Fellowship: US Foreign Affairs

12.16.16 – Civil Service Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
US: Worldwide positions

Sarah P’s comments: This is a posting for US citizens. The Foreign Affairs department includes The Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) whose goal is ‘to connect people with policy through dialogue that is relatable and understandable’ and who administers the American Spaces, the information resource centers attached to embassies. While an MLIS is an advantage, it is not strictly necessary in order to apply as long as you can prove relevant experience. Click here for more info. For more information about working as a librarian for the US Government please read Chapter 6 of my book.

The Civil Service Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program was designed to bring talent into the Department’s foreign affairs ranks. The fellowship is open to individuals whose educational background meets the basic requirement for the Foreign Affairs occupation.

The Department of State uses diplomacy to foster a global environment that encourages international collaboration and cooperation. Civil Service Foreign Affairs positions play a key role in the Department’s diplomacy efforts, performing critical functions, such as work related to foreign policy development and monitoring international agreements. The Civil Service Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program was designed to bring fresh talent into the Department’s foreign affairs ranks. The Fellowship is open to individuals whose educational background meets the basic requirement for the Foreign Affairs occupation at the time of application. During the application window, the Department will provide detailed information regarding the submission process. Many positions are available.

The Department will begin receiving applications from February 6 – 13, 2017.

Fellowship Duration –  Fellows will be hired initially for a two-year period, which may be extended for up to an additional two years at the discretion of the hiring bureau.

Benefits –

• Eligible for health and life insurance coverage; and
• Eligible to earn annual and sick leave.

Compensation – Depending on candidates’ educational background, the starting salary may be one of the following: $43,684 (GS-07), $53,435 (GS-09), or $64,650 (GS-11).

Eligibility Criteria –

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Meet the educational requirements for one of the STEM or Foreign Affairs disciplines.
• Be able to successfully obtain and maintain the required level of security clearance for the position.
• Be able to pass random drug testing.
• Be found suitable for employment (as described in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 731).

Application Requirements – to be considered for the Fellowship Program, applicants must submit the following information to the appropriate email address for each position type as listed in the programs above:

• Resume;
• Copy of transcripts;
• Veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214)
• A concise statement (one to two pages) explaining their interest in the Fellowship and articulating the attributes he/she will bring to the Program.

How to Apply –

Step 1: Identify the type of position that you are interested in.

Step 2: Click on the name of the bureau for which you want to work. A new window will appear with the bureau’s email address. NOTE: You will not be able to click on the bureau names until the first day of the application window.
Step 3: Send your application materials to the bureau’s email address.  The application materials are found in the “Application Requirements” section.  All applications must be received by February 13, 2017 for the Foreign Affairs Fellowship.

How You Will Be Evaluated –

Once all application packages have been received, they will be reviewed to determine whether all required documents were submitted. Resumes will be reviewed, and, if the basic qualification requirements are met, will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. Qualified candidates with Veteran’s Preference will be considered before non-preference candidates, in accordance with Chapter 5 Code of Regulations, Part 302.

Job: Librarian Supervisor

3.28.16 – Librarian Supervisor NF-1410-04
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Iwakuni, Japan
Sarah P’s comments:  USA Citizens only. This is actually a long application window for USAJobs.  If interested and eligible you need to apply ASAP because you first have to create a profile and this step can take 2-3 days to be processed and approved.  Only then can you apply for the position. For more information about applying for international US Government positions please see the Chapter 7 Resources of my Traveling Librarian book.

Closes Friday 4/8/2016
Salary Range:  $49,000 to $54,000 / Per Year
Series & Grade: NF-1410-04/04

Summary

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team!  MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community.    We offer a team oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.  As a service-oriented organization, we never waver in our commitment to our Corps.

SPECIAL NOTE: This position is an overseas assignment tour of duty which may include the following benefits: Transportation Agreement, LQA/ BOQ, Post Allowance, Annual Leave, and Sick Leave, 401 K) Retirement Plan, Medical, Dental and Life Insurance.

NAF Pension Plan that is portable to other qualified government agencies. (may be eligible to buy back military service time)
International medical and dental insurance (on/off base)
Short Term Disability Insurance up to 60% of your salary.
Up to $ 10,000 a year for tuition Assistance up to graduate level.
Leave Donation Program for life’s emergencies.
Professional training and development curriculum in technology and leadership

MAJOR DUTIES:  Responsible for oversight of the professional functions of the library system; children’s services, reference, and technical services.  Accomplished through performance and/or supervision of the professional staff.  Responsible for developing new library mission to support academic, education and professional military education of Marines.  Responsible for planning and conducting base-wide library services programming for children and teens.  Selects new and replacement resources for children’s collections in order to develop libraries that meet the needs of children and their parents.  Maintains effective working partnerships with other children’s librarians in the area, and selecting resources for providing technical support to a librarian by performing a wide variety of tasks, which furnish direct services to the public as well as indirect technical services.  Checks library materials in and out at the main circulation desk.  Verifies that customers are authorized to use the facility.  Registers new customers, issues library cards, and files applications.  Explains library rules, regulations, circulation procedures, and entitlements to library customers.  Accepts payments for lost or damaged materials and makes appropriate entries in accountability log, and prepares receipts.  Takes requests for reserves and inter/intra library loans, and periodically checks to see that requests are filled.  Keeps current record of overdue materials  in either a manual or automated system and may contact borrowers by telephoning or by issuing overdue notices.  Accurately compiles and records statistics on library usage such as book circulation, attendance, computer searches, reference questions, etc.  Assists customers in locating and utilizing library departments, catalogs, directories, indexes, files, and standard reference materials.  Locates items through the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system and requests materials for library customers.  Assist librarian with cataloging duties.

The incumbent acts in the absence of the Lifelong Learning Branch Manager to approve leave of all Branch employees and attend meetings on behalf of the manager.  Performs a variety of general office and clerical tasks in support of library operation.  Types reports, overdue notices, letters,  bills, book orders,  in accordance with specific instructions.  Arranges and files items in subject and chronological order where file coding is readily clear.  Picks up, sorts, and distributes mail accurately and within established time frames.

Plans, organizes work, and manages internal procedures and resources to ensure maximum productivity and economies.  Prepares internal office financial plans and related records and reports, and exercises authority on approved budget.  Monitors programs on a regular basis, and initiates corrective action to ensure support of operating programs of MCCS.  Manages new property resources and may provide direction on facility renovations and improvements.  Develops long range plans in conjunction with internal operating directives.  Must be alert to substance abuse and take appropriate action.  Effectively supports the Marine Corps Equal Employment Opportunity and Sexual Harassment policies, and ensures compliance with fire, safety, and other environmental issues and programs.  Maintains and enforces security of funds, merchandise, supplies and equipment to preclude or minimize the potential for fraud, waste and abuse.

Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy. Assists customers and communicates positively in a friendly manner.  Takes action to solve problems quickly.  Alerts the higher-level supervisor, or proper point of contact for help when problems arise.  Adheres to safety regulations and standards.  Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor.  Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Library Science (MLS) or Masters in Information and Library Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited program.
• Professional knowledge of librarianship including the performance or supervision or administration of a major functional area.
• Must have knowledge of the print and non-print resources associated with the field of military arts and sciences.
• Must have knowledge of the provisions of the National Interlibrary Loan Code and familiarity with the Copyright Act of 1976 affecting interlibrary loans for the purpose of obtaining materials not held by the library.
• Must have a high level of computer literacy and knowledge of and skill with integrated library systems, computer operating systems and database management.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.