International Trade Specialist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. Positions from this announcement will be filled in the Washington D.C. locality area, and/ or in the Beltsville, MD locality area.

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.

The duties may include, but are not limited to: implementing programs to promote trade, economic growth, and trade capacity in global markets; assisting the private sector in developing export markets.

Leads a team and/or projects that develop, plan, and conduct in-depth analysis of complex issues that contribute to the accomplishment of the agency mission to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture.

Conducts assessments and develops interpretations of international trade issues, conditions, or events in support of decision-making, policy formulation, or program development by FAS and USDA.

Conducts independent research, gathers data, and compiles information or provides recommendations to be included in larger or more detailed reports/policy decisions.

Contributes to the development and implementation of country strategies; analyzes key trade and competitiveness issues; and to significant agency policies, decisions, and determinations.

Please see above for education qualification requirement information. If education is required or you are using education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.