Become a Leader in Trade and Health Policy with the HHS

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for global health and international trade? The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is looking for a Director of Trade and Health Policy to join the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) in Washington, D.C. This is a unique opportunity to shape the intersection of regulatory policy, economic interests, and public health on a global scale.

About the Office of Global Affairs (OGA)

The OGA serves as the diplomatic arm of the HHS. It works to promote the health of the American people by collaborating with international partners, addressing global health security, and navigating the complexities of international trade as it relates to medical services, life sciences, and medicine access. By joining the OGA, you are joining an agency that touches the lives of every American through critical international engagement.

Job Responsibilities

As the Director, you will serve as a senior subject-matter expert. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Strategic Policy Development: Providing authoritative guidance on trade matters that affect domestic health statutes.
Negotiation: Representing the U.S. government in bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade discussions.
Clearance & Review: Coordinating the review of complex reports, negotiating texts, and trade-related documents to ensure they align with HHS positions.
Team Leadership: Directing professional staff in the analysis of trade and public health policies, setting objectives, and providing mentorship.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate the following:

Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 level. This must involve trade policy advice, leading negotiations, and coordinating health policy interests.
Documentation: You must clearly detail your work history with dates and hours per week.
Assessments: All candidates must complete the USA Hire technical assessment to be eligible for referral.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Experience Level	GS-14 Equivalent
Education	Relevant Degree or Experience
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Assessments	Mandatory USA Hire Assessment

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $169,279 to $197,200 per year. In addition to the base salary, federal employees enjoy:

Excellent health and life insurance options.
A robust retirement plan (FERS).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Keep your resume under two pages. Federal hiring managers are looking for precision.
Answer Honestly: The assessment questionnaire is your first step. Do not overstate your qualifications, as these are verified during the review process.
Track Your Application: Log in to your USAJOBS account regularly to check the status and see if any additional documentation has been requested.

This position is ideal for an experienced policy professional ready to make a significant impact on national health priorities. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenging role in the heart of Washington, D.C., apply today to join the HHS team.

Why This Director- Trade And Health Policy Job Matters

Influence the intersection of global trade and public health as a key leader within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Director- Trade And Health Policy Job Overview

The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is seeking a strategic and experienced professional to serve as the Director of Trade and Health Policy. In this pivotal role, you will navigate the complex regulatory and economic landscapes that connect international trade agreements with U.S. public health objectives. Based in Washington, D.C., you will lead high-level negotiations, provide authoritative policy advice to agency leadership, and manage critical portfolios that impact the nation's health security and life sciences landscape.

Requirements for Director- Trade And Health Policy

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service.
Proven expertise in providing international trade policy advice on complex health, regulatory, or economic matters.
Demonstrated success in leading and negotiating international trade agreements or policy strategies.
Experience representing an organization in senior-level international forums or multilateral negotiations.
Ability to manage complex portfolios and direct professional teams while coordinating diverse policy interests.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages, including specific start/end dates (MM/YY) and hours worked.
Completion of all required USA Hire assessments as directed.
Ability to pass a background investigation (Moderate Risk).

Preferred Qualifications for Director- Trade And Health Policy

Substantive knowledge of international trade rules, life sciences, and intellectual property law.
Experience in cross-agency coordination regarding statutory health responsibilities.
Leadership ability in managing multidisciplinary teams and subject-matter experts.
Strategic thinking and decisiveness in high-stakes policy environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility
✓Opportunities for professional development and training

💡 How to Apply Director- Trade And Health Policy Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Director- Trade And Health Policy Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a federal-style resume (max 2 pages) detailing specific experience dates and roles.
Submit your application through the official portal before the 150-application limit or the closing date.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
Monitor your email for a notification containing a unique link for the USA Hire assessment.
Complete the assessment within the specified timeframe.
Upload required documentation, including SF-50 forms if applicable.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume specifically to the specialized experience requirements listed—do not simply copy the job duties.
Include the exact number of hours worked per week for all part-time roles.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all federal requirements are captured.
Check your application status frequently via the 'Track this application' link in your profile.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessment, as you must complete it to be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application limit for this role?

This announcement will close either on the closing date of 09/14/2026 or after 150 applications have been received, whichever occurs first.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The position has a strict two-page limit for resumes. Submissions exceeding this limit may result in disqualification.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

While the position is telework-eligible, it is not a fully remote position. You are expected to be based in Washington, D.C.

What if I have a disability that prevents me from completing the online assessment?

*A: You may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. Instructions for this are available on the USAJOBS Help site.*

How soon can I expect to hear back?

*A: The agency typically aims to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date.*

Director- Trade And Health Policy Job

Office Of The Secretary Of Health And Human Services