Economic Specialist

About

Announcement Number: SAOPAULO-2023-08 Hiring Agency: Consulate Sao Paulo Position Title: Economic Specialist – All Interested Applicants Open Period: 06/23/2023 – 07/14/2023 Format MM/DD/YYYY Vacancy Time Zone: GMT-3 Series/Grade: LE – 1505 10 Salary: BRL R$168.466 – BRL R$168.466 /Per Year Work Schedule: Full-time – Promotion Potential: LE-10 Duty Location(s): 1 Vacancy in

Sao Paulo, BR Telework Eligible: No For More Info: HR Section
000-000-0000
ferreiraia@state.gov

Overview

Hiring Path: • Open to the public
Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency: For USEFM – FP is 05 (steps 5 through 14). Actual FP salary determined by Washington D.C.
Open to: All Interested Applicants / All Sources
Security Clearance Required: Public Trust – Background Investigation Appointment Type Permanent Appointment Type Details: Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period. Marketing Statement:

We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply. Summary:

The U.S. Consulate Sao Paulo is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Economic Specialist in the Economic and Political Section.

The work schedule for this position is: Full Time (40 hours per week).

Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time of receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end. Supervisory Position: No Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No

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Duties

As the senior Locally Employed Specialist on environment, science, technology, and health (ESTH) issues, inclusive of regional critical and emerging technology (CET) topics, the incumbent monitors information from diverse sources and analyzes developments relevant to U.S. interests, drafts ESTH-related reports as well as background materials in advance of meetings, maintains and expands contact relationships with an eye towards diversity, and assists in preparations for official visits, all with minimal supervision. Incumbent analyzes press and media coverage of ESTH issues including but not limited to the Consulate Sao Paulo consular district and provides both oral and written assessments of current events for the Consul General, ESTH Officer, Regional Technology Officer (RTO), and Economic-Political Section staff. Incumbent may assist in English-Portuguese interpretation, take notes at official meetings, and translate documents and correspondence as needed.  

Major Duties and Responsibilities (% of Time)

Analysis and Reporting (35%) – Monitor and analyze local climate change, environmental, green energy, health, science, and technology developments. The incumbent will monitor press and media daily and develop and maintain a diverse network of contacts, including by attending public and representational events. Develop expert oral and written assessments and analysis of ESTH and CET developments based on meetings with relevant contacts as well as analysis of local media, academic journals, government and company websites, and think tank analyses. Incumbent advises staff, including the Consul General, on possible approaches to different issues, policy questions, and bilateral challenges. Reports should highlight economic, environmental, and commercial prospects and trends for U.S. companies/industries and areas for potential collaboration with U.S. government, private sector, and civil society, as well as global initiatives. Produce reports and briefing papers in English and Portuguese on key developments in a clear and succinct manner.

Contacts Engagement (25%) – Monitor changes in government, industry, research and academic institutions, and political parties throughout the consular district, including collection of information from open sources and preparation of briefing materials. Maintain relationships with existing contacts while also making diverse new contacts in an inclusive manner. Maintain a list of key ESTH and CET contacts. Recommend, schedule, and organize meetings to facilitate U.S. government engagement with appropriate local interlocutors.

Visit Preparation and Support (20%) – Provide planning and logistical support to ESTH Officer, RTO, Economic-Political Section staff, and Consulate Front Office in organizing complex, high-visibility, and often politically sensitive events and visits by USG visitors, up to and including the President by developing program alternatives and contacting relevant institutions. Serve as site officer for senior-level visits and contribute to final trip reports. 

Sector Reports and (10%) – Produce written work in English and Portuguese, including memos, correspondence, speeches, talking points, and required reports/cables. Prepare factual, analytical, and policy-oriented reports covering the wide range of ESTH issues covered by this consular district. Prepare summaries on key ESTH sectors for formal reports requested by Washington agencies including the Department of State, Environmental Protection Agency, Development Finance Corporation, and Department of Energy. Reports must be based on in-depth research of the respective sector, company or civil society organization participants, legal frameworks, and public policies via contacts with Brazilian companies, government institutions, NGOs, research organizations, and sector stakeholders Assist in political reporting, particularly as relates to ESTH issues with political or electoral implications. Respond to inquiry for information about ESTH and CET issues of politics, economics, and agriculture in both Brazil and the United States. Create schedules for visiting officials and delegations and participate in briefings to prepare the officials for their meetings.  Design the schedules strategically to achieve U.S. policy objectives.  

Outreach Materials and Translation (10%) – Develop and maintain Sao Paulo consular district ESTH briefing materials for public outreach, official visits, and official correspondence, including fact sheets on states in the consular district. Assist ESTH Officer and RTO in identifying appropriate outreach opportunities. Provide interpretation at meeting and public outreach events as needed. 

Note: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency. 

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Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: Prior experience working for a government office, company, international organization, NGO, or other institution with responsibilities related to one or more of the following areas:  environment, science, emerging technologies, health, energy, public policy analysis, or economic analysis.  

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Must have familiarity with major sectors of the economy, (ESTH), and foreign policy issues as well as a basic understanding of U.S. foreign policy objectives, particularly in Brazil and the region, and knowledge of U.S. politics and economics. Must be familiar with global ESTH issues. Must have a solid understanding of Brazilian policies in the areas of ESTH. General knowledge of U.S. politics, ESTH policies, critical and emerging technology (CET) policies, and history.   Education Requirements:

Mandatory: University degree (Bachelors) in physical sciences, environmental studies, economics, political science or international relations is required.     Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: (This may be tested)

• Level IV (fluent) in speaking/reading/writing in English is required.
• Level IV (fluent) in speaking/reading/writing in Portuguese is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (This may be tested) 

• Ability to work with Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Outlook, Internet, and various online research tools. Sound judgment and knowledge of key bilateral issues. Ability to develop and cultivate relevant contacts, gather information, and write with speed and accuracy. Must be able to operate under pressure, often on tight deadlines, and regularly at public or high-profile events. Ability to prepare factual and analytical reports both in English and Portuguese. Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Mission Brazil is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our recruitment processes. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply Qualifications:

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

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Benefits and Other Info

Benefits: Agency Benefits:

Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in São Paulo, Brazil, may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.

The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office. Other Information:

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:

1. AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. AEFM / USEFM
3. FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:

1. AEFM / USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. AEFM / USEFM
3. FS on LWOP and CS with reemployment rights **

* IMPORTANT:  Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”), equivalent documentation, or certification.  A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.  Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given. 

** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.

For more information (i.e., what is an EFM, USEFM, AEFM, MOH, etc.?) and for additional employment considerations, please visit the following link.

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How to Apply

How to Apply:

All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Public trust clearance. 

To apply for this position click the “Submit Application” button.  For more information on how to apply visit the Mission internet site.

Important notes:

• Please make sure you enter all your work experience and education through the ERA Application. Attached Curriculum files will not be considered.
• For positions that require English Fluency or Good Working Knowledge, applications MUST be submitted in English.
• USEFM Candidates must have at least six months remaining on their sponsor’s tour of duty to be considered eligible to apply for this position at the time of the announcement closing.
• This Vacancy Announcement will close at 11:59PM (Brasilia time) of the closing date and applications to this position will not be accepted after this period.

Required Documents:

In order to qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested diploma and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you will not be considered for this position.

• Degree (not transcript)
• Diploma
• DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
• SF-50 (if applicable)