Human Resources Support Specialist (SAO/AS)

USGI is seeking a Human Resources Support Specialist who can perform a wide range of project and program tasking in the areas of Federal human resource management, with focus on competitive Civil Service staffing, classification and workforce planning. Among the position's responsibilities are providing HR-related consultative, operational, policy advice and service to the Bureau. The Specialist provides technical support and advisory services to managers and employees for a variety of HR activities for both Civil Service and Foreign Service. The Specialist should be able to provide informed advice in support of management's goal to build and support a high quality and diverse workforce, based on merit system principles. The Specialist will also be responsible for handling difficult issues surrounding advice and assistance to employees and managers in one or more of the following areas: Employee Benefits, Human Resources Development, Labor and/or Employee Relations, Policy, Workforce Planning, Compensation, Performance Management, Classification, Retirement, Executive Services Recruitment and Placement.

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy, and the Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State's mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

This position is located in INL's Office of Security Assistance and Operations Administrative and Support Division (INL/SAO/AS). This division is responsible for oversight and implementation of the overall bureau policy and guidance related to administrative and management services. These services include programs related to human resources management, foreign service assignments, property and space management, support services and procurement, travel functions, and security and safety management.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Foreign Service Assignments Officer (FSAO) with administrative and coordination tasks related to Foreign Service (FS) position management, recruitment, and assignments; helps prepare materials and briefings for senior Bureau managers as directed.
• Assists in responding to staff inquiries on FS assignment-related questions; helps gather information and route individuals to the appropriate resources when they have been offered positions within the Bureau.
• Assists in coordinating FS issues with the appropriate offices within the Bureau of Human Resources (HR), including HR/CDA and HR/OTA; helps track and follow up on outstanding issues pertaining to FS position management and assignments; and supports efforts to identify ways to improve or streamline processes.
• Assists in maintaining contact with colleagues and professional contacts in other Department of State bureaus relevant to INL's mission, including HR/CDA, the Bureau of Administration's Office of Allowances, Charleston Global Financial Services (CGFS), and regional bureau EX staff, as directed. • Applies sound judgment and discretion when assisting in the interpretation and application of policy and regulatory guidance; supports the preparation of updated guidance materials for use by others, as directed.
• Provides administrative support and proactively connects budget teams at posts and domestically with the CGFS to provide INL fiscal data to fund Permanent Change of Station travel orders for INL FSOs when transferring to an INL assignment. Follows up on pending or outstanding fiscal data request.
• Serves as the Separate Maintenance Allowances (SMA), Special Differential, and Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) point of contact for INL. Processes SMA and Special Differential actions under the direction of the INL/SAO/AS Division Chief.
• Assists FSAO in tracking and supporting the implementation of INL assignments at posts and the delivery of critical administrative services as directed; helps FSAO manage multiple concurrent actions and ensures relevant information is organized and accessible to support timely decision-making by SAO leadership.
• Attends meetings and prepares briefing notes to share with SAO colleagues as directed by the INL/SAO/AS Division Chief.
• Adheres to USG, Department of State, and Bureau-level policies and regulations covering various administrative and management functions and programs.
• Uses a high degree of judgment, discretion, and ingenuity in interpreting and applying the intent of these guidelines, and in revising current policy and regulatory guidance for use by others.
• Assist in the coordination and implementation of INL bureau-wide awards program and Department awards.
• Provides back-up support when FSAO is on leave.
• Performs other duties as requested and assigned that are directly related to this Statement of Work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of related experience
• Demonstrated knowledge experience using Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and style
• Demonstrated experience in the use of the telephone and voicemail

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrative comprehensive knowledge of the range of administrative laws, policies, regulations, and precedents applicable to personnel management and administration
• An accredited degree OR Fifteen (15) years of comprehensive knowledge, in staffing and recruitment techniques and procedures to fully manage a staffing acquisition program in support of an organization's recruitment and placement program; conduct job analyses on a wide variety of complex positions using research, interview, observation, and analytical techniques to develop qualifications rating factors; determine appropriate rating and ranking selective factors and develop plans to assess varying degrees of job qualifications; and explain the methodology to management
• Fifteen (15) years of comprehensive knowledge/experience in human resources policies and regulations to develop and/or evaluate new or existing Department policies, procedures and regulations for the Civil Service and/or Foreign Service personnel systems, and evaluate their impact on existing HR programs
• Fifteen (15) years of demonstrated Expert knowledge in position classification techniques and procedures to advise managers in developing position descriptions; and analyze and take action on voluminous requests for position and personnel action that arise in the course of daily HR operations
• Fifteen (15) years of demonstrated experience in providing sound management advisory services in order to research, analyze and evaluate issues, determine applicable precedents, recommend innovative methods and strategies to resolve complex integrated human resources problems and identify the most effective approach
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, both in writing and orally, in performing administrative/program specialist work, drafting reports, memoranda, and letters, and interacting with others, at the senior and junior staff levels, both formally and informally, as required

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Specialist will report to his/her contracting company and will receive direction from the CO, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and/or Government Technical Monitor (GTM).

LEVEL OF EFFORT

Hours for this full-time position will be Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, incorporating the core hours of the Department of State.

TELEWORK

If applicable, telework is authorized only with prior INL Office Director, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer's Representative approval, in accordance with Department of State and INL policies.

Situational telework must be authorized in advance by the INL/SAO/AS Division Chief, INL Contracting Officer (CO), and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), in accordance with Department of State and INL policies.

SUPPLEMENTAL HOURS

Supplemental hours are NOT anticipated for this position and shall not be used without INL Contracting Officer approval.

POSITION LOCATION

The physical work location is INL office at State Annex 1 (SA-01), Columbia Plaza, 2401 E St. NW, Washington, DC. This position requires consistent in-person presence at the designated duty location.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

DOS will provide office space, computers, phones, and other required equipment and supplies necessary to complete all job requirements. DOS will own and maintain all government furnished property.

CLEARANCE

A Secret security clearance is required for this position; work may begin with an interim Secret security clearance.

TRAVEL

Travel is NOT anticipated for this position and shall not be used without INL Contracting Officer approval.

TRAINING

This BPA Call provides for mandatory training for DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes (reference 13 FAM 300 Agency Mandated Training), which shall be completed promptly and in accordance with Department policy. This training does not require INL Contracting Officer (CO) approval.

Travel related training (i.e., FACT (CT650), HTSOS-C etc.), may be required, if applicable. The PM shall coordinate with INL/SAO/IM to determine if applicable and if INL Contracting Officer approval is required prior. All other training requires INL Contracting Officer approval.

USGI offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, plus generous PTO offerings to include vacation/sick days, bereavement leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays. USGI is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.