Foreign Service Specialist Opportunities

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State

An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply

AMENDMENT

Announcement No: IMS-2002-1
Opening Date: October 28, 2002
CLOSED

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Grade and Starting Salary Range:
FP-5: $41,310 - $53,900
FP-6: $36,929 - $48,184

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing overseas; Tax-Free Educational Allowance for eligible dependents, etc. (See "Benefits Package" brochure for more information.)

NOTE: At the present time, eligible candidates may qualify for a hiring bonus if hired at the FP-5 and FP-6 grade levels. (Current federal employees are ineligible for a bonus.)

Number of Vacancies: The Department of State is developing a rank-order List of Eligible Hires for Information Management Specialists. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service.

Area of Consideration: All Sources' Applicants must be U. S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 59 and able to qualify for a top secret security clearance.

Location: Initial training and orientation will be held at the Department of State in Washington, DC, normally followed by a two-year tour overseas. During their career, Information Management Specialists will serve both overseas and domestically — moving at two to four-year intervals.

Effective Date: May 7, 2003

This amends the closing date from Indefinite to May 31, 2003.

This also amends the starting salary ranges of FP-5 $40,067 — $52,278 to FP-5 $41,310 — $53,900 and FP-6 $35,819 — $46,736 to FP-6 $36,929 — $48,184.

AMENDMENT

Announcement No: IMS-2002-1
Supersedes: IMS-2001-1
Opening Date: October 28, 2002
Closing Date: May 31, 2003

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Grade and Starting Salary Range:
FP-5: $41,310 - $53,900
FP-6: $36,929 - $48,184

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing overseas; Tax-Free Educational Allowance for eligible dependents, etc. (See "Benefits Package" brochure for more information.)

NOTE: At the present time, eligible candidates may qualify for a hiring bonus if hired at the FP-5 and FP-6 grade levels. (Current federal employees are ineligible for a bonus.)

Number of Vacancies: The Department of State is developing a rank-order List of Eligible Hires for Information Management Specialists. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service.

Area of Consideration: All Sources. Applicants must be U. S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 59 and able to qualify for a top secret security clearance.

Location: Initial training and orientation will be held at the Department of State in Washington, DC, normally followed by a two-year tour overseas. During their career, Information Management Specialists will serve both overseas and domestically - moving at two to four-year intervals.

Effective Date: November 18, 2002

This amends the FP-06 Specialized Experience requirements to 0 years instead of 1 year for an AA Degree (or equivalent). Also adds the telephone number (202) 261-8928, removes the phone number (202) 261-8875 and the remarks (DS-1950) pages 6 and 7 after completed U.S. Department of State Application for Employment.

AMENDMENT

Announcement No: IMS-2002-1
Supersedes: IMS-2001-1
Opening Date: October 28, 2002
Closing Date: May 31, 2003

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Grade and Starting Salary Range:
FP-5: $40,067 - $52,278
FP-6: $35,819 - $46,736

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing overseas; Tax-Free Educational Allowance for eligible dependents, etc. (See "Benefits Package" brochure for more information.)

NOTE: At the present time, eligible candidates may qualify for a hiring bonus if hired at the FP-5 and FP-6 grade levels. (Current federal employees are ineligible for a bonus.)

Number of Vacancies: The Department of State is developing a rank-order List of Eligible Hires for Information Management Specialists. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service.

Area of Consideration: All Sources. Applicants must be U. S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 59 and able to qualify for a top secret security clearance.

Location: Initial training and orientation will be held at the Department of State in Washington, DC, normally followed by a two-year tour overseas. During their career, Information Management Specialists will serve both overseas and domestically - moving at two to four-year intervals.

THE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST CAREER:

The U.S. Department of State is the lead foreign affairs agency formulating and implementing the President's foreign policy and representing United States interests throughout the world. The Department carries out this mission at over 250 Embassies and Consulates around the world, offices in the metropolitan Washington, DC area and other locations in the United States.

Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for information resource management programs and information technology worldwide. The work is diverse and challenging. IRM employees support a vast spectrum of computer technology, ranging from state-of-the-art systems to the older legacy systems. They are responsible for managing and administering a worldwide telecommunications network, maintaining the telephone and wireless programs at overseas embassies and consulates, managing the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail operations and performing other duties such as supporting visits of high-level officials, including the President.

The ability to adapt to changing physical environments, work with differing levels of technology and keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the IT field are characteristic of Department of State Foreign Service Information Management Specialists.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

At various times, and at locations around the world or at domestic locations, the following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to Information Management Specialists. The duties vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. This list is neither exhaustive nor in priority order:

Administer and operate classified and unclassified computer LANs; install, operate and maintain new hardware and software applications; and ensure computer operations are consistent with current Department of State and federal government operating and security policies and practices.

Administer and operate classified and unclassified telecommunications network equipment; including cryptographic equipment, multiplexers, modems, routers, switches and satellite equipment; install, operate and maintain network hardware and software, troubleshoot and restore outages within the network.

Provide assistance to users of information management services, including training users in the use of new software applications and guidance/assistance with new or amended information technology-related policies and procedures.

Administer the Embassies' and/or Consulates' classified and unclassified telephone and wireless programs including the installation of new equipment, maintenance and repair of equipment, and guidance/assistance to personnel in the proper use of these systems.

Administer the Embassies' and/or Consulates' emergency communications network, including the installation, testing, maintenance and deployment of various wireless and satellite emergency communications systems.

Administer and prepare classified and unclassified Diplomatic Pouch and Mail programs at overseas locations including managing Embassy/Consulate mailroom operations. Process the sending and receiving of official correspondence through the Diplomatic Pouch program, and assisting Diplomatic Couriers.

Serve as part of the Embassy/Consulate's administrative team. Perform additional duties outside of normal information management activities as determined by Embassy or Consulate management or as dictated by specific circumstances.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT/ASSIGNMENTS:

After an initial training period of several months in the Washington DC area, new Information Management Specialists (IMS) will first be assigned for a period of two years to a position overseas. Subsequent assignments, either overseas or domestic, will typically be for periods of 2-4 years. Employees can expect to serve in any information technology area depending on the needs of their embassy or consulate. Specialists are part of the Embassy/Consulate administrative team. They may have the opportunity to participate in non-technical Embassy work and in social and community activities as part of the Embassy family. After the first assignment, employees may request assignments in virtually any Embassy or Consulate worldwide. Assignments are made in consultation with the employee, taking into consideration the needs of the Department, the particular interests/skills of the employee, career development requirements, family circumstances, and individual preferences.

All Specialists are evaluated, in writing, once a year. The employee participates in this process. The evaluations form the basis for promotions, which are made by a panel of more senior employees, every year. In addition to the formal training program, Information Management Specialists advance in their career by performing well and taking progressively more responsible assignments.

Foreign Service career candidates are considered for tenure by a Tenuring Board after they have been administratively promoted to the FP-04 grade and acquire a minimum of two years' experience in the Service as a Specialist career candidate.

TRAINING:

Since technology changes constantly, frequent training is part of the Information Management Specialist's career. The Department has its own School of Applied Information Technology (SAIT) with a staff of 65 and a multi-million-dollar budget this year. Courses at SAIT range from the Microsoft suite of products (NT, Exchange, etc.) to networking essentials, data communications, satellite operations, and PBX installation/maintenance. IM Specialists may also be sent to outside training institutions. Training begins with a 17-week introductory course for all new hires. Failure to successfully complete any aspect of this training could be grounds for separation. Later, Specialists take courses in specific software and/or equipment to prepare for new assignments. Besides technology training, IM specialists may also be provided opportunities to take additional developmental courses during assignments. These include, but are not limited to, management and leadership courses at the George P. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, and schools and universities in the Washington, DC area.

INITIAL SALARY AND SALARY INCREASES:

Initial salaries are determined in accordance with paragraph 1 or 2 below, whichever provides the greater benefit.

1. Initial salaries for new employees range from grade FP-6 through FP-5 depending on such factors as education received from accredited institutions of higher learning and specialized experience. To determine the specific grade/step, the candidate's education and specialized experience must be in excess of that which is required to qualify for the appointment grade as described in the Addendum, Section III, Education and Specialized Experience Requirements. Salaries are determined at the time offers of employment are made.

2. Entry-level salary for current or former Federal civilian employees will be set at the rate, within the Foreign Service grade to which they are appointed, that is nearest to the base salary rate of their previous salary, provided the work performed in the previous position is relevant to information management activities.

Information Management Specialists appointed at class FP-6 will be administratively promoted to class FP-5 following completion of 12 months with satisfactory performance and from class FP-5 to FP-4 following completion of 18 months in class with satisfactory performance. Further promotions are competitive and based on merit. Individuals promoted to the next higher grade receive additional salary equivalent to approximately six percent of the base salary.

In general, individuals with good performance will receive a within-grade increase annually in steps 1 through 9, and biannually in steps 10 through 14 of the FS salary schedule, if they have not received an equivalent increase during that period.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Types of qualifying specialized experience and education/training are described in the following paragraphs. College or university students are welcome to apply one year prior to graduation. Official transcripts must be provided prior to appointment.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Specialized experience is professional work that demonstrates the applicant has acquired, and is able to apply specific knowledge, skills and abilities appropriate to Foreign Service Information Management specialist positions. Qualifying specialized experience (listed in the paragraph "Duties and Responsibilities") must have been acquired within the past six years and must demonstrate potential to perform in progressively responsible positions in the information management field. An applicant's work experience will be evaluated for level of responsibilities and length of experience.

Applicants must provide evidence of experience in the areas of personal computers, local area and wide area networking, COTS office automation software, network operating systems, IT industry standards, network protocols and technology trends.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

BA/BS/AA Degree: Studies must directly relate to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or degrees must be in Computer Science, Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Data Processing or other related computer networking fields.

AA Degree Equivalent: The "Equivalent" degree would include such items as a two-year Technical Certification from an Accredited Technical School. Certification would be in fields directly related to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or certificates must be in Computer Science, Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Networking, Data Processing or other related computer networking fields.

Technical Certificate/Product Certificates: Technical certificate(s) from an Accredited Technical School (Military or Commercial) in fields directly related to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or certificates must be in Telecommunications Management, Information Management, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science or other related computer networking fields. Other fields would include product certification in Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, Certified Computing Professional, A+ or similar certifications.

Experience must have been acquired within the past six years.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONNAIRE:

Purpose: The purpose of this questionnaire is to obtain information to help determine if applicants meet minimum qualifications on the basis of work, specialized training, and volunteer experiences; and to rate those that qualified for selection for further consideration at the Assessment Center.

Instructions:
A) Using plain white paper and either a typewriter or word processor, submit an autobiography of 300 words or less, discussing your personal history, your interests and hobbies, and your motivation for a Foreign Service Career. You should compose your replies carefully as one of the skills required of an Information Management Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

B) Using plain white paper and either a typewriter or word processor, individually address each of the three (3) numbered items listed below limiting each response to 300 words or less. Describe how you have used the following abilities and/or knowledge, referencing the source from which the work-related experience was acquired. Your examples can be drawn from any part of your experience but they must describe things that you, personally, have done. You should compose your replies carefully as one of the skills required of an Information Management Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS:

1. Practical Problem Solving: Using your knowledge of PCs, local area networks, and software, describe what you consider to be the best example of a situation where you had to find an innovative solution to a practical problem. Indicate who was affected by the problem and in what way, and the nature of the difficulties faced.

2. Organizing Your Own Work: Give an example of a situation that shows your ability to think logically, analyze problems, communicate with others, and apply sound judgment, particularly where you had to meet tight deadlines or work long hours. Indicate the complexity of the task you were organizing and the consequences if you had failed to meet your deadline.

3. Withstanding the Rigors of Overseas Life: What experiences have you had which might suggest you could handle the difficulties of overseas life? List any experience of living, working or traveling abroad and any evidence of aptitude for foreign languages.

PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING:

The following materials are required for a complete application package. They become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.

• Completed U.S. Department of State Application for Employment (DS-1950) pages 3-5.
• Completed Employment Data Form (this is an optional form which requests information to be used for statistical purposes only) on pages 6 and 7.
• Official transcripts, plus any other official documentation which includes all courses taken, grades, semester or quarter hours earned, cumulative grade point average/s for all courses taken, class standing/s, and major. Transcripts are not required if no training or education is claimed.
• Product certificates and technical certificates.
• Responses to the Autobiography and Supplementary Questionnaire.

While this vacancy announcement shall remain open indefinitely, applications will be considered as the completed packages arrive in the Department. The Department of State will be hiring a number of candidates yearly.

These documents should be submitted and addressed to:

U.S. Department of State
Attn: Information Management Specialist Program
Application Evaluation Branch
5th floor, Room H-518
2401 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20522

For additional information please refer to our web site at www.careers.state.gov or e-mail imsmail@state.gov or telephone (202) 261-8928 or (202) 261-8857.

Applications which are received through the U.S. Department of State's inter-office mail system or mailed in Government-franked envelopes, will not be processed. Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303, as amended, from accepting or considering prohibited recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 310, sons and daughters of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, RELIGION, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, DISABLING CONDITION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR PRIOR STATUTORY, CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED ACTIVITY. THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES. APPLICANTS REQUIRING A REASONBLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY PART OF THE APPLICATION OR HIRING PROCESS SHOULD SO ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT. ALL DECISIONS FOR GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE MADE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.

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