Confidential Assistant

Summary The U.S. International Trade Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides unfair import and import injury cases and publishes the U.S. harmonized tariff schedule. This position is located in the Office of Commissioner Johanson. The incumbent will provide administrative support to the Commissioner as well as working on special projects on international trade matters. Learn more about this agency Duties The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and thorough and able to engage with Commission staff at all levels. Although not required, an ideal candidate would have an interest in learning about the substantive areas of the Commission's work under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g. antidumping and countervailing duty investigations) and under section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930 for fact finding investigations on international trade and U.S. competitiveness matters. Due to the level of the organization that this position operates in, you will be required to keep confidences, and you must be able to adjust to changes in direction and perform effectively under pressure. As Confidential Assistant to the Commissioner, you will manage the Office of the Commissioner. Responsibilities include managing the calendar and files of the Commissioner, scheduling and organizing meetings and events, booking travel, records management, coordinating office workflow, and assisting the other aides to the Commissioner on administrative matters. The Confidential Assistant may also be assigned special projects involving research or data collection or be asked to assist the Commissioner's other aides on their work under Title VII or section 332. There is a high degree of interaction and collaboration with the other Commissioner offices, so the incumbent must have excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and judgment. The Office of the Commissioner interfaces with all other offices in the agency as well, so the incumbent must be able to work well with all levels of staff, as well as outside stakeholders. The incumbent maintains National Security Information, handles confidential business information, and may assist the Commissioner in sensitive matters; therefore, the incumbent must keep confidences and exercise discretion. The incumbent must be detail-oriented, thorough, well-organized, a self-starter, and responsive to the needs of the office. The incumbent must be able to adjust to changes in direction and perform effectively under pressure. The incumbent may be assigned special projects involving research, data collection or assisting the Commissioner's other aides with mission work under Title VII and section 332, the ideal candidate will have an interest in and aptitude to perform or learn these tasks based on instruction and guidance provided by the Commissioner's other aides. Candidates that possess an interest in or relevant experience in economics or international trade matters are a plus. The incumbent will utilize information technology such as Microsoft Office applications and therefore must have experience using these applications. The incumbent will also use systems and databases to process travel, timekeeping and other administrative matters for the office and must be knowledgeable about or have a demonstrated ability to learn these systems and applications. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. citizenship Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance You may be required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement Qualifications Minimum Qualifications at each grade level: GS-11: Experience: In order to qualify at the GS-11 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-9 or equivalent level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is typically demonstrated with experience in administrative office work such as: responding on behalf of a senior staff member or managerial official to inquiries regarding the work of their office which involved detailed knowledge of operations and missions; preparing a variety of correspondence which included the development of standardized responses or editing such to fit a particular task; advanced knowledge of computer software which includes selecting the best application for the task and combining programs to prepare advanced documents and reports; meeting and greeting of executive level or international visitors; serving as a personal assistant to executive level individuals that required maintaining confidences and handling of sensitive information; knowledge of detailed administrative requirements, such as required for the complexity and attention to detail for actions described in the job duties, and experience in dealing with a variety of individuals, including some who may be demanding in their requirements. OR Education: Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree. GS-12: In order to qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-11 or equivalent level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is typically demonstrated through progressively responsible administrative office work such as: independently responding on behalf of a senior staff member or managerial official to inquiries requiring in-depth knowledge of the organization's operations, priorities, and mission; drafting, editing, and tailoring a wide range of correspondence to address specific issues or audiences; utilizing advanced computer software and integrating multiple applications to develop complex documents, reports, and presentations; coordinating and facilitating interactions with executive-level or international visitors; serving as a principal personal assistant to executive-level officials, exercising discretion and maintaining confidentiality of highly sensitive information; and applying comprehensive knowledge of administrative processes to manage competing priorities and resolve issues. At this level, work is performed with a high degree of independence, including anticipating the needs of leadership, prioritizing tasks, and proactively arranging work to meet organizational objectives. GS-13: In order to qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-12 or equivalent level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is typically demonstrated through highly responsible administrative and executive support work such as: serving as a senior advisor or primary point of contact on behalf of executive leadership, responding to complex or sensitive inquiries requiring expert knowledge of organizational operations, policies, and strategic priorities; developing, reviewing, and finalizing high-level correspondence, reports, and briefing materials for executive audiences; applying expert-level proficiency in computer software to integrate systems and produce complex, high-visibility documents and analyses; coordinating high-level engagements with executive, interagency, or international stakeholders; serving as a confidential assistant to senior executive-level officials, exercising exceptional discretion and judgment in handling sensitive and high-impact information; and providing guidance on administrative policies, processes, and workflow improvements. At this level, work is performed with considerable independence and authority, requiring the anticipation of executive needs, resolution of complex issues, and the ability to influence outcomes and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Your resume must clearly document this experience. This is a Schedule C position, which does not afford permanent civil service status. If selected, you will be required to sign a statement that you have been informed of the employment status of this position. Education At the GS-11 level: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree. GS-12: While there is no positive education requirement or substitution for this position, the most highly-qualified applicant would have a minimum of a 4-year academic degree, in a field of study that demonstrates competency in the key requirements of the position. In addition, formal education in the mission of the Commission is highly desirable. We encourage all applications to submit copies of their unofficial transcripts. GS:13 While there is no positive education requirement or substitution for this position, the most highly-qualified applicant would have a minimum of a 4-year academic degree, in a field of study that demonstrates competency in the key requirements of the position. In addition, formal education in the mission of the Commission is highly desirable. We encourage all applications to submit copies of their unofficial transcripts. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. Additional information NOTE: THIS POSITION WILL BE FILLED USING THE SCHEDULE C HIRING AUTHORITY. AGENCIES MAY SEPARATE SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES AT ANY TIME IF THE CONFIDENTIAL OR POLICY-DETERMINING RELATIONSHIP ENDS BETWEEN THE INCUMBENT AND THEIR SUPERVISOR. SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES ARE NOT COVERED BY STATUTORY REMOVAL PROCEDURES AND GENERALLY HAVE NO RIGHTS TO APPEAL REMOVAL ACTIONS TO THE MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD. 1. If you are a male applicant who was born after December 31, 1959, you are required to certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit www.sss.gov. 2. Time period to meet qualifications: All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 3. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials and employment history will be verified as part of the security clearance process. 4. Excepted service appointments: This position is in the Excepted Service and therefore, does not confer rights to permanent Civil Service status. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.