Advance Your Career as a Foreign Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State serves as the heart of American diplomacy. For high-level professionals looking to shape the trajectory of national security and international relations, the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM) offers a unique vantage point. We are currently accepting applications for a GS-15 Foreign Affairs Officer to support the Office of the Assistant Secretary.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Foreign Affairs Officer, you will serve as a trusted advisor to Bureau leadership. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Strategic Advising: Providing expert counsel on political-military policy issues that impact national and international interests.
Executive Support: Coordinating the flow of critical information and briefing materials to Principals ahead of interagency committee meetings and high-profile international travel.
Policy Drafting: Creating, reviewing, and refining complex policy documents, congressional testimony, and speeches.
Quality Assurance: Reviewing staff-prepared recommendations to ensure alignment with Department-wide standards and policies.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-15 role, candidates must meet specific professional criteria:

Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level, including advising senior leadership on complex political-military issues.
Education: A degree in a relevant field such as international law, political science, history, or economics.
Documentation: All applicants must provide a resume (maximum 2 pages) and transcripts if qualifying based on educational attainment.

Requirement	Description
Salary Range	$169,279 – $197,200
Security Clearance	Top Secret
Work Schedule	Full-Time (Telework Eligible)
Location	Washington, D.C.

Salary Overview & Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary consistent with the GS-15 grade level. In addition to base pay, the Department of State provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Focus on high-impact achievements that mirror the core responsibilities of the role.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience in your resume, ensuring start/end dates are clearly visible.
Prepare for Assessment: You will need to complete an online assessment. Set aside a quiet time block to complete this effectively.
Check Eligibility: Ensure all supporting documentation, including performance appraisals or SF-50s, is uploaded correctly before the deadline.

If you have the experience and dedication required to navigate the complex world of political-military affairs, this GS-15 position offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the nation’s security. Apply by September 8, 2026, to be considered for this mission-critical role.

Why This Foreign Affairs Officer Job Matters

Shape the future of U.S. foreign policy as a senior advisor in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Officer Job Overview

The U.S. Department of State is seeking a seasoned Foreign Affairs Officer (GS-15) to join the Office of the Assistant Secretary within the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM) in Washington, D.C. This role is pivotal in advising leadership on high-stakes political-military policy, managing strategic engagements, and ensuring organizational consistency across complex global initiatives. Ideal for experts in international relations who excel at translating intricate geopolitical challenges into actionable executive strategies.

Requirements for Foreign Affairs Officer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level or equivalent.
Bachelor's or graduate degree in international law, political science, history, economics, or a related humanities field.
Alternatively, a combination of specialized experience and specific coursework (minimum 24 semester hours in relevant disciplines).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
Must pass a drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Foreign Affairs Officer

Proven track record of counseling senior officials on political-military policy.
Demonstrated skill in drafting complex policy guidance, congressional testimony, and briefing materials.
Ability to review and refine staff-prepared policy documents for executive-level submission.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to facilitate and coach diverse teams.
Advanced proficiency in navigating interagency policy committees.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary structure.
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Generous paid leave and federal holidays.
✓Retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Professional development and leadership opportunities.
✓Work-life balance with potential telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Foreign Affairs Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Foreign Affairs Officer Job

Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or fewer.
Submit your online application including the required assessment questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly quantifies your experience with start/end dates and hours worked per week.
Address the non-supervisory competencies (e.g., writing, problem-solving, teamwork) within your resume narrative.
Double-check that your resume is under the two-page limit to avoid immediate disqualification.
Prepare for the online assessment; it is timed and may require up to two hours.
Attach all relevant transcripts or non-competitive hiring documentation before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the page limit for the resume?

The resume must be exactly two pages or fewer. Applications with longer resumes will be deemed ineligible.

Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?

This announcement is open to federal employees; please review the 'Who May Apply' section on USAJOBS to verify your specific eligibility path.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position is designated as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk and requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the significance of the PM Bureau?

The PM Bureau manages the critical intersection of defense and diplomacy, handling security assistance and arms transfers that are vital to U.S. foreign policy.

Is telework an option?

Yes, situational telework agreements may be permitted subject to supervisory approval.

Job from Department Of State Headquarters

The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs acts as the primary bridge between the Department of State and the Department of Defense. By integrating diplomatic strategy with military cooperation, the Bureau addresses some of the most pressing challenges in national security. Joining this team means working alongside a diverse cohort of Foreign Service Officers, Civil Service professionals, and subject matter experts dedicated to advancing American interests globally.