INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST |
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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply
Announcement No: IMS-2010-01
Opening Date: October 30, 2009
CLOSED
| Position Title: | FOREIGN SERVICE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST |
| Grade and Starting Salary Range: | FP-05: $42,948 - $63,071 Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing overseas; Tax-Free Educational Allowance for eligible dependents, etc. (See "Compensation and Benefits" for more information.) |
| Number of Vacancies: | The Department of State is developing a rank-order list of eligible hires for Information Management Specialists. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service. |
| Area of Consideration: | All Sources. Applicants must be U. S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 59 and able to qualify for a top secret security clearance. |
| Location: | Initial training and orientation will be held at the Department of State in Washington, DC, normally followed by two directed two-year assignments overseas. During their career, Information Management Specialists will serve both overseas and domestically — moving at two to four-year intervals. |
For more information, contact HR/REE, 202-261-8857 or email IMSVACANCYINFO@STATE.GOV
All potential applicants are strongly urged to read this entire Vacancy Information to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position before applying.
Applicants must be American citizens and at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law, career candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach age 60.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The U.S. Department of State is the lead foreign affairs agency formulating and implementing the President’s foreign policy and representing United States' interests throughout the world. The Department carries out this mission at over 250 Embassies and Consulates around the world, offices in the metropolitan Washington, DC area and other locations in the United States.
Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for information resource management programs and information technology worldwide. The work is diverse and challenging. IMS are responsible for application support, data and knowledge management, end-user support, managing and administering a worldwide telecommunications network, maintaining the telephone and wireless programs at overseas embassies and consulates, managing the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail operations and performing other duties such as supporting visits of high-level officials, including the President.
The ability to adapt to changing physical environments, work with differing levels of technology and keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the IT field are characteristic of Department of State Foreign Service Information Management Specialists.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
At various times, and at posts around the world or at domestic locations, the following are examples of the types of duties and responsibilities assigned to Information Management Specialists. The duties vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. This list is neither exhaustive nor in priority order:
- Provide assistance to users of information management services, including configuring and optimizing software; train users in the use of new software applications and provide guidance/assistance with new or amended information technology-related policies and procedures; promote end user involvement in technology and technical decision-making; and improve and support connectivity with US Government foreign affairs partner agencies.
- Administer and operate classified and unclassified computer networks; install, operate and maintain new hardware and software applications; and ensure IT operations are consistent with Department of State and federal government operating and security policies and practices.
- Administer and operate classified and unclassified telecommunications network equipment including cryptographic equipment, multiplexers, modems, routers, switches and satellite equipment; install, operate and maintain network hardware and software; and troubleshoot and restore outages within the network.
- Administer the Embassies' and/or Consulates' classified and unclassified telephone and wireless programs including installation of new equipment, maintenance and repair of equipment, and guidance/assistance to personnel in the proper use of these systems.
- Administer the Embassies' and/or Consulates' emergency communications network, including the installation, testing, maintenance and deployment of various wireless and satellite emergency communications systems.
- Administer classified and unclassified Diplomatic Pouch and Mail programs at overseas locations, including managing Embassy/Consulate mailroom operations. Process the sending and receiving of official correspondence through the Diplomatic Pouch program, and assist Diplomatic Couriers.
- Monitor and implement security controls on State automated information systems both overseas and domestically. Support operations in the area of cyber security, contingency planning, general security operations and risk management.
- Serve as part of the Embassy/Consulate's management team. Perform additional duties outside normal information resource management activities as determined by Embassy or Consulate management or as dictated by specific circumstances.
INITIAL TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENTS:
New-hire IMS training comprises a 16-week minimum program in the Washington DC area which focuses upon hardware and software specific training. Failure to successfully complete any aspect of this training is grounds for separation.
Immediately following the initial training period, the Department assigns the new-hire IMS to their first two overseas assignments for a period of one to two years each. Following the mandatory two tours as a new-hire, the IMS bids on subsequent assignments, either overseas or domestic, which are for periods of 1-3 years. Employees can expect to serve in any information technology area depending on the needs of their Embassy or Consulate. Specialists are part of the Embassy/Consulate management team. They may have the opportunity to participate in non-technical Embassy work and in social and community activities as part of the Embassy family. After the first two assignments, employees may request assignments in virtually any Embassy or Consulate worldwide. Assignments are made in consultation with the employee's Career Development Officer, taking into consideration the needs of the Department, the particular interests/skills of the employee, career development requirements, family circumstances, and individual preferences.
All employees are evaluated, in writing, at least once a year. The employee is an active participant in this process. The evaluations form the basis for promotions, which are made by a panel of more senior employees. In addition to the formal training program, IMS advance in their career by performing well and taking progressively more responsible assignments.
IMS do not compete for their first promotion. IMS are administratively promoted to FP-04 following completion of 18 months in class with satisfactory performance. All Foreign Service IMS career candidates are considered for tenure after they have acquired two years experience in the Service as a career candidate and been administratively promoted to FP-04.
INITIAL SALARY AND SALARY INCREASES:
Initial salaries are determined in accordance with paragraph 1 or 2 below:
- Initial salary for new employees is FP-05 depending on such factors as education received from accredited institutions of higher learning and specialized experience. Salaries are determined at the time offers of employment are made.
- Entry-level salary for current or former Federal civilian employees will be set at the rate, within the Foreign Service grade to which they are appointed, that is nearest to the base salary rate of their previous federal assignment, provided the work performed in the previous position is relevant to information management activities.
Information Management Specialists appointed at class FP-05 will be administratively promoted to FP-04 following completion of 18 months in class with satisfactory performance. Further promotions are competitive and based on merit. Individuals promoted to the next higher grade receive additional salary equivalent to approximately six percent of base salary.
In general, individuals with good performance will receive a within-grade increase annually in steps 1 through 9, and bi-annually in steps 10 through 14 of the FS salary schedule if they have not received an equivalent increase during that period.
Also, the Department has an IT Skills Incentive Program which pays qualified IT employees serving in IT specific skill codes/positions ten or fifteen percent of their basic pay based on the attainment of specific IT credentials.
REQUIRED EDUCATION,CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE
College or university students are welcome to apply one year prior to graduation. Official transcripts must be provided prior to appointment.
All candidates without a BA/BS Degree in an Information Technology related field are required to possess a minimum of one approved certification.
Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements:
| Educational Background | Specialized Experience Required | Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| BA/BS Degree in Information Technology related field* | No minimum if GPA is higher than 3.00 on 4.0 scale. | No certification is required |
| BA/BS Degree in non-related Information Technology field. | Minimum 1 year professional IT experience within the past 6 years. | Certification required. |
| Associate's Degree in Information Technology related field * | Minimum 2 years professional IT experience within the past 6 years. | Certification required. |
| No Degree | Minimum 4 years professional IT experience within the past 6 years. | Certification required. |
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Specialized experience is professional work that demonstrates the applicant has acquired, and is able to apply, specific knowledge, skills and abilities appropriate to Foreign Service Information Management Specialist positions. Qualifying specialized experience (listed in the paragraph "Duties and Responsibilities") must have been acquired within the past six years and must demonstrate the potential to perform in progressively responsible positions in the information resource management field. An applicant's work experience will be evaluated for level of responsibilities and length of experience.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
BA/BS Degree: While not required, most successful applicants will have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year college or university. No specialized experience is required if the degree is directly related to the duties described in this vacancy: Computer Science, Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Information Systems, Information Security, Data Processing, Library Science or other related IT or IT management fields.
AA Degree Equivalent: The equivalent associates degree would include such items as a two-year Technical Certification from an accredited Technical School. Certification would be in fields directly related to the duties described in this vacancy announcement; courses of study and/or certificates must be in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Information Systems, Networking, Information Security, Data Processing or other related IT or IT management fields.
Certifications Required:
Applicants requiring industry certifications must supply active certifications obtained within the past 5 years. Certification identification numbers must be clearly listed. You may provide any certificate. Acceptable Certifications are as follows:
- Certified Computing Professional (CCP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Information Systems Security Professionals Certificate (ISSP)
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library Expert Certification (ITIL)
- Master CIW Web Site Manager
- Master CIW Administrator
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
- Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Credit may be given for graduate work only for studies directly related to the specialist category for which the applicant is being hired such as Masters in Computer Science and Management Information Systems, Information Management, Telecommunications Management, Information Systems, Information Security, Data Processing or other related IT or IT management fields.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Specialized skill in problem recognition, rule application, troubleshooting and problem solving, customer service, learning and keeping abreast of a rapidly changing field, translating business needs into technical solutions, presenting technical concepts in layperson terms, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, self management, and stress tolerance.
- Knowledge of information technology, information security, problem and resolution tracking procedures, telecommunications, off-the-shelf software, radio and telephone systems, customer service techniques, laws and regulations, and techniques in leveraging IT to satisfy business needs.
- General skill in reading comprehension, active learning, learning strategies, critical thinking, complex problem solving, troubleshooting, active listening, social perceptiveness, speaking, instructing, persuading, writing, coordinating, time management, operations monitoring, systems evaluation, operations analysis, equipment selection, installation, and equipment maintenance.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required.
- Other requirements: cross-cultural awareness, worldwide available, attention to detail, dependability, teamwork and cooperation, integrity, and tolerance for working overseas, travel and being on call, varying work environments, and living away from family.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including education, experience, writing skills, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position requirements. Selection for this position will be made only from eligible candidates possessing the best qualifications.
HOW TO APPLY
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As part of the online application, applicants will be asked to submit the following required documents:
A. Proof of Education and/or Certificates:
All applicants must either upload or fax their college transcripts and/or certificates into the system.
If faxing, applicants will be prompted to print out a fax coversheet once they have successfully submitted their application.
Required documents must be uploaded or faxed before the closing date of this announcement, which is midnight eastern time.
If you are selected for an interview you will be asked to bring your official college transcripts to your oral assessment.
B. Supplementary Questionnaire:
Purpose: The purpose of the Supplementary Questionnaire is to allow an opportunity to describe examples of your experience, which relate to the skills listed below and best show your ability to handle various aspects of Information Management Specialist work. The information you give will be used to help structure an oral examination/interview should you be invited for one.
Instructions: As part of the online application, you will be asked to individually address each of the items listed below limiting responses to 3000 words or less for each item. (FYI, the preceding paragraph entitled "Purpose" contains approximately 50 words.) Describe how you have used the following abilities and/or knowledge, referencing the source from which the work-related experience was acquired. Your examples can be drawn from any part of your experience but they must describe things that you, personally, have done.
- Practical Problem Solving: Using your knowledge of PCs, local area networks, and software, describe what you consider to be the best example of a situation where you had to find an innovative solution to a practical problem. Indicate who was affected by the problem and in what way, and the nature of the difficulties faced.
- Organizing Your Own Work: Give an example of a situation that shows your ability to think logically, analyze problems, communicate with others, and apply sound judgment, particularly where you had to meet tight deadlines or work long hours. Indicate the complexity of the task you were organizing and the consequences if you had failed to meet your deadline.
- Withstanding the Rigors of Overseas Life: What cross-cultural experiences have you had, either in the United States or abroad, which might suggest you could handle the difficulties of overseas life? In addition, list any experience of living, working or traveling abroad and any evidence of aptitude for foreign languages.
C. A two-to-three page typed (double-spaced) narrative autobiography which discusses:
- Personal background
- General comments on work experience
- Personal interests and hobbies
- Motivation for joining the Foreign Service
D. Additional information:
In cases where education is substituted for experience, copies of college transcripts, diplomas, etc. must be presented at the time of oral assessment. These materials become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.
Candidates selected for oral assessment: Please note all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the oral assessment are the responsibility of the candidate.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 310, sons and daughters of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
The Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity. The Department provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department. All decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.