International Economist

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.

The duties may include, but are not limited to

Performs research, analysis, and associated functions to expand and maintain international market opportunities for U.S. agriculture.

Analyzes data to evaluate consistency with federal objectives, policies, and legislation. Conducts in-depth analysis for use in the formulation of U.S. agricultural trade policy positions and recommendations.

Produces written and oral interpretive reports on agricultural trade policy issues. Consults with staff of domestic and foreign industry and trade associations.

Participates in negotiating teams and in major projects which are central to the agency’s mission.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Preparation of tables, charts, graphs, or maps involved with economic analysis.

Application of economic techniques and principles using mathematical and/or econometric models, statistical techniques, and software. Planning and preparing quantitative analyses of economic data in agricultural or international trade.

OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in international relations, international economics, international business, international trade, business administration or related degrees, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVELS: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements.

The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

To learn more about combining education and experience for this series, click the following: Combining Education and Experience for Administrative and Management Positions FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applying economic theories, concepts, and techniques to the field of agricultural or international trade; Writing, reviewing, and editing economic, agricultural, agricultural market conditions or trade studies, working papers, and briefing materials; Summarizing and advising on trade and/or international agricultural policies and/ or supply and demand estimates and/or programs; and Communicating effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with officials within and outside the organization through formal or informal meetings and giving presentations explaining complex issues on economic/statistical information.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.

This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.