Franklin Talent Exchange Program (FTEP)

“The complexity of issues facing the U.S. government has never been greater. It is imperative that we look at new and innovative ways to bring in the talent and knowledge of the private sector, in a collaborative effort, to face these challenges. To tap into the knowledge of expert American citizens, the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) created the Franklin Talent Exchange Program (FTEP).”

Now, completely redesigned by the U.S. Department of State, the Franklin Talent Exchange Partnership (FTEP) is a partnership program between the U.S. Department of State and private sector entities that share an interest in advancing specific foreign policy priorities in areas such as economic growth, energy, agriculture, the ocean, the environment, and science and technology.

The program offers an opportunity for participants to embark in a collaborative two-way exchange program that brings in talented experts from a consortium of private sector partners and sends U.S. Department of State employees on assignment to private sector partner organizations where assignments strategically align with the U.S. Department of State’s top foreign policy priorities.

Private sector participants are not compensated by the U.S. Department of State, they are sponsored by their employers. Participants will return to their home companies and communities with a much-enhanced knowledge of foreign and development policy and government operations and culture. If your organization has an international focus, allowing your employee to spend a year at the U.S. Department of State can be the ideal way to develop their talent and position your organization to excel.

WHAT IS THE FRANKLIN TALENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM?

Franklin Talent Exchange participants are senior and mid-level professionals who serve in a one-year, unpaid partnership at the U.S. Department of State working as an expert or a consultant on a wide range of subjects that strategically align with foreign policy priorities.

Participants contribute their knowledge, experience, and specialized skills. While at the U.S. Department of State, participants gain first-hand insight into the world of foreign policy and development. Participants must be American citizens, with a minimum five years’ experience, and able to obtain a security clearance.

FTEP is not a path to employment at the U.S. Department of State. After their year at the U.S. Department of State, “sponsored” participants return to their private-sector companies. Ideally, FTEP will be utilized as a partnership development program for the private sector with the public sector.

Participants are nominated by their employer to participate in the program. Companies and other non-governmental organizations that want to participate in the program must be a part of the partnership consortium of private sector companies. FTEP should be seen as an opportunity to round out an employee’s experience through a unique partnership building development program.

WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS DO?

Participants bring creative and innovative ideas and deep substantive knowledge and experience to the U.S. Department of State. Participants often work in areas of new and emerging concern where the U.S. Department of State lack in-house expertise. On issues where the U.S. Department of State is already working, participants bring years of experience to bear, helping their colleagues to form deeper understanding of the issues. The following examples show both roles.

An investment banker from a large international bank was instrumental in crafting and launching U.S.-ASEAN Connect, the new U.S. strategic economic framework in Southeast Asia.
A manager from the NGO community developed a systematic approach to monitor and evaluate international programs to combat trafficking in persons and modern slavery.
A retired public service executive helped to establish the U.S. Department of State’s office for public-private partnership programs.
An environmental lawyer worked on policies to protect endangered species in Southeast Asia.
A Fellow with legislative experience led the development of the U.S. Department of State’s first International Cyberspace Policy Strategy.

WHO QUALIFIES TO BE A PARTICIPANT?

Participants must be American citizens, able to get a security clearance, with a minimum five years’ experience that qualifies them as:

An expert — a person who is specially qualified by education and experience to perform difficult and challenging tasks in a particular field beyond the usual range of achievement of competent persons in that field. An expert is regarded by other persons in the field as an authority or practitioner of unusual competence and skill in a professional, scientific, technical or other activity.
A consultant — a person who can provide valuable and pertinent advice generally drawn from a high degree of broad administrative, professional, or technical knowledge or experience. When an agency requires public advisory participation, a consultant also may be a person who is affected by a particular program and can provide useful views from personal experience.

FTEP is not a career-entry vehicle. The program does not lead to employment with the U.S. Department of State.

HOW TO APPLY

During the announcement period for the FTEP, the U.S. Department of State will notify the private sector companies in the partnership consortium of the different opportunities the U.S. Department of State identifies by the U.S. Department of State. If the opportunity is aligned with the company’s goals and objectives, the company can then nominate an employee to apply for the program. The announcement will include the qualifications, the applications process, and the deadlines for submission.

Once the announcement closes, FTEP managers will review applications and select a pool of candidates for the program. The program managers will reach out to applicants to inform them of their selection, and to confirm interest and eligibility. Unsuccessful applicants are also informed.

The program managers then circulate the applicant’s applications to prospective bureaus and offices in the U.S. Department of State. The managers of those offices will contact applicants to arrange interviews, typically by phone. If a “match” is made, the next step is applying for a security clearance.

The length of time to process the security clearance varies, but on average takes 3 – 6 months, and sometimes longer. When the security clearance is granted, FTEP managers arrange the “on-boarding” date for the participant to begin his or her one-year program.

Applicants can contact the FTEP managers throughout the application process for guidance and advice.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE AS A PARTICIPANT?

From your first day as a participant, you are a member of the U.S. Department of State team. As an “uncompensated employee” you have many of the same privileges and responsibilities as a career employee. You will become familiar with regulations guiding ethics and accountability; you will receive training and orientation on security practices and IT systems. You are eligible to participate in official travel with per diem and receive awards. You will meet with your officemates, establish specific work objectives, and learn to become a valuable, contributing member of the U.S. Department of State.

The participant’s program manager will help in guiding them and answering their questions. Participants are sought after speakers for a variety of audiences. While the program is not a research position per se, participants are permitted to write, speak, and publish in accordance with public affairs guidelines.

The normal length of the program is one year. Occasionally participants do extend for a second year.

Franklin Talent Exchange alumni and the FTEP managers provide periodic updates to the alumni community.