Summary The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's 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. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to:/Responsibility Here Provides technical expertise, guidance, and assistance to FAS and USDA senior leadership, applying specialized knowledge of FAS missions and strategic goals. Serves as an authority for assigned program(s) in advocating support for FAS's lead role in expanding and maintaining international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. Assists in the development of U.S. policies and strategies related to international agricultural trade issues and is responsible for the direction and integration of the contributions of senior professionals both within and outside FAS. Analyzes and interprets substantive international trade data, policy concerns, proprietary industry and national security issues, regulatory barriers, and legal and economic issues. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Collaborating with senior leadership in the formulation and administration of policies, programs, and operations; Assisting in the day-to-day operations of an international trade office; AND Conducting analysis of international trade program policies and operations. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will NOT be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Telework eligibility is based on current USDA Policy. Recruitment or Relocation Incentives will NOT be considered. This position is not in a bargaining unit.