Pathways Student Trainee (Program Analysis)

Summary This vacancy announcement will be open from May 8, 2026 to May 14, 2026 or when 100 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Learn more about this agency Duties Pathways Opportunities in Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services  These positions are assigned to the Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services (OCS), Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA), U.S. Department of State. The Bureau of Consular Affairs directly touches lives across the globe. We serve on the front lines of U.S. diplomacy, and our work is central to the advancement of U.S. foreign policy. We guard against foreign and domestic threats by assisting U.S. citizens overseas and safeguarding our borders at home. The safety and protection of U.S. citizens overseas is among the U.S. government’s highest priorities, and CA’s number one priority. We proactively reach out to citizens to deliver the information they need to travel safely and responsibly. We continuously harness new technologies to keep information flowing during rapidly changing circumstances or crises overseas. CA plays a key role in the interagency process and development of a whole of government approach to complex problems. We are there for our citizens during the best and worst days of their lives abroad.  The Directorate of Overseas Citizens Services is responsible for formulating policy and directing, coordinating and monitoring emergency and non-emergency protective services to U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad. We examine and scrutinize potential problems and emerging issues. We provide guidance and recommendations on related foreign policy issues to Department principals and U.S. embassies and consulates. OCS manages the worldwide consular function and ensures responsive and efficient provision of consular services abroad. These Pathways vacancies are located in The Office of Children’s Issues (CA/OCS/CI). The Office of Children’s Issues works directly with foreign governments, U.S. embassies and consulates, U.S. law enforcement, and parents to seek the return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence and to promote safe, legal, ethical, and transparent intercountry adoptions. In the regional parental child abduction divisions and abduction prevention branch, the Pathways intern(s) assist with implementing the Hague Abduction Convention in the United States, work bilaterally on expansion of or compliance to the Convention worldwide, and to advance U.S. government policy pertaining to international parental child abduction.   The Adoption Oversight Division oversees the regulatory framework for providing intercountry adoption services so that adoptions are safe, transparent, and ethical.  A Pathways intern will be expected to learn about the Department’s role in oversight of intercountry adoption and take on increasing responsibility over time for contributing to the planning and execution of the programs and activities administered by the Adoption Oversight Division.   The Bilateral Engagement Adoption Division coordinates with foreign governments as well as U.S. embassies and consulates on intercountry adoption matters. Pathways intern(s) will manage regional and/or functional portfolios. Duties may include drafting Adoption Notices on foreign adoption laws and policy changes; updating country information sheets; engaging with posts and foreign governments on adoption procedures; and providing information on intercountry adoption policies to prospective adoptive parents, adoption service providers, senior Department officials, and Members of Congress. Requirements Conditions of employment Verification from the academic institution confirming acceptance into a qualifying program. Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement. Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/ Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0. Must be able to obtain and maintain at least a Secret Security clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required. Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution with at least a half-time course load. Must maintain student eligibility for duration of internship. All transcripts or educational documentation must reflect a projected graduation date after the (Spring 2027) semester or later. Qualifications GS-7: Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate-level education OR Eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor’s degree; AND be currently accepted to/enrolled in a qualifying degree or certificate program. Education An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half an academic/vocational or technical course-load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for the purposes of this Program.  The Pathways Internship Program targets students accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a qualifying educational program in an accredited institution, on a full or half-time basis with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.   Applicants must meet the definition of "student" in order to be considered for this opportunity.  At the successful conclusion of the program, interns may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a Federal career or career-conditional position in the competitive service.  Conversions to the competitive service are not guaranteed.   Pathways candidates must meet the DOS qualification standards applicable to the position being filled. All applicants must meet the qualifications by the closing date of this announcement.   Cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the entire Pathways Internship appointment;  Degree does not have to be related to the position/series; however to be eligible, candidate must meet the OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted. Certificate Requirements:  Undergraduate certificates must contain a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours. Graduate certificates must contain a minimum of 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. For study at a business or technical school, 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school. The Department of State no longer accepts certificates that are credited with Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials. Student means an individual accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled), including awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program under Public Law 93-842. Students need not be in actual physical attendance, so long as all other requirements are met. An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half an academic/vocational or technical course-load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for purposes of this Program. Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. You must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND meet one of the following provisions of the superior academic achievement: A grade-point average of "B" (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study. A grade-point average of "B+" (3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of your undergraduate study. Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision. Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. Grade point averages should be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 is rounded to 3.0, and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9. NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society. Additional information Pathways Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointments are made on a non-temporary basis.   Further information on Conversion to the Competitive Service can be found by clicking here. The U.S. Department of State is not obligated to make an offer of employment, nor is the student obligated to accept an offer of employment.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION - This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at [email protected]. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at [email protected].  If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. [REMOVE content, as appropriate, for the position].  Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions. 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. Employees hired under the Pathways Programs on appointments for 90 days or more are eligible to earn annual and sick leave. Interns hired under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) appointment for a period expected to last longer than 1 year are eligible for health and life insurance coverage as long as they are expected to be employed under this appointment for over 1 year and are expected to be in a pay status for at least one-third of the total period of time from the date of their initial appointment to the date of the completion of the Program. The cost of premiums is split between the employee and the agency, as it is for all permanent employees. As a Department of State employee, Interns are eligible to receive a transit subsidy each month to compensate for travel to and from work via certain types of public transportation. 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.