The 2023 fellowship application is closed. More information regarding the next application window will be provided by Summer 2024.

ABOUT US

The Office of Management Strategy and Solutions (M/SS) is the Department of State’s (DOS) internal consulting entity to catalyze strategic insights and solutions to improve the management platform and advance foreign policy goals. M/SS is piloting a Special Advisor Fellowship, a unique opportunity for recent MBA graduates to work directly with senior leaders who oversee critical management functions to enable DOS’s diplomatic mission.

M/SS is seeking candidates to fill two fellowship positions to strengthen the Department’s strategic management and operations capabilities through leading-edge solutions and academia.

BACKGROUND AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Blinken have committed their agendas to modernizing the federal workforce and government services. Achieving these goals requires an infusion of new perspectives, diversity of thought, and cutting-edge practices into agency operations and problem-solving. The Special Advisor Fellowship is designed to do just that.

While sponsored by M/SS and the Under Secretary for Management, DOS’s Chief Operating Officer, throughout the one-year program, fellows will serve as special advisors to executives who oversee critical management functions such as human resources, logistics, overseas and domestic building operations, and information technology. Fellows will focus on delivering solutions to Department management challenges. Project work will be of high impact to the function’s strategic objectives, focused on areas that will benefit from the expertise of an MBA graduate to apply institutional knowledge, fresh perspectives, and the latest in industry innovation.

Fellows will participate in a rotational program starting in the M/SS office. M/SS will host an orientation to help fellows become familiar with DOS and its domestic and overseas management platforms. Following orientation fellows will commence their project work in a bureau for the approximately 10 remaining months of the one-year fellowship.

All positions will be in the Washington, D.C. area. No relocation assistance is provided.

Project Work: Fellows will serve as special advisors to executives who oversee critical management functions while working on one of the following projects: 

  • Work with the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations to advance critical sustainability and energy-related projects to “green” the Department.  
  • Support U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa by analyzing logistical and administrative support services and how they are delivered. You will work on projects to optimize the delivery of management services such as, finance, supply logistics, procurement, HR, IT, and transportation. 

The Department desires forwarding-thinking candidates with a passion for public service to advance U.S. diplomacy through innovation – when we function better, we can do better. Through hands-on, substantive results, the fellowship program is a unique pathway to full-time work with the Department.

Candidates must meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) qualification requirements for the occupational series under which the position is classified.
Selections will be made starting at the GS-09 grade level. A candidate may receive a higher step or grade, up to GS-11, with superior qualifications (past work experience). Eligible candidates must:
· Be a U.S. citizen.
· Be able to successfully obtain and maintain the required security clearance, as determined by the position.
· Hold an MBA or is in the second year of an MBA program with degree conferral occurring prior to entering on duty.
· Maintain a 3.0 or higher-grade point average on a 4.0 scale
· Be able to pass random drug testing.
· Be eligible to work in the United States.
· Be found suitable for employment (as described in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, part 731).
· Meet the requirements outlined in the following Qualification Requirements section

Must demonstrate the following specialized experience in their resume:

  • Experience using qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze and measure the efficiency and productivity of administrative or technical programs
  • Experience analyzing findings and making recommendations on programs and use of resources.
  • Experience organizing and delivering briefings and writing written reports to encourage understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations

  • Plans and conducts studies for efficiency of operations using qualitative and quantitative methods and makes recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
  • Applies management best practices and principles to maximize the efficient use of resources.
  • Participates in special studies of the administrative management aspects of sensitive situations identified by the Bureau, Department, or external audit organizations.
  • May attend meetings, briefings and conferences in the capacity of liaison. May serve as a member of ad hoc committees and study groups both internally and externally to the Department.

In its pilot iteration, M/SS is seeking to fill two fellowship positions. Pending ability to obtain a security clearance, the Fellowship program will commence with an orientation in the M/SS office June 2023 (tentatively).

Application packages MUST include the following:

  1. A resume with references
  2. Copy of transcripts
  3. A concise statement of interest (no more than one page) explaining your interest in the fellowship and public sector, and articulate the attributes you will bring to the Department and fellowship program.

1. What are the selection criteria? This program is targeted for new and recent (no more than two years post degree conferral) MBA graduates, who demonstrate acumen in general management and operations functions, ability to communicate at the executive levels, project management experience, and have interest in working in the public sector. We anticipate the program will be highly competitive. Positions are limited to two candidates for the pilot iteration of the fellowship. Candidates should provide a comprehensive, to-the-point assessment of skills, expertise, and desire for public service when applying.
2. What if I am about to graduate, but it is after the submission deadline? Applicants must graduate by the projected start date of the program, tentatively, May/June 2023. If a student is about to graduate, in addition to their transcript, they must provide a certified letter of the expected graduation date, current GPA and have it signed by a senior official in student records.
3. Will I need a security clearance? Participants must receive a Secret or Top Secret security clearance and pass a suitability review. The Department initiates and pays for the background investigation and clearance review. However, applicants must cover fingerprinting, document preparation, and mailing costs. While having a previous security clearance can assist and expedite the review process, a new or re-validated clearance that is specific to the MBA Special Advisor Fellowship position is required.
4. What is the duration of the fellowship? Contingent upon successful completion of a security investigation and granting of a security clearance, the fellowship will last 12 months from the start date.

5. What is the timing of the program? Selections are expected to be made within two months for a potential start date of spring/summer 2023, pending the granting of a Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

6. Where is the fellowship located? All positions will be in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Please note that the cost of relocation will not be covered by the program (i.e., moving and travel costs).
7. Will compensation be provided? Fellows are paid as Civil Service federal employees using the GS (General Schedule) pay scale. The GS pay scale for Civil Service employees features 15 pay grades, GS-1 (lowest) – GS-15 (highest) with 10 steps within each grade. Fellows will be appointed at the GS-9 – GS-11 level, dependent on previous experience, during the twelve months of fellowship employment. Relocation expenses are not covered.
Review the GS pay scale here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages.
8. Do I get time off or vacation pay? Fellows will acquire Annual Leave (AL), Sick Leave (SL), and receive paid time off during eleven (11) federal holidays.
9. Will benefits be provided? Fellows are offered the opportunity to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHB). However, the fellowship does not provide life insurance or retirement benefits. Housing is also the responsibility of the fellow to obtain.
10. What are the options for conversion to a Federal job? While the program does not convey preference or the ability to convert non-competitively to a competitive service federal position, the experience and skills acquired during the Special Advisor Fellowship may improve an individual’s ability to compete for a federal appointment.