Information Technology Specialist (Information Security)

USAID is an independent Federal Government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., USAID fosters transformational development around the world. Our work supports economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. We operate in four regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia and the Near East; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Europe and Eurasia. USAID employees in the Civil Service and Foreign Service, as well as individuals employed through Personal Service Contracts, must adhere to our Counter Trafficking in Persons Code of Conduct. For information on the effort to counter all forms of human trafficking, including the procurement of commercial sex acts and the use of forced labor, visit http://www.state.gov/g/tip. For more information about USAID, visit http://www.usaid.gov. Key Requirements: U.S. Citizen or national Relevant experience (see Qualifications below) Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance Males born after 12/31/1959, must be registered with the Selective Service THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. A referral list will be issued after the following cut-off dates: September 17, 2011; October 17, 2011; November 17, 2011;December 17, 2011; January 17, 2012; February 17, 2012;March 17, 2012; April 17, 2012; May 17, 2012; June 17, 2012; July 17, 2012 and; August 17, 2012. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled. Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for US Agency for International Development applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on http://www.avuecentral.com/vacancy.html?ref=AQFLP.

KEY REQUIREMENTS: See Other Information.

2 vacancies - Washington, DC

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:(The KSAs below may not apply at all grades)

Knowledge of computer languages, utilities, machines, and access methods.

Knowledge of research and analysis techniques to perform management-related studies.

Knowledge of information systems security operations, techniques, and standards.

Knowledge of computer hardware/software technologies.

Ability to provide program management advice and assistance.

Ability to plan and execute work.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 09: Qualifying experience for the GS-9 level requires IT-related experience that demonstrates each of the following four competencies: Attention to Detail; Customer Service; Oral Communication; and Problem Solving; AND one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level. Specialized experience is experience that is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience must be IT-related and may be paid or unpaid experience.



Example of specialized experience for positions at the GS-9 level, typically gained in the IT field or through performance of work where the primary concern is IT, includes experience that demonstrates knowledge of IT requirements and techniques in carrying out project assignments consisting of several related tasks, such as typically is the case in development of minor modifications to parts of a system on the basis of detailed specifications provided. Work involves analysis of the interrelationships of pertinent components of the system; planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment; and personal responsibility for at least a segment of the overall project.



SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, at an accredited/pre-accredited institution that demonstrates the competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. Education must have included major study in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management; or course work in one or more of the identified fields that required the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks.

Grade 11: Qualifying experience for the GS-11 level requires IT-related experience that demonstrates each of the following four competencies: Attention to Detail; Customer Service; Oral Communication; and Problem Solving; AND one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level. Specialized experience is experience that is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience must be IT-related and may be paid or unpaid experience.



Example of specialized experience for positions at the GS-11 level, typically gained in the IT field or through performance of work where the primary concern is IT, includes experience that demonstrates accomplishment of IT project assignments that required a range of knowledge of IT requirements and techniques. Accomplishments normally involve the following, or the equivalent:

- knowledge of the customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate to an assigned computer applications area or computer specialty area in an organization;

-planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment where this entailed coordination with others outside the organizational unit and development of project controls; and

-adaptation of guidelines or precedents to the needs of the assignment.



SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, at an accredited/pre-accredited institution, that demonstrates the competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must have included major study in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management; or course work in one or more of the identified fields that required the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks.

See Other Information for further requirements.

You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.

See Other Information.

USAID is listed as one of the top ten best places to work in the federal Government by the Office of Personnel Management’s survey.


WHERE ARE WE?
USAIDs headquarters is centrally located in downtown Washington, DC, at the prestigious Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. We are located right on the Federal Triangle Metro (Blue and Orange Lines). The office is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, Smithsonian Institution museums and Washington Monument.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
We will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Upon meeting these requirements you will be evaluated on information provided in the supplemental questionnaire which collects information on your education, training, and experience related to identified critical competencies.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

IMPORTANT: If you are found to have rated your self-assessment higher than information in your resume, supporting documentation, or any relevant part of your application including attachments, your score may be adjusted to reflect the final rating based on all the information provided in your application. This may result in a lowered score which may preclude you from being referred for the position(s).

HOW TO APPLY:
You must submit a complete online application by the closing date of this announcement. If you are unable to apply online you may contact the Agency contact below or Avue Direct Services at 1-800-407-0147, 253-573-1877(ext 209), or moc.hceteuva@euvAeoJ. Avue Direct Services may be reached until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Proof documents can be electronically attached, or scanned and attached, to the employment application. If this is not possible, documents can be faxed to 253-573-9869 or mailed to: USAID, c/o Avue Technologies Corp., ATTN: Direct Services, 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402. Faxed or mailed proof documents must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement showing your name and the announcement number.

Application updates can be made until 11:59 p.m. EASTERN TIME on the closing date.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Resume showing relevant experience;
• SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action as stated;
• Veterans’ documentation if applying for veterans’ preference (DD214, SF-15, and Veteran’s Administration Letter);
• CTAP/ICTAP documentation as stated

If you have questions about required supporting documentation or this vacancy you may obtain assistance BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE of this announcement from the Agency contact below.

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
Applicants are evaluated using an automated applicant assessment system. After determining basic eligibility and qualifications, the supplemental questionnaire will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. A final job offer is contingent upon passing the background investigation and obtaining the security clearance.

BENEFITS:
Working for USAID offers comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life and health insurance, and the Federal Employees Retirement System. You can explore the benefits offered to most Federal employees at http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/benefits.asp#icc. USAID’s headquarters is in downtown Washington, D.C., at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., on the Federal Triangle Metro Blue and Orange Lines. The office is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, museums, and Washington Monument. A physical fitness facility and food court are on site. You will be eligible for telework in accordance with Agency policy.

OTHER INFORMATION:
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 5 months of the closing date.

EEO Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo

Reasonable Accommodation Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/raps

Veterans’ Information: http://www.usajobs.gov/vi

These are Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) under the Agency’s approved Drug-Free Work Place Program. All applicants selected for this position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.

Applicants must submit a complete application by the closing date of this announcement. If you need technical assistance in submitting your application, or are unable to apply on-line and desire to obtain an Applicant Questionnaire package, please contact AVUE Direct Services at 1-800-407-0147, or email at moc.hceteuva@euvAeoJ.

Applicants submitting proof documents can electronically attach them, or scan and attach them, to the employment application. If this is not possible, copies of documents can be faxed to (253) 573-9869, or mailed to the following address: USAID, c/o Avue Technologies Corporation, ATTN: Direct Services, 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402. All faxed or mailed proof documents must be submitted prior to the closing date of the announcement and must be identified with applicant’s name and vacancy announcement number.

Moving expenses are not authorized.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment background investigation. Eligible applicants will be asked to submit forms required for a security clearance and suitability determination for appointment to the Foreign Service. The clearance process considers such factors as: registration for the Selective Service; failure to repay a US government-guaranteed student loan; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; failure to meet tax obligations; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law; drug or alcohol abuse; a criminal record; extensive travel; education; residence and/or employment overseas; dual citizenship; foreign contacts; immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse; or less than honorable discharge from the armed forces. Investigations, which usually take several months, include current and previous contacts, supervisors, and coworkers. These investigations are conducted by USAID in cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies.

This is a Direct Hire action. Direct Hire Authority (section 1312 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002) allows agencies to appoint candidates directly to occupations for which the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has determined that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for certain occupations, grades, and/or geographic locations. Agencies may appoint without regard to Veterans’ Preference.

Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for US Agency for International Development applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on http://www.avuecentral.com/vacancy.html?ref=AQFLP.

Documents That May Be Required for Verification Of Eligibility:
* Proof of United States Citizenship (birth certificate or other acceptable documentation).
* Proof of military service (DD214s or other equivalent documents).
* Proof of government service providing reinstatement eligibility Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 or other equivalent document
* SF15, Application for 10-Point Veteran’s Preference and appropriate documentation (for 10-point compensable or non-compensable disability preference, Purple Heart, disability pension, or preference based on service of spouse or child).
* Proof of eligibility for priority placement consideration under Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP); i.e., copy of appropriate documentation such as RIF separation notice, or other notice of eligibility.
* Proof of eligibility for special appointment authorities for people with disabilities. Proof of disability from military service (i.e., letter from
Veterans Administration or a branch of the armed forces indicating disability and the amount [%] of the disability, or certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or Veterans Administration).
* Proof of government service meeting time-in-grade requirements.
* Copy of college transcript if education was used to qualify you for the position.

Client Care Team Phone: 202-712-0460 Fax: 253-573-9869 Email: vog.diasu@tnemtiurcerpsc

Agency Information: USAID 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. RRB/ITC Washington, Dist of Columbia 20523 US Fax: 253-573-9869

You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.