Regional English Language Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer

Announcement No: RELO-2018-0001
Position Title: Foreign Service Regional English Language Officer
Open Period:March 7, 2018 - March 20, 2018
Series/Grade: FP - 1040 - 03
Salary: $69,022 - $101,361 per year
Promotion Potential: OC
Supervisory Status: Yes
Position Information: Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) Tenure Board.
Work Schedule: Full Time
Security Clearance: Top Secret
Duty Locations: Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic, United States - MANY vacancies
Agency Contact Info: RELOVacancyInfo@state.gov

Who May Apply

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Potential applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.

If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).

Duties

Summary

The U.S. Department of State, our country’s lead foreign policy agency, provides a rich international experience whether at home or abroad, and opportunities to become responsible leaders.

Each day, our employees make a difference as they contribute to our global society and defend and advance our country’s interests and values. They work on the business of diplomacy and high priority issues that impact the safety, security, and prosperity of our world – human rights, environment, energy, food security, public health, and technology – all while experiencing a unique career.

Our talented workforce reflects and champions all of our strengths and diversity – personal, professional, and educational. We offer a workplace that values and rewards leadership, collaboration and innovation, and personal and professional development.

The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is responsible for the cultural and educational exchange programs supporting the Department’s strategic policies and goals. Foreign Service Regional English Language Officers (RELOs) serve as a catalyst for enduring, positive change via their active commitment to high quality education, developing expertise, and effective global dialogue. RELOs work with U.S. embassies and consulates to develop long-term English language programming strategic plans. They develop sustained partnerships with English language professionals, encourage their membership in a mutually supportive global network, support their professional growth, and enhance their ability to influence positively the lives of their students. Through the programs that RELOs initiate, manage, monitor and evaluate, they enable teachers to teach more effectively through a variety of means such as in-country and virtual professional development programs, teacher and learner exchanges, courses for youth and support of local professional associations and their activities. Through these efforts, RELOs offer a window on U.S. society, history, and culture, and encourage analytical thinking, tolerance for difference, and increased understanding between the United States and foreign publics.

The Department of State is developing a rank-order list of eligible hires for a limited number of FSS vacancies based on the needs of the Department.

To learn more about the Department of State and a career as an FSS, please visit us at https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/career-tracks.

Responsibilities

Foreign Service Regional English Language Officers (RELOs), under the supervision of the Office of English Language Programs and embassy Public Affairs Sections, provide professional expertise and program support to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world through a variety of responsibilities:

• Counseling and assisting U.S. mission officials in determining and developing the most effective use of English language programs and services to meet posts’ Public Diplomacy and Mission goals.
• Establishing and cultivating professional relationships with U.S. academic institutions, other government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGO) in areas of policy and program development for English language programs both in Washington and in the field.
• Conducting contextual analyses, needs assessments and institutional assessments to guide the development of English language strategic plans and programs that serve to realize those plans.
• Managing academic exchange programs for teachers and students of the English language.
• Developing, organizing and implementing in-country and regional teacher training programs.
• Establishing and cultivating professional relationships with host country education officials and academic institutions involved in delivering English language programs, especially programs training teachers of English.
• Evaluating and reporting to Washington on the English language programs in the geographic area of responsibility and, when appropriate, recommending new programs.
• Providing policy guidance for English Language exchanges and programs.
• Acting as liaison to Department regional bureaus to explain policies and provide guidance on the development and implementation of programs in the regions.
• Providing guidance and expertise to bureau officers in the development and administration of bureau exchange programs through which foreign teachers of English visit and observe English teaching programs in the United States.
• Providing administrative and logistical support from Washington for the RELOs overseas.
• Researching, developing or supervising the development of printed, audio, visual, and electronic media English teaching materials.
• Assisting with the editing and production of the Department's journal for English language professionals, English Teaching Forum.
• Negotiating partnerships with private and public sector entities that serve to advance the shared interests of all involved partners in the field of English language education.
• Nominating participants for USG-sponsored exchange programs (virtual and physical) and participating in the selection process as appropriate.
• Traveling within the assigned geographic region to work on strategic planning, needs analyses, program monitoring and evaluation or consulting with relevant contacts and post personnel regarding English language programs in collaboration with Public Affairs sections at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel Required

75% or less - An FSS generally spends the majority of his/her career assigned to the Department of State’s overseas missions and at times, lives away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions. Selected applicants will be notified of an Oral Assessment (OA) requirement in Washington D.C. For the selected applicants, all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the OA are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes After completing orientation and an initial one to two year training tour in Washington, D.C., RELOs are usually assigned to two consecutive overseas tours, each two years in length, directed by the Department. After the initial two tours, assignments will be for periods of one to three years overseas or in the United States.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.
• Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Be able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.*
• Be at least 20 yrs old to apply; at least 21 yrs old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).**

Education

At the time of application, applicants must have a Master's degree from an accredited U.S. graduate program in one of the following fields, or closely related fields, and five years out of the last 10 years of Specialized Experience:

• Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
• Applied Linguistics

Advanced academic work beyond the M.A. is preferred.

You must submit a copy of your university transcript(s) with your application. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, you will not be given credit.

Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, and, if applicable, the degree and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will be ended. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level.

Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation, in order to be credited towards qualifications.

Education completed in foreign high schools, 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 when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted.

For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience

Qualifying Specialized Experience must have been acquired within the periods specified in this announcement and must demonstrate the potential to perform in progressively more responsible positions. An applicant's work experience will be evaluated for level of responsibility and length of experience.

To qualify as Specialized Experience, 60% or more of the duties must be related to:

Experience in managing academic programs in teaching English as a second or foreign language to teacher trainers, with some experience in an overseas or multicultural setting preferred.

Experience in designing, monitoring, managing, evaluating and implementing pre-service and/or in-service teacher training programs.

Experience in supervising staff and coordinating programs for teaching English language skills.

Experience in the administration of an English language program including needs analysis, student and faculty assessment and evaluation, policy development, curriculum development, materials development, personnel supervision and budgeting responsibilities.

Experience in financial management to include negotiating contracts and agreements, approving budgets, monitoring and evaluating program performance and effectiveness.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The education, work experience, and other qualifications evaluated for evidence of the following knowledge, skills, abilities and other requirements have been identified as important to successful job performance as a Regional English Language Officer based on extensive job analysis research. Not all of these attributes need to be met by a candidate; the attributes will be used as a set to evaluate candidates.

Knowledge of current U.S. theory and practice in the teaching and learning of English, with special emphasis on the training of teachers of English to non-native English speakers, including knowledge of professional organizations in the U.S. and abroad.

Ability to assess needs of English teachers and learners at both a national and local level and design appropriate programming to meet those needs.

Proven ability in leadership and management, preferably in a multi-cultural setting.

Knowledge of and experience with applications of technology to language teaching and learning.

Ability to prioritize among competing demands simultaneously, manage multiple projects, deal with short timelines and adapt to changing priorities.

Ability to work effectively with embassy and professional colleagues from host country institutions to design, implement, evaluate, and promote English language programs in a cross-cultural environment.

Ability to supervise and effectively manage the activities of subordinates involved in English language programming and related public diplomacy activities.

Ability and stamina to carry out extensive travel, including long international flights, as well as regular travel in overseas areas of varying climates and conditions.

Formal experience studying a foreign language or demonstrated ability using a foreign language is desirable, but not required.

Superior oral and written communication skills: Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling and punctuation. FSS must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness).

Additional information

*The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/.

**For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the FSS Selection Process, please visit: http://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference-

No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

An FSS separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be an FSS in the same skill code, but may apply for another skill code (or to be a Foreign Service Generalist).

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all of its employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department at ReasonableAccommodations@state.gov, within one week of receiving their invitation to the oral assessment. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

To preview questions please click here.

Required Documents

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is fully completed before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in the application not being considered further.

1. USAJobs Resume Builder is the resume format that is accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
2. Completed online application including the completed required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives in the online application.
3. Uploaded/faxed all required supporting documentation including proof of educational achievements, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement to qualify for this position.
4. For applicants who are age 60 to 65, you must provide your Veteran’s Preference documentation at the time of your application. If claiming a 5 pt. veteran’s preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service. If claiming a 10 pt. veteran’s preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service. A Certification must be from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.

Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest

These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming an FSS. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. The information you give may be used in your oral assessment should you be invited and is an important factor in the competitive evaluation of applicants. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters) for each item. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as an FSS is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to the all of the items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.

Leadership and Managerial Abilities: Describe a specific example of your leadership and managerial abilities in an English language program, evaluate the impact of this action, and explain how this experience might apply to a job as a Regional English Language Officer.

Functional Experience: Describe a specific example which demonstrates your experience in planning and implementing a significant English language program in teacher training, curriculum design, or materials development. Describe how you evaluated the success of the program and assessed the long-term effects, if any, of the program.

Statement of Interest

Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:

• Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,
• Comments about your work experience, include special skills (e.g. computer), current licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position,
• Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in U.S.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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. Learn more about federal benefits.

Health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave, and an unprecedented chance to see the world and experience different cultures. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas and tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas.

For information on FS Salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/foreign-service-salary-matching-pay-tables-danger-pay-overseas-moving-expenses-and-taxes.

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.

How to Apply

You should submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date/time to be considered. There are no exceptions.

1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log into your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume. USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions and answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
3. The application system allows up to four methods to submit required documentation: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; resubmit documents from a previous application; or fax. If you are submitting documents by fax, you must follow the fax directions, and generate and use the fax coversheets for your set(s) of documents.
4. After you attach all of your required supporting documentation, answer all the required application questions, and complete the application steps, please review the entire application packet, including the links for your submitted documents.
5. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.

Application Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process and successfully submit any documentation required in this Vacancy Announcement.

Application packages must be complete and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.

You should submit your application early, and may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement. We strongly recommended that you go back into your application and verify that your documents are attached.

If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information on the FSS hiring processes, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs. If you have any questions regarding FS careers, please visit our Careers.State.Gov site and post your question(s) on the appropriate Forum in the Connect section: http://careers.state.gov/connect/forums.

Next steps

Once submitted, your application status on USAJobs will change from “received” to “referred” or “not referred” after the close of the announcement. This status on USAJobs will not be updated further.

All applicants will be notified via his/her Monster account about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this FS position. Additional notifications to applicants concerning the application status will be by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State.

Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.

We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.

For more information, please visit http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/selection-process.