International Program Specialist (2 positions)

Grade: GS-301-11

Area of Consideration: All Sources

The individual will be assigned to the Trade and Scientific Capacity Building Division (TSCB) of the Foreign Agricultural Service Office of Capacity Building and Development. TSCB is responsible for promoting trade through the provision of technical assistance to foreign governments and the private industries in emerging markets and transition economies. The individual will be responsible for multiple tasks within a wide range of development and networking activities. S/he will provide programmatic management for coordinating trade capacity building activities across the agency, USDA, and U.S. government. S/he is also involved in the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of various technical assistance activities, including training programs, technical workshops, and programs that offer support to the development of policies, institutions, and market infrastructure in emerging markets. S/he will initiate actions, track administrative functions, and solve programmatic, administrative and financial problems.

The position is located in Washington, D.C., at the South Building of the USDA. The position may require some domestic and/or international travel.

Required Skills:

• Ability to develop and implement domestic and foreign training workshops for audiences from developing countries

• Training and experience with international program direction, management, multi-agency coordination, and strategic planning

• Training and experience in domestic and international (especially developing countries and emerging markets) agricultural sectors, market-based agricultural institutions, economics, and policies, agribusiness, and rural development

• Knowledge of key domestic and international institutions and NGOs involved in international agricultural development, including the World Trade Organization, World Bank, USAID, FAO, etc., with which to leverage resources and identify joint opportunities for collaboration

• Skill in written and oral communication. Ability to develop and maintain effective interpersonal relations.

Preferred Skill:

Some fluency in a foreign language native to a developing country or transition economy is highly desirable.

To apply, please send: 1) a cover letter that describes your abilities in each of the above listed Required Skills listed above (one paragraph for each is acceptable); and 2) a current résumé of experience and qualifications to the Program Officer by the date listed at the end of the announcement.

Program Officer: Chad Wesen

Division: OCBD/TSCB

E-Mail Address: chad.wesen@fas.usda.gov

Mailing Address: USDA/FAS/ICD/STOP #1093, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, room 3245-S, Washington, DC 20250-1093

Telephone: (202) 690-1339

FAX: (202) 690-3982

*NOTE* You must be a U.S. citizen to be selected for this position.

This announcement expires at the close of business on June 2, 2008.