Launch Your Career at Kadena Air Base: Unit Program Coordinator Opportunity

Are you looking to pivot your administrative career toward a mission-critical role? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently hiring a Unit Program Coordinator to join the 18th Medical Group at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. This role offers the unique combination of a federal career and the experience of living in one of the most culturally rich regions in the Pacific.

About the Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency is an integrated health care system responsible for delivering medical, dental, and pharmacy programs to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner in the Department of Defense, the DHA enables combat support and ensures the readiness of the Joint Force. Working with the 18th Medical Group at Kadena, you will be part of a team dedicated to global health support.

Job Responsibilities

As a Unit Program Coordinator, you will serve as the primary administrative point of contact for the squadron commander. Your daily tasks will include:

• Administrative Management: Overseeing essential programs like the Defense Travel System (DTS) and Government Purchase Cards (GPC).
• Policy Compliance: Ensuring all unit activities align with military and agency regulations.
• Reporting: Preparing and maintaining accurate administrative correspondence and status reports.
• Liaison Duties: Serving as the key contact between the unit and both military and civilian personnel offices.
• Efficiency Planning: Developing new strategies to improve unit operations and status tracking.

Comparison: Standard Office Roles vs. Unit Program Coordinator

Feature	Standard Office Admin	Unit Program Coordinator (DHA)
Scope	Department-focused	Agency & Military Readiness
Environment	Corporate	Military Medical Facility
Impact	Operational Support	Mission-Critical Readiness
Compliance	General Policies	Federal & International Standards

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-06 position, you must meet the following criteria:

• Experience: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 level, involving administrative program management.
• Documentation: You must submit a resume (two pages maximum) that explicitly details your relevant work history, including hours worked per week.
• Eligibility: You must fall into at least one category under the "Who May Apply" section (e.g., current federal employees, military spouses, veterans).

Note: Education cannot be substituted for the required experience for this role.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $38,791 to $50,428 per year. Beyond the base salary, employees at this overseas location may be eligible for foreign area benefits, such as Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, as determined at the time of hire.

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Flexible retirement contribution plans.
• Excellent health insurance coverage.
• Federal leave and holiday programs.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position can be daunting, but following these steps will help you succeed:

1. Resume Length: Adhere strictly to the two-page limit. Extra pages will cause your application to be removed.
2. Quantifiable Data: Ensure your resume clearly states the employer name, job title, and hours worked per week for every position.
3. Use Plain Language: Avoid military or specialized acronyms. HR staff need to clearly understand your skills without needing to decode internal terminology.
4. Proofread: Double-check your eligibility documents to ensure you have attached everything required for your specific hiring category.

Being a Unit Program Coordinator with the DHA is more than just an administrative job; it is a chance to play a role in the support of those who serve our country. If you possess the administrative rigor and organizational skills required, take the next step and apply to join the 18th Medical Group today.