7/14/16 – Foreign Service Information Management Specialist
US Foreign Service, Worldwide
Sarah P’s comments: For US librarians with IT skills and/or a degree this position could be a good entrance into the foreign service. Librarians are generally hired as Information Resource Officers but there are only about 30 of those positions worldwide whereas there are IT management positions everywhere thus both the chance of being hired and the upward mobility is better. (For example, this position was last posted in 2015 whereas the Info Resource Officer was last posted in 2012). For more information see Chapter 6 in my book and/or the Book Resources section of the blog.
Announcement No: IMS-2016-0003
Position Title: Foreign Service Information Management Specialist
Open Period: July 13 2016 – July 26, 2016
Series/Grade: FP – 2210 – 05
Salary: $44,250 – $64,983
Promotion Potential: FP-MC
Duty Locations: Many vacancies throughout the world, Washington, D.C.
For More Info: IMSVacancyInfo@state.gov
Who May Apply
Must be a U.S. citizen. Potential applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.Applicants may not reapply for one year after the previous application for the same position.
Job Summary
The U.S. Department of State, our country’s lead foreign policy agency, provides a rich international experience whether at home or abroad, and opportunities to become responsible leaders.
Each day, our employees make a difference as they contribute to our global society and defend and advance our country’s interests and values. They work on the business of diplomacy and high priority issues that impact the safety, security, and prosperity of our world – human rights, environment, energy, food security, public health, and technology – all while experiencing a unique career.
Our talented workforce reflects and champions all of our strengths and diversity – personal, professional, and educational. We offer a workplace that values and rewards leadership, collaboration and innovation, and personal and professional development.
Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for the Department’s Information Resource Management programs and information technology (IT) systems world-wide.
To find out more specifics about the qualifications required for an IMS, please click here for the IMS Career Track Quiz: http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/career-track-quiz/ims. The Department of State is developing a rank-order list of eligible hires for a limited number of FSS vacancies based on the needs of the Department. To learn more about the Department of State and a career as an FSS, please visit us at http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/career-tracks.
Key Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.
- Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
- Be able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.
- Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.*
- Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
- Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).**
Travel Required
Occasional Travel
An FSS generally spends the majority of his/her career assigned to our overseas missions and at times, lives away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions. Selected applicants will be notified of an Oral Assessment (OA) requirement in Washington D.C. For the selected applicants, all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the OA are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
Duties
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:
- 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.
- Advise post staff on the use of social media technologies for mission outreach activities.
- Set up, administer, and support software and hardware digital conferencing systems.
- Manage Department of State knowledge bases.
- Promote end-user involvement in technology and technical decision-making.
- Promote the use of emerging technologies, and improve and support connectivity with U.S. government foreign affairs partner agencies.
- Install, operate, and maintain new hardware and software applications.
- Ensure that IT operations comply with Department of State and federal government operating and security policies and practices, and ensure that applicable management controls are implemented.
- Administer, operate, and troubleshoot classified and unclassified telecommunications network equipment, including but not limited to, cryptographic equipment, multiplexers, modems, routers, switches, and satellite equipment.
- Administer secure and non-secure telephone and wireless programs at embassies and consulates by installing new equipment, as well as maintaining and repairing existing equipment.
- Install, test, maintain, and deploy various wireless and satellite emergency communications systems.
- Administer classified and unclassified Diplomatic Pouch and Mail programs at overseas locations by providing appropriate supervision, reporting and oversight.
- Monitor and implement security and management controls on Department of State automated information systems.
- Support operations in the area of cyber security, contingency planning, disaster recovery, general security operations, and risk management.
- Supervise teams of foreign national systems administrators, mailroom employees, telephone technicians, radio technicians, or switchboard operators.
- Serve as part of the embassy or consulate management team.
- Perform additional duties outside normal information resource management activities as determined by embassy or consulate management or as dictated by specific circumstances.
Some of the essential functions of the job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, Information Management Specialists are required to:
- Work in confined areas such as crawlspaces, attics, communication closets, and other confined spaces.
- Work from heights to include rooftops, scaffolding, and climb extension ladders.
- Move, handle, and lift heavy objects. For example: move desks to troubleshoot computer issues, move computers with or without carts, and move other equipment and tools.
We are currently accepting applications for this position.
The Traveling Librarian 