US Department of State Hiring for U.S. Department of State – WMDT Foreign Affairs Analyst at Washington, DC Full Time

Overview

The Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT) strengthens U.S. and international security by working with partners to counter the threat posed by non-state actor and terrorist groups acquiring and weaponizing chemical biological radiological nuclear (CBRN) materials. WMDT advances global nonproliferation efforts, reinforces norms against CBRN use, and supports the National Security Strategy’s “partner-led, U.S.-enabled” counterterrorism focus.

Job Description

THIS IS A NON-PERMANENT POSITION. YOU DO NOT ACQUIRE COMPETITIVE OR EXCEPTED SERVICE STATUS FROM THIS POSITION.

This Is a Personal Services Contract Position Located In The Office Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT), Bureau Of International Security And Nonproliferation (ISN), U.S. Department Of State, Washington, DC. The Individual(s) Will Support WMDT Efforts To Integrate Key Policy And Strategic Priorities Into Programming By Serving As a Foreign Affairs Analyst. The Individual(s) Will Focus On The Following Programming Areas

• Align WMDT programming and policy efforts with broader ISN and State Department priorities and policies by analyzing WMDT’s current mandate and assessing how it can effectively address evolving non state actor threats;
• Assess how WMDT programming and policy efforts can be leveraged to support strategic competition and work to integrate key findings into future programming;
• Strengthen cross-team collaboration and integration of WMDT programming, policy, and operational roles:
• Coordinate and strengthen relationships with key Department of State interlocutors and key interagency stakeholder to align WMDT programming and policy efforts:
• Assist WMDT leadership with implementing outcomes of strategic reviews and enhance coordination efforts across WMDT and other ISN nonproliferation program offices.

Within the assigned portfolio, the Foreign Affairs Analyst is expected to: represent ISN/WMDT in policy and program meetings to ensure that WMDT assistance conforms with and supports U.S. nonproliferation and counterterrorism initiatives as well as country- or region-specific strategies; staff ISN leadership to participate in NSC-led policy development and coordination meetings; raise awareness with internal and external stakeholders of how WMDT can support key security priorities; staff ISN leadership for international engagements on WMDT issues; and contribute to office-wide improvement initiatives in areas such as diversity and inclusion, distance learning, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management.

Specifically, The Individual(s) Shall

• Research and keep appraised of evolving CBRN terrorism threats, policies, and strategies, and assist in developing WMDT policies and related programmatic efforts designed to reduce terrorist/non-state actor CBRN threats;
• Research and keep appraised of evolving strategic competition policies and strategies, and assist in developing WMDT programmatic and policy efforts that support these efforts;
• Identify science-informed approaches to address CBRN terrorism threats;
• Use the strategic mandate to ensure WMDT program activities and policy efforts support U.S. nonproliferation initiatives as well as priority needs in partner countries;
• Work collaboratively with ISN/WMDT colleagues as well as other State Department offices, U.S. embassy staff, and interagency colleagues to advance WMDT programming and policy efforts;
• Provide oral presentations for senior U.S. government officials and foreign partner interlocutors;
• Prepare memos, policy papers, cables, briefing and background materials, talking points, press releases, reports to Congress, and other documents related to functional and regionally cross-cutting issues. Provide interagency coordination in support of the same;
• Support WMDT and broader ISN leadership when needed;
• Advocate for WMDT cooperation activities;
• Represent WMDT equities on inter- and intra-agency policy and task forces, in addition to developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with counterparts at other international-development agencies, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to share programmatic information and coordinate assistance efforts;
• Travel overseas periodically, as needed; and
• Assist with broader State Department activities, task forces, and initiatives, as WMDT deems necessary, to achieve broader State Department and USG priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with U.S. embassies, interagency, international organizations, NGOs and/or foreign governments on countering WMD terrorism;
• Must have direct and demonstrable professional experience engaging government and/or private sector officials engaging on CBRN terrorism policy, diplomatic, and programming topics;
• Experience writing, reviewing, and clearing official documents such as Action Memos, meeting preparatory materials, opening remarks, and others;
• Experience supporting principals on trip planning and travel;
• Previous policy, program, or project management experience;
• Ability to actively listen to and maneuver through complex political situations, demonstrating an understanding of power relations and sensitivity to how people and organizations function;
• Ability to weigh information and options and determine the most appropriate and high impact solutions to complex challenges; and
• Excellent communication and time management skills, collaborative work style, and strong interpersonal and team skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in program/project management, and previous experience working with U.S. and foreign government, NGO, and academia officials;
• Active Secret security clearance;
• Familiarity with U.S. nonproliferation and foreign policy objectives concerning non-state actors; and
• Familiarity with Department of State and/or USG processes.

Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship is required. Individual must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. Top Secret/SCI may be required based on specific portfolio needs. Individual must be able and willing to travel, potentially to remote or hazardous locations.

Benefits

Annual and Sick Leave

The Contractor will accrue and request annual and sick leave (paid time off) in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations. For full-time employees, annual leave accrual rates start at 4 hours every biweekly pay period, while sick leave accrual is 4 hours every pay period. Those entering on duty with prior military service and/or federal service can credit their years of service for higher annual leave accrual rates.

The employee will also be paid for federal holidays that fall within their regularly scheduled tour of duty. While serving abroad, the Contractor will also be entitled to all holidays granted by the U.S. Embassy to U.S. citizen Civil Service and Foreign Service employees.

Health & Life Insurance Reimbursement

If eligible: The individual selected will be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 72 percent against the Contractor’s health insurance premium costs toward either an individual or family policy, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by OPM. The Contractor will also be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 50 percent against the actual costs of an individual annual life insurance policy not to exceed $1,000.00 per year.

The Contracting Officer will confirm the individual’s contribution is compliant with the contract requirements prior to submitting for reimbursement. Proof of health and life insurance coverage, including a receipt showing the individual’s payment for coverage, shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid.

401K Plan

A non-matching, privately administered 401(k) plan is available through the Department.

Relocation Assistance Available:

None

How To Apply

Please apply through BetterTeam.com and submit the following as a single attachment:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• A list of at least three professional references

Failure to submit a complete package may disqualify the applicant from consideration.

You will be evaluated against the requirements outlined in this announcement, so your resume and cover letter should demonstrate that you meet the required qualifications above to undertake this position. Your references will only be contacted with your permission following an interview.

State/ISN/WMDT expects to screen and interview candidates within 7 days of close of announcement. ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED. Offers of employment will be dependent on ability to obtain security clearance through the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security bureau.

There may be unanticipated vacancies that occur during the period of this job posting or soon after its close. Candidates who apply to this announcement may also be provided the same consideration for these vacancies.

Diversity and Inclusion

WMDT works to recruit, retain, develop, empower, and promote employees from diverse backgrounds at all levels. A team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including in leadership positions, is crucial to achieving WMDT’s mission.

Note: This is a Personal Services Contract. This is NOT a federal direct-hire position.

THIS ADVERTISEMENT CLOSES ON APRIL 14, 2024.