PROTOCOL SPECIALIST

Description:

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The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Protocol Specialist with responsibility for planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating all activities surrounding the arrival, departure, and escort of domestic and foreign distinguished visitors (DVs).

Requirements:

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07 , or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: (1) working with protocol and etiquette to plan and carry out a variety of special functions for distinguished high-level U.S. and foreign visitors; (2) interacting with high-ranking U.S. and foreign civilian and military leaders on a personal basis, up to and including heads of state, heads of government, and reigning royalty; (3) working with establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with visiting individuals and groups, working simultaneous tasks with great flexibility using creative and innovative methods in order to quickly adapt within demanding time schedules and/or with limited resources; and (4) working with U.S. Secret Service, Security Forces, Command Post, Customs and Immigrations, Base Operations, Transient Alert, Aerial Port, and State Department Protocol and State Department Diplomatic Security operational procedures relating to foreign and domestic aircraft servicing and security for personnel up to and including heads of state, heads of government, and reigning royalty.

OR
EDUCATION: Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcripts.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: NOTE: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. You must submit a copy of transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of a protocol program. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices and procedures. Ability to plan, organize and direct functions and the staff.

2. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Skill in handling time management and protocol issues, and ability to quickly adapt to changing situations. Skill in interpersonal communications; applying tact, diplomacy and appropriate manners at all times. Articulate in advising senior leaders on appropriate protocol measures.

3. Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply protocol order of precedence, flag protocol, drill and ceremonies. Knowledge of and ability to work effectively with other organizations as necessary to plan, organize and direct the execution of foreign and domestic aircraft missions.

4. Basic working knowledge of aircraft servicing requirements, i.e. aircraft servicing personnel, fueling, waste removal, towing, parking, cargo loading and unloading, etc. for a wide variety of domestic and foreign aircraft. Skill in the application of national, international, DOD and agency policy, practices and procedures regarding protocol and diplomacy. Knowledge gained in an Air Force protocol office is highly desirable.

5. Working knowledge of the mission, responsibilities, and limitations of numerous agencies such as Base Operations, command post, Secret Service, Security Forces, State Department Protocol, Customs and Immigrations, and embassies.

6. Knowledge of various office automation software programs (e.g. Microsoft Office), tools, and techniques to support office operations and produce a variety of documents such as letters, reports, spreadsheets, databases and graphs and ability to effectively maintain office records.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.