Rotational Opportunities


U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Organizations, Office of Peacekeeping, Sanctions and Counterterrorism (IO/PSC)

Location: Washington, DC
Position: Foreign Affairs Officer
Timeframe: Now through - February 2009
Duration: 3-6 Months
Clearance: minimum of Secret; Top Secret preferred

ROTATION DESCRIPTION:

The Office of Peacekeeping, Sanctions and Counter-terrorism (IO/PSC) is looking for a capable and energetic PMF to serve for three to six months as an action officer on selected UN peacekeeping operations. The action officer is responsible for coordinating input from a wide range of State Department agencies, and preparing instructions for the US delegation to the UN on all matters pertaining to the assigned peacekeeping operation. In addition, the action officer would be responsible for preparing State Department Principals for meetings with their international counterparts on peacekeeping issues, and for informing Congress as appropriate on the status of their assigned operations. This is an excellent opportunity for exposure to issues that have a high profile in both the US Government and the UN. Finally, the PMF can join the ongoing effort to restore peace and stability, and end the human suffering caused by some of the worlds most intractable conflicts.

OVERVIEW OF HOST OFFICE:

The Office of Peacekeeping, Sanctions and Counter-terrorism (IO/PSC) is a busy office, the only office in the IO bureau that focuses exclusively on operations under Chapter VI and VII of the UN Charter. The work is intense, with the fast pace of work determined by the schedule of the UN Security Council, or by new outbreaks of conflict. The office is divided into two sections, with one deputy director supervising the action officers for UN peacekeeping operations, and a second deputy supervising action officers for UN sanctions and counterterrorism regimes.

ASSIGNMENT DUTIES INCLUDE (but not limited to) THE FOLLOWING:

· Develop expertise on assigned peacekeeping operations and cultivate contacts within the USG that also have an interested in these operations

· Coordinate USG input and draft instructions for the US UN delegation for renewals of peacekeeping mandates, Security Council Presidential Statements and any other Security Council action pertaining to the assigned operations.

· Assist with the preparation of mandatory reports and briefings to Congress on peacekeeping issues; prepare briefing materials on peacekeeping issues as required for Congressional Hearings.

· Assist with the preparation of briefing materials for State Department Principals for their discussions with international counterparts.

· Possibility of official travel to New York.

QUALITIES SOUGHT:

Applicants must have strong interpersonal and analytical skills; enthusiasm; ability and motivation to work independently; excellent writing skills; ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. A background in multilateral affairs and/or Africa is a plus

Interested PMFs must have written approval and support of supervisor before applications will be considered. This can be done via email to the point of contact below.

POCs:

If you are interested in this assignment, please contact IO/PSC Deputy DIrector Judy Buelow, BuelowJM@state.gov, 202-736-7788, or Director David Noble 202-736-7738.

MOU:

If you are selected for this rotation, a Memo of Understanding (MOU) must be completed and signed by all involved parties prior to the start of the assignment. Please coordinate with the DOS' PMF Program Coordinator at the number/email below:

Michele Postell
Presidential Management Fellows Program Coordinator
HR/REE/REC, SA-1, H-518
Phone: 202-261-8899
Fax: 202-261-8842
Email: PostellMD@state.gov