Telecommunications Policy Specialist

This position is also being announced concurrently under Delegated Examining Procedures (DEU) vacancy number: NTIA-OIA-2015-0003. Applicants who wish to be considered under DEU must apply to both vacancies separately.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is looking for an energetic, innovative Telecommunications Policy Specialist who will enjoy working in a dynamic and mission driven organization. The ideal candidate will have specialized experience recommending policy positions and developing actionable items. This position requires the ability to analyze issues in the formulation of Internet policy recommendations. The incumbent will be responsible for providing policy support in the development of Executive branch policy recommendations related to global Internet economy and Internet governance and policymaking.

This position is located in the Office International Affairs (OIA), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The mission of NTIA is to serve as the President's principal advisor on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA develops domestic and international telecommunications and information policy for the executive branch, ensures the efficient and effective management and use of the Federal radio spectrum, performs state-of-the-art telecommunications research, engineering, and planning, and administers broadband programs. OIA plays an important role in implementing NTIA's mandate and is the Executive Branch expert on issues relating to international Internet policy and governance issues. In addition, OIA plays a leadership role in the Internet Policy Task Force (IPTF) of the Department of Commerce which is examining issues related to consumer privacy, online copyright, cybersecurity, and the free flow of information.

Key Requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must be suitable for Federal employment.
• You must be registered for Selective Service (www.sss.gov), if applicable.
• Relocation expenses will not be paid.
• You must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• You must meet the time-in-grade requirement.

Duties:

Back to topThe incumbent provides policy support to the Associate Administrator, Deputy Associate Administrator, and staff of the Office of International Affairs in the development of Executive branch policy recommendations related to global Internet economy and Internet governance and policymaking. A prime responsibility of the incumbent is to address issues arising from global expansion of the Internet; promote and develop consensus among on technology developments with potential impacts on current international policy/regulatory regimes; and, promote, enhance, and participate in multistakeholder approaches to Internet governance and policymaking. The employee will provide advice and assistance to management in applying NTIA policy; providing advice and assistance to Executive Branch agencies on issues related to the domestic and/or international telecommunications activities and coordinating the formulation of associated policies; maintaining liaison with other governmental and private organizations involved in Internet, and information technology matters particularly those related to the Internet. The incumbent’s tasks in carrying out this key role for NTIA, include, but are not limited to the following:
-- Analyze and evaluate current international telecommunications and Internet policy issues, drafting actionable summaries, briefs and memoranda.
-- Develop and defend USG policy positions and represent the United States on telecommunications and Internet policy matters in regional and international fora and multistakeholder organizations.
-- Meet with spokespersons from all segments of the telecommunications, Internet policy, information communication industry, representatives of the legal community, academics, and the Congress in order to ascertain their interests and concerns and to assure their understanding of NTIA policies and programs.
--- Draft presentations, memoranda, and documents such as reports, administrative filings for submission to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC), testimony to Congress, news articles, or other policy reports.
-- Perform other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications Required: 

For the GS-13, applicants must have at least one year or 52 weeks of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level (GS-12 or equivalent pay band) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience developing and presenting positions on Internet policy of national impact and advocating for those policy positions in government or multi-stakeholder forums. This may include, but is not limited to policy, standards, or best practice development focused on digital copyright, privacy, cybersecurity, or the global free flow of information.

For the GS-14, applicants must have at least one year or 52 weeks of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level (GS-13 or equivalent pay band) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience providing leadership for the resolution of issues communications technology (ICT) and infrastructure, global Internet economy and Internet governance and policymaking in international and domestic contexts; chairs meetings addressing telecommunications and ICT issues related to Internet policy and/or privacy issues having domestic and international aspects.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employments. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management website located at www.opm.gov/qualifications.
Applicants must meet ALL application requirements, to include a complete online resume, by 11:59 p.m. EASTERN TIME ZONE (ETZ) Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at www.opm.gov/qualifications.

A one year probationary period may be required.

How you will be evaluated:

We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/ No, Multiple Choice questions) However, your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:

• Ability to assist in the identification, research, monitoring and analysis of economic, technological, and policy issues related to the Internet.
• Ability to analyze issues in the formulation of Internet policy recommendations.
• Ability to assist in the identification of economic, technological, legal, social, and foreign policy issues related to related to Internet policy, free flow, and Internet Intermediaries.
• Ability to communicate verbally to identify problems, present work results, and make recommendations.

For more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/392245500