USAJOBS - Job Announcement

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The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Information Management Specialist (IMS) vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department and a career as a Foreign Service Specialist, please visit us at https://careers.state.gov.

There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. A recruitment incentive may be available. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.

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Job closed

Open & closing dates

10/03/2023 to 01/31/2024
Salary

$64,803 - $128,106 per year
Pay scale & grade

FP 04 - 05
Location
- Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic, MANY vacancies
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

No
Travel Required

Occasional travel - Foreign Service Specialists generally spend the majority of their careers assigned to our overseas missions and may at times, live away from family and/or in hardship conditions.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes— After completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., a Foreign Service Specialist usually is 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 U.S.
Appointment type

Permanent - Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) Tenure Board.
Work schedule

Full-Time
Service

Excepted
Promotion potential

MC
Job family (Series)

2210 Information Technology Management
Supervisory status

Yes
Security clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test

Yes
Announcement number

IMS-2024-0001
Control number

752425000

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career. Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position. 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).

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Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for the Department’s Information Resource Management (IRM) programs and Information Technology (IT) systems world-wide.

The duties of IMS vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. At various times, at posts around the world or in domestic locations, the following are some examples of the types of duties and responsibilities an IMS is expected to perform:

Customer Service Skills:

Provide assistance to users of information management services (for example, by configuring and optimizing software).
Train users in the use of new software applications, providing guidance and assistance with new or amended IT-related policies and procedures.
Promote end-user involvement in technology and technical decision-making.

Information Technology Skills/Problem solving:

Administer computer systems and manage system performance. Set up networks. Start up, operate, and shut down systems.
Manage user access, train new personnel, identify and resolve problems, report, track and research incidents, counsel users, set up customer equipment, and replace equipment and parts.
Manage and operate classified and unclassified client/server solutions, desktop systems, messaging solutions, web-based technology, database solutions, and virtual servers to support LAN/WAN.
Manage telecommunication network services.
Manage communications equipment, install cabling, provide circuits, support video conferencing, manage communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and manage wireless communications and Wi-Fi programs.
Manage voice communication services. Coordinate equipment provision, manage the telephone and radio programs, the personal mobile device program, and VoIP convergence devices.

Information Management Skills/Problem solving:

Implement IT projects gathering requirements, designing solutions, and assisting with development.
Acquire IT products and services, test solutions, deploy products, and maintain IT procurement and inventory.
Manage cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT Shared Services efforts.
Manage pouch programs, diplomatic post office, and telephone operator program.
Supervise locally employed staff system administrators, mailroom employees, telephone technicians, radio technicians and switchboard operators.
Manage work assignments and individual performance.,
Serve as part of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties outside of normal information resource management activities as determined by embassy or consulate management or as dictated by special circumstances.
Support emergency planning and response and manage emergency wireless communications.
Ensure emergency destruction capability.
Maintain alternate processing site.
Manage emergency digital communications.
Keep current with specialty, gain and maintain certifications.

Information Security:

Maintain internal controls on Department of State automated information systems.
Protect classified documents and classified communications equipment and workspace.
Promote communications security.
Update security settings, manage physical security, monitor security, and network security, etc.
Manage telephone system security.
Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program.

Essential Physical Requirements:

Some of the essential functions of the Information Management Specialist (IMS) job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, IMSs are required to:

Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects and work in confined spaces such as under desks or equipment or in crawlspaces, attics, communication closets, etc.
Walk and climb stairs. Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, climb, and work on feet for extended periods.
Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds. Push, pull, or drag heaving objects or equipment. Carry equipment up and down stairs.
See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components and see under low illumination.
Hear voices in noisy offices, on poor phone connections or at low volume or soft spoken, including distinguishing words in heavy accents. Hear to audibly monitor computer equipment for a faulty condition such as noise from a server or hard drive.
Pull wires, cables, and ropes that can involve climbing and working on ladders.
Coordinate precise movements with hands and fingers to assemble electronic components including using hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Feeling and manipulating small objects with hands and fingers.
Type quickly for extended periods of time.
Work in adverse environmental conditions, such as extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust.
Work erratic, unusual, unexpected hours and long hours.
Travel and experience jet-lag, changes in temperature, humidity, etc.

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Conditions of Employment

Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
Be able to obtain a Top Secret - SCI Security Clearance.
Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***

Please do not submit your application through USAJobs.

Please submit your application and register to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at: www.pearsonvue.com/IMST

This is a 2880 Foreign Service skill code (Information Management Specialist) equivalent to the 2210 series in the Civil Service.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience

Qualifying Specialized Experience must demonstrate the potential to perform in progressively more responsible positions in the information resource management field. 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:

Work with computers, upgrade, repair, replace hardware and software components; or work with network devices, switches and routers; or performing Sys-Admin functions such as: mail server maintenance; add, delete and assign users to roles, patch management and server maintenance; configure or administer virtual network environment; Program Management for IT projects or Data Analytics experience; or expertise in cybersecurity/cloud computing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics

1. Knowledge of information technology, IT telecommunications, radio systems, the cloud, off-the-shelf (COTS) software, IT technology assessment, systems integration, information security, cybersecurity, virtualization, PBX and VoIP convergence, IT shared services, data analytics and data management, project management principles and IT planning, IT acquisition process, techniques in leveraging IT to satisfy business needs, problem and resolution tracking procedures, customer service theory and techniques, managing processes and operations, and management theory.

2. Specialized skills in IT modernization, integrating local IT mission with Global IT vision, translating business needs into technical solutions, IT asset management, IT project management, information security, customer service, presenting technical concepts in layperson terms, enterprise systems, desktop and peripherals, network infrastructure, mobile services, and video conferencing.

3. General skills in critical thinking, active learning, instructing, active listening, coordination, service orientation, persuasion, monitoring, equipment selection, time management, installation, learning strategies, complex problem solving, systems evaluation, management of personnel resources, systems analysis, management of material resources, judgment and decision making, management of financial resources, equipment maintenance, mathematics, negotiation, technology design, repairing, operations monitoring, operation and control and quality control analysis.

4. Superior communication skills: In order to perform the duties of an IMS, successful applicants must consistently meet a high standard for English, both grammar (overall structure, spelling, and punctuation) and syntax (overall structure, clarity, and succinctness).

5. Other requirements: cross-cultural awareness, tolerance of travel and being on call, tolerance for working overseas, tolerance of varying work environments, willingness to accept assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service, tolerance of living away from family, attention to detail, dependability and integrity.

Education

At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-05 grade:

Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Expanded Professional Associates Program- Information Management (EPAP-IM) position at FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements in place at the time of prior EPAP-IM employment; or
Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Information Management Assistant position at the FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements equivalent to an EPAP-IM.
HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of specialized experience; or
AA or AS or higher in an IT-related field; or
AA or AS or higher degree in a non- IT field and 2 years of specialized experience; or
Served in a US Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT Specialty, or as an IT contractor to the USG, and 2 years specialized experience. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Networking, Data Processing, Computer Sciences, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, IT Acquisition and Control Management, IT Business processes; or other related computer networking fields.

At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-04 grade:

HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of specialized experience; and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: A+, N+, MCSA, MCSE, CSMA, CCNP or CISSP); or
AA or AS in an IT field and 4 years of specialized experience; or
BA or BS in an IT-related field and at least 3 years of specialized experience; or
BA or BS or higher in a non-IT field and 5 years of specialized experience, and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: A+, N+, MCSA, MCSE, CSMA, CCNP or CISSP); or
MA or MS or higher in an IT-related field and at least 1 year of specialized experience; or
Served in a US Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT Specialty, or as an IT contractor to the USG, and 3 years of specialized experience. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Networking, Data Processing, Computer Sciences, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, IT Acquisition and Control Management, IT Business processes; or other related computer networking fields.

You must submit a copy of your high school diploma or GED Certificate, university transcript(s), or your DD-214 and your military training report with the title of training when requested. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue.

Before your application moves to the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) official or unofficial transcripts will be requested. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded, and have no missing pages. A transcript missing any of these elements will not meet the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. 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.

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. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.

NACES: https://www.naces.org/index

AICE: https://aice-eval.org/

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.

OPM: www.opm.gov

U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov

Additional information

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

U.S. law requires organizations to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

**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 selection process, please visit: https://careers.state.gov/about/diversity-inclusion/veterans-program-office/.

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.

A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist 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 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 qualified candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance. For more information visit https://careers.state.gov/faq-items/what-is-the-assessment-centers-policy-on-reasonable-accommodations-for-persons-with-disabilities-or-those-who-have-medical-conditions-or-other-needs-such-as-the-use-of-medical-devices-or-acc/.

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.

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

The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. IMSes are hired at the FP-04 or FP-05 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/

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.

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.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.

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.

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

The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. IMSes are hired at the FP-04 or FP-05 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/

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.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of Service upon request. 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. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying 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.

See How To Apply for information on how to submit your application and register to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at www.pearsonvue.com/IMST. Please do not apply through USAJobs.

After creating a web account, answer all the self-assessment questions, include work history for the past 10 years, and complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of Interest. An application missing any of these elements will not meet minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue.

Personal Narratives 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 a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.

1. Substantive Knowledge – Give what you consider to be the best example of a situation where you found a solution to a practical problem by using your knowledge of information technology (IT) programs. Indicate the nature of the problem, who was affected by the problem, in what way, and the results or benefits of your solution.

2. Intellectual Skills - Describe a time when you had to analyze a complex IT situation and make a quick decision. What process did you follow for making the decision? Were you satisfied with the results?

3. Interpersonal Skills - Please provide an example that demonstrates you are good at working with others in difficult situations. What exactly did you do that shows you have this skill?

4. Communication Skills - Describe a situation in which you used your communication skills to describe a technical issue to a non-technical audience.

5. Managerial Skills - Information Management Specialists are often required to manage projects, demonstrating the ability to plan and organize, set priorities, employ a systematic approach, and allocate time and resources efficiently. Describe a project that you managed or helped to manage and how you sought to achieve the project’s goals.

6. Leadership Skills - Describe a time when you identified a serious problem involving IT services or IT solutions that required immediate action. How did you take the lead in solving the problem?

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.

Submit your application and register to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at www.pearsonvue.com/IMST. Please do not apply through USAJobs.

Visit www.pearsonvue.com/IMST
Create a web account.
Follow the instructions to complete and submit the IMST online application:
1. Answer all self-assessment questions;
2. Include work history with a description of your work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past 10 (ten) years; and
3. Complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of interest. (Please see the Required Documents section for more information.)
4. Your application is automatically saved as you proceed through it. You may interrupt the application process and return to it until you submit it.
5. Complete, review and submit the application.

After you complete and submit the above this becomes your online application and will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
You have six months to complete the application process outlined in this announcement and must take the IMST. If you have not done so within six months, you must restart the application process.
Application packages must be complete before you can register for the Information Management Specialist Test.
We strongly recommend that you go back into your application and verify that everything is completed properly.

Select an appointment to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at one of Pearson VUE's test centers. The Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) is an important part of the selection process, covering the job knowledge, English expression and situational judgment necessary to work as an Information Management Specialist.

If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Pearson VUE Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), 1-952-905-7483 (toll) or by utilizing the Chat function on www.pearsonvue.com. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time; closed on local holidays.

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

Agency contact information

IMS Vacancy Info

Phone: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000
Email: IMSvacancyinfo@state.gov
Address: U.S. Department of State
2401 E. Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the application and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.

The Department will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/specialist/information-technology/ims-selection-process/ .

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.