must meet rigorous professional and medical standards. Your resume must clearly demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in federal service, or equivalent private/public sector experience.

Your background must show documented success in:

Utilizing performance evaluation plans and surveillance methodologies to manage active contracts.
Monitoring a wide array of acquisition methods, contract types, and documentation.
Creating detailed schedules and budgets for pre-award and post-award contract changes.
Acting as a technical liaison to ensure contract requirements are understood and executed.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Working in Djibouti requires exceptional physical and mental resilience. The environment features extreme heat (often exceeding 110°F), high humidity, seasonal rains, and localized health concerns (including insects, poor air quality, and biological hazards). Selected candidates must undergo complete physical examinations and receive all mandatory immunizations. Shift schedules can be demanding, occasionally requiring 12 to 16 hours of daily service for up to seven days a week.

Salary Overview & Financial Incentives

The base compensation for this GS-12 position ranges from $89,508 to $116,362 per year. However, because of the unique difficulties associated with this deployment, the Department of the Navy offers an outstanding suite of financial incentives that dramatically increase your take-home pay.

Compensation Element	Financial Rate / Percentage	Active Timeline	Purpose and Conditions
Base GS-12 Salary	$89,508 to $116,362 / year	Entire length of assignment	Based on OPM standard pay schedules
Post Differential Allowance	25% of base hourly rate	Beginning on Day 43 of deployment	Compensates for harsh environmental living conditions
Imminent Danger Pay	$225 per month	Days 1 through 42 of deployment	Extra compensation for active danger zones
Overtime Compensation	Variable / High Potential	As required by operational demands	Compenses for shifts extending to 12-16 hours

Note: Living quarters and meals are provided on-base, meaning your personal living expenses during deployment will be exceptionally low, allowing for high savings potential.

Comprehensive Benefits

Beyond specialized deployment incentives, as a Department of the Navy civilian, you will enjoy premium federal benefits:

Health and Wellness: Choose from a wide selection of federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with competitive premiums.
Retirement Security: Participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which features an agency-matching contribution of up to 5%.
Professional Growth: Gain rare international procurement experience, preparing you for senior-level leadership and executive roles in the Department of Defense.

Step-by-Step Application Guide & Expert Tips

The application process for this position is highly competitive. Follow these steps and tips to ensure your package stands out:

1. Structure a 2-Page Resume

Crucial Rule: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified. Use a clean, compact font and focus strictly on metrics and specialized experience. Use the USAJobs Resume Builder to format your work history cleanly with precise dates, salary, and average hours worked.

2. Highlight OPM Keywords

Ensure your resume features exact keywords from the qualification requirements, such as "surveillance plans," "contract monitoring," "cost estimating," and "performance evaluation methods." Provide specific examples of contracts you have managed and the value of those portfolios.

3. Master the USA Hire Assessment

Once you submit your application, you may receive an invitation to complete the USA Hire online assessments. You will only have 48 hours from invitation receipt to complete these tests. Ensure you have three hours of uninterrupted time, a stable internet connection, and a quiet environment. Your scores are kept on file for one year and will apply to future federal applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this position open to the general public?

This position is open to federal transition candidates, individuals with disabilities, current federal employees, military spouses, and individuals qualifying under special authorities.

Q2: What are the living arrangements like at Camp Lemonnier?

Civilian personnel are housed in Container Living Units (CLUs). These units are small and highly functional, featuring standard power, air conditioning, and heating. You will share restroom facilities with other personnel. Upon immediate arrival, you may reside in a temporary tent structure.

Q3: What happens if I fail to take the USA Hire assessment in time?

Failure to complete the online assessment within the designated 48-hour window will result in your application being rated ineligible, and you will not receive further consideration for this position.

Q4: Can I extend my deployment beyond one year?

This assignment is a temporary duty placement with a maximum duration of one year. Extension requests are subject to agency needs, commanding officer approval, and strict regulatory limits.

Serving as a Contracting Officer Representative in Djibouti is more than a career move—it is an unforgettable mission that tests your professional expertise and rewards you with exceptional compensation, career development, and deep personal fulfillment. If you possess the required federal contracting experience, can navigate high-stress environments, and are eager to make an impact supporting our nation's forward-deployed forces, take action. Tailor your resume, review the 2-page limit, and apply to join NAVFAC Atlantic in Djibouti today!

Why This Contracting Officer Representative Job Matters

Step up to a vital national defense mission: Oversee critical navy contracts on the front lines at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and earn competitive base pay plus a 25% post differential allowance!

Contracting Officer Representative Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking a qualified, highly motivated civilian to serve as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in the Expeditionary Department of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic. This is a temporary, full-time assignment for up to one year, representing a 100% Temporary Duty (TDY) deployment to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa. In this critical, forward-deployed capacity, you will manage, inspect, and evaluate contractor operations in a challenging and fast-paced expeditionary environment. This role is ideal for experienced federal professionals looking to expand their careers globally while receiving excellent overseas incentives.

Requirements for Contracting Officer Representative

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
Required to undergo a physical examination and receive all required immunizations for deployment to Djibouti.
Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service or equivalent private/public sector experience.
Strict adherence to a 2-page limit on submitted resumes; longer resumes will not be reviewed.
Willingness to work extensive shifts of 12 to 16 hours per day, potentially exceeding 5 days per week, in a harsh climate.
Ability to adapt to cramped living quarters, potentially in a shared Container Living Unit (CLU) or tent facility.

Preferred Qualifications for Contracting Officer Representative

Prior experience working with expeditionary or forward-deployed military facilities.
Extensive understanding of federal acquisition regulations and defense contract standards.
Proven capacity to thrive in high-stress, adverse climate environments with remote facilities.
Strong technical background in civil engineering, facilities management, or military logistics.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive GS-12 base salary ranging from $89,508 to $116,362 per year.
✓25% Post Differential Allowance of base pay starting on day 43 of deployment.
✓Imminent Danger Pay of $225 per month for the first 42 days.
✓High potential for overtime pay.
✓Unrivaled international professional development and growth in the expeditionary engineering sector.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package, including health, life, and dental insurance.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.

💡 How to Apply Contracting Officer Representative Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contracting Officer Representative Job

Read the entire job announcement on USAJobs carefully to ensure eligibility.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages, ensuring it covers all required specialized experience.
Click the 'Apply Online' button on the announcement to navigate to the online application system.
Complete the registration, upload your resume, and submit all necessary supporting documents (such as SF-50s for current federal employees).
Submit your application before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date.
Monitor your email and USAJobs account for the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessment invitation.
Complete the USA Hire online assessments within 48 hours of invitation receipt.

💡 General Tips

Respect the page limit: Resumes exceeding 2 pages will be completely discarded. Keep your content concise, highlighting impact and metrics.
Use USAJobs Resume Builder: This is the safest way to ensure your resume contains critical structural details like salary, series, grade, and hours worked.
Align with OPM Standards: Format your specialized experience bullets around contract oversight, surveillance plans, pre-award schedules, and technical contract guidance to clearly show GS-11 equivalence.
Act quickly on assessments: The USA Hire assessments must be completed within 48 hours of announcement closure. Set aside up to 3 hours in a quiet environment to complete them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this position located?

Although the administrative vacancy list contains multiple domestic U.S. locations, this position is 100% Temporary Duty (TDY) stationed at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa.

What is the duration of this assignment?

This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed one year. It may be filled via a temporary promotion or temporary reassignment.

What are the physical living conditions at Camp Lemonnier?

Living quarters are highly compacted. You will reside in a Container Living Unit (CLU), which is cramped and will require you to share restroom facilities. Initial living quarters upon arrival may be tent-based.

Are there extra monetary allowances for this location?

Yes. Selected candidates receive a 25% Post Differential allowance starting on day 43, and $225 per month in Imminent Danger Pay for the first 42 days, alongside high potential for overtime.