Launch Your Career: Secretary (OA) for the Department of War Education Activity
Are you a skilled administrative professional looking to combine your career with international travel? The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) is currently hiring a Secretary (OA) to join our team in Feltwell, United Kingdom. This role is essential to our mission of providing a world-class educational experience to military-connected children across the globe.
Job Responsibilities
As a Secretary (OA), you will be the backbone of school office operations. Your daily tasks will include:
- Managing office calendars and suspense files.
- Reviewing outgoing correspondence for accuracy and formatting.
- Preparing memorandums, reports, and administrative forms.
- Providing customer service to visitors, staff, and parents.
- Coordinating substitute teacher schedules.
- Maintaining accurate personnel time and attendance records.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Residency: You cannot be considered 'Ordinarily Resident' in the UK.
- Typing Proficiency: Ability to type 40 words per minute accurately.
- Experience: One year of specialized administrative experience.
Grade Level Comparison
| Level | Specialized Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-05 | One year equivalent to GS-04; focus on routine tasks. |
| GS-06 | One year equivalent to GS-05; focus on record management/payroll. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive GS-range salary between $37,937 and $50,428. Additionally, employees in the Lakenheath area benefit from a 42% Post Allowance, providing significant support for living expenses abroad.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure it is two pages or less and strictly adheres to the formatting guidelines provided in the vacancy announcement.
- Be Thorough: Clearly state the number of hours worked per week for each job to prove your experience level.
- Assessments: Do not overlook the USA Hire Assessments; they are a critical component of the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I request a reasonable accommodation for the assessment? A: You can request accommodations during the online application process before starting the USA Hire assessments.
Q: Can I update my application after submission? A: Yes, you may edit your application through the USAJobs portal until the announcement closes.
Serving as a Secretary (OA) with the DoWEA in the UK is a unique opportunity to build your career within the federal government while experiencing life abroad. We encourage all qualified applicants to review the requirements carefully and submit their application package before the deadline.
Why This Secretary (Oa) Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career supporting military-connected families in the UK with the Department of War Education Activity.
Secretary (Oa) Job Overview
The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) is seeking a detail-oriented Secretary (OA) to join our team in Feltwell, United Kingdom. In this role, you will provide vital administrative and clerical support to our school operations, helping to ensure that children of active-duty military and civilian personnel receive a world-class education. This position offers a unique opportunity to live and work abroad while contributing to a mission-critical global school system.
Requirements for Secretary (Oa)
- Must be a U.S. citizen and not considered 'Ordinarily Resident' in the UK.
- Must be a qualified typist capable of 40 words per minute.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-04 level (for GS-05) or GS-05 level (for GS-06).
- Ability to utilize office automation software and manage calendars/correspondence.
- Completion of required USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
- Resume must be two pages or less.
Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Oa)
- Experience in an educational or government office setting.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide exceptional customer service.
- Proficiency in maintaining personnel time and attendance records.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with integrity.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive base salary with locality pay.
- ✓42% Post Allowance (COLA) subject to change.
- ✓Overseas tour benefits and support.
- ✓Exposure to international professional environments.
💡 How to Apply Secretary (Oa) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Secretary (Oa) Job
- Review the full job announcement on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly documenting your specialized experience.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the USA Staffing system.
- Submit required documentation, including SF-50 and academic transcripts if applicable.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within 48 hours of notification.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJobs account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for each role.
- Use plain language and avoid excessive acronyms to ensure your experience is clearly understood by HR reviewers.
- Double-check that all required transcripts are official and contain the date of degree conferral.
- Set aside at least two hours of quiet time for the USA Hire Assessments.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 42% Post Allowance?
Federal employees stationed in Lakenheath, UK, are currently entitled to a 42% cost-of-living allowance (COLA) in addition to their base salary to help offset the cost of living abroad.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet specific criteria regarding residency status in the host country to be eligible for this position.
What if my education was obtained outside of the U.S.?
Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized organization to prove it is equivalent to an accredited U.S. program. You must provide this evaluation with your application.
Job from Department Of War Education Activity
The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) operates one of the most expansive school systems in the world. With 160 accredited schools across 11 countries, we serve the children of active-duty military and civilian families. Our goal is to ensure every student is prepared for post-secondary success, fostering a culture of excellence and community contribution.