Advance U.S. Interests: Career as a Foreign Affairs Officer
The U.S. Department of State stands at the center of global diplomacy, and the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs is currently seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as a Foreign Affairs Officer. This high-impact role focuses on the critical intersection of energy security, international infrastructure, and foreign policy. If you are a seasoned professional looking to contribute to the strategic interests of the United States, this position offers an unparalleled platform for your career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Foreign Affairs Officer, you will be responsible for:
- Leading policy initiatives related to international energy security.
- Representing the Department in multilateral forums, diplomatic engagements, and international conferences.
- Conducting in-depth strategic analysis of geopolitical trends affecting energy supply chains.
- Coordinating interagency activities to support regional energy diplomacy.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must:
- Possess a degree in a relevant field such as international law, political science, or economics.
- Demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
- Successfully pass a Top Secret security clearance investigation.
- Submit a two-page resume that clearly outlines your experience and accomplishments.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Clearance | Top Secret |
| Education | Bachelor's or higher in relevant field |
| Experience | 1+ year at GS-13 equivalent |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
Salary Overview
This position is compensated at the GS-14 level, with an annual salary range of $143,913 to $187,093, commensurate with the duties and the high level of specialized expertise required for the role.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust Federal benefits package including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
- Federal retirement contributions.
- Ongoing professional training and leadership development.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced.
- Quantify Results: In your resume, focus on your impact regarding energy policy.
- Prepare for Assessment: The online competency-based assessment is timed; practice and preparation are essential.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure all transcripts and performance appraisals are included to avoid disqualification.
Working as a Foreign Affairs Officer at the Department of State is an opportunity to directly influence the geopolitical landscape. If you possess the experience, expertise, and commitment to diplomacy, apply now to join a team dedicated to advancing American interests worldwide.
Why This Foreign Affairs Officer Job Matters
Shape the future of global energy security with the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Affairs Officer, where your expertise in critical minerals and infrastructure drives American diplomatic policy.
Foreign Affairs Officer Job Overview
The Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, specifically the Directorate of Energy and Critical Minerals, is seeking a high-level Foreign Affairs Officer to lead initiatives regarding international energy security and cross-border energy infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic energy cooperation, manage regional energy diplomacy, and provide critical policy analysis at the nexus of geopolitics and economics.
Requirements for Foreign Affairs Officer
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
- Bachelor's or graduate degree in international law, international relations, political science, economics, history, or a related humanities/social science field.
- Alternative: 24 semester hours in relevant disciplines or 12 hours in relevant disciplines plus 12 hours in statistics/quantitative methods.
- Alternative: 4 years of appropriate experience in international affairs, diplomacy, or related research.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Successful completion of a drug test.
- Two-page maximum limit for resumes.
Preferred Qualifications for Foreign Affairs Officer
- Direct experience in monitoring and developing policy related to international energy security.
- Proven background in cross-border energy infrastructure and regional energy diplomacy.
- Experience clearing analytical products for complex policy development.
- Established history of building and maintaining liaison relationships throughout the foreign affairs community.
- Advanced skills in negotiating complex issues in multilateral and bilateral settings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave policies.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Telework flexibility subject to supervisory approval.
- ✓Dynamic work environment at the center of U.S. foreign policy.
💡 How to Apply Foreign Affairs Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Foreign Affairs Officer Job
- Register or log in to the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience, hours per week, and dates of employment.
- Submit your application and required supporting documents, such as transcripts or performance appraisals, by the deadline.
- Complete the required online competency-based assessment.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
- Undergo background investigation and suitability screening if selected.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is strictly two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically disqualified.
- Clearly link your work experience to the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
- Complete the online assessment as soon as possible, as it is a timed process.
- Include your most recent final annual performance appraisal to strengthen your application package.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the assessment, ensure your medical documentation is ready and attached when you submit your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes, this position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is classified as a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk role.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Per the vacancy announcement, resumes exceeding two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for this position.
Can I work remotely?
This role is based in the District of Columbia and is not a fully remote position, though situational telework may be permitted with supervisory approval.
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role focuses on international energy security, regional energy diplomacy, and cross-border infrastructure.
How often is the assessment required?
Your assessment score is valid for 180 days, allowing you to use it for other Department of State vacancies.
Job from Department Of State Headquarters
The U.S. Department of State is the nation's lead agency for foreign policy. Employees at the Department work across the globe to promote safety, economic prosperity, and diplomatic progress. Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers, the State Department values leadership, collaboration, and innovation, offering a career that is as intellectually stimulating as it is meaningful.