Foreign Service Officer Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a Foreign Officer do?
Through their dedication, perceptiveness, and creativity, Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) drive American foreign policy towards its objectives of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. This includes advocating American foreign policy, protecting American citizens, and bolstering American business throughout the world. Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) remains at the core of mission staffing and is the prime element in providing shape and forward momentum to the USAID country program.
2. What are the basic qualifications needed for employment?
FS direct hire career positions require you to be a U.S. citizen at the time of application and at a minimum 18 years old. It also requires that you be willing to accept assignments at any USAID location, almost all of which are in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean region, Asia and the Near East, or Eastern Europe and the former Soviet States.
3. What is the Junior Officer Program?
The JO program is USAID's entry-level program into the Foreign Service. The JO program seeks the best-qualified junior professional candidates who are willing to make a long-term career commitment to the Foreign Service and international development. JOs begin their careers in formal training programs that are followed by rotational on-the-job, Washington-based training for up to one year. After completion of Washington training, JOs are assigned to an overseas office and receive broad-based training through rotational assignments. The total JO training plan is approximately three years. Successful candidates will become representatives of USAID and the U.S. Government in the worldwide development arena. New Foreign Service Officer JOs have five years in which to earn tenure in the Foreign Service. Tenure requirements include foreign language proficiency, and successful completion of at least three years with the Agency, of which 18 months have to have been on a permanent overseas assignment in one of USAID's field offices. The three-year JO training program is included in the five-year tenure requirement.
4. What are the minimum federal qualification requirements?
A graduate level degree (Master's or Doctorate) in a relevant major as it relates to the specific job announcement posted at that time.
5. What is the entry-level salary for a Foreign Service Officer?
The entry-level salary for Foreign Service Officers ranges from the mid-thirty to the high-sixty thousand dollar range, depending on education level and prior work experience. Junior officers generally serve their first tour overseas, for a total of two years, and can benefit from overseas allowances, including housing and financial incentives (e.g., hardship differential), which make for an attractive overall compensation package.
6. Does your agency have a minimum and maximum age limit?
Career appointments in the foreign service are covered by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which requires mandatory retirement at age 65. The age of 59 is established with the expectation that career candidates complete orientation and training including proficiency in a language, and serve two 2-year tours overseas before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. In addition, the upper age limit for hiring into the Foreign Service is 59, since an applicant hired beyond that age would not accumulate enough years of service to be vested into the retirement system by the time he/she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65.
7. Will my family get to travel and live overseas with me?
In most of our countries, yes. However, in those countries where dependents are not allowed, there are various allowances the foreign service offers the employee such as the Separate Maintenance Allowance (SMA), the School-Away-from-Post Allowance, etc.
Spouses, children under age 21 may accompany Foreign Service employees abroad at Government expense. However, even though family members are not required to be medically cleared before an offer of employment is extended, family members must be medically cleared before traveling overseas at U.S. Government expense to accompany Foreign Service Officers on assignment. This means employees could be assigned overseas unaccompanied by those family members who do not have clearances. Security concerns and lack of adequate educational or health facilities at certain posts may dictate against eligible family members accompanying the officer to such posts.
8. Where can I learn more about the Foreign Service and my family?
Since this career track affects you and your immediate family, you probably have a lot of questions about what can be expected and what support systems are in place to ease your transition to a global lifestyle. Visit the Family Liaison Office link below which helps Foreign Service families prepare for and make the most of their global lifestyle.
http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/
9. Are there employment opportunities for spouses overseas?
Yes. Employment opportunities for spouses vary by country of assignment. The State Department's Family Liaison Office maintains a listing of job opportunities at most posts and may be contacted directly once an assignment is known. The Department also has a growing number of "tandem couples" in which both spouses work for a foreign affairs agency of the U.S. government. Family Liaison Office link below which helps Foreign Service families prepare for and make the most of their global lifestyle.
http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/
10. Does USAID require the foreign service examination like the U.S. Department of State?
No, we do not require the Foreign Service exam. Applications are accepted only for specific vacancy(s) when announced and posted. Our process involves a series of reviews of the application and responses to job specific questions and general development issues. Following the screening, selected applicants are invited, at their own expense, for a personal interview with a technical panel. Candidates are evaluated on their academic credentials, related overseas and/or domestic development professional experience, their technical knowledge and related skills such as management and leadership, representational and communication (oral and written).
11. Are non-citizens eligible for Foreign Service employment?
Only U.S. citizens may apply for an appointment to the career Foreign Service, i.e., you must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application for or appointment to a direct hire position.
12. Does a green card or permanent resident qualify me as a U.S. citizen?
No. You must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application for or appointment to a direct hire position. However, non-citizens may be employed as contractors in our overseas missions. You must apply directly to the missions since they know their staffing needs, and budget levels, and have contracting authority. To apply for a position, please follow instructions as described within the vacancy announcement and visit http://www.usaid.gov/careers/missions.html to learn more about non-citizens at USAID.
13. Must I have development experience to be considered for the Foreign Service?
Although not required, experience makes you more competitive. Development experience is usually gained by working in a developing nation or with economically-deprived communities in the United States.
14. Must I have a graduate degree?
No, but a graduate degree makes you more competitive.
15. I have worked some summers in various capacities -- does that time count, and is that experience creditable?
Yes, it counts as experience if it is related to the position for which you are applying.
16. What are the benefits of being a Foreign Service Employee?
Health Benefit Plans
Choice of extensive array of Federal Employment Health Benefits Plans, with costs shared by the Government. Employees are eligible to enroll in a wide variety of health insurance plans, including fee-for-service plans and health maintenance organizations. The employee's portion is paid through payroll deductions. For more information on Federal Employment Health Benefits Plans visit
http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Thrift Savings Plan (equivalents to 401(K) with Government matching)
Foreign Service Officers may participate in the Thrift Savings Plan; a long-term savings and investment program for federal employees designed to provide retirement income.
For more information on the Thrift Savings Plan, visit http://www.opm.gov/benefits/correction/faq/Thrift.htm
Life Insurance
Foreign Service Officers are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance plan (FEGLI). The FEGLI plan offers low rates that are paid through payroll deductions. The U.S. Government pays one-third of the cost of this insurance.
Participation in the FEGLI plan is voluntary. The plan is intended as a form of immediate protection against financial hardship or loss in the event of death. It is not offered as a form of term life insurance with a cash value, such as might be purchased through private insurance agents.
Long Term Care Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. For more information on Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), visit
http://www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.asp
Annual Leave
Vacation/Personal Leave; maximum ceiling or limitation of accrual is 30 days per leave year.
- 4 hours per pay period or 13 days per leave year for less than 3 years of federal service
- 6 hours per pay period or 20 days per leave year after 3 years of federal service but less than 15 years
- 8 hours per pay period or 26 days per leave year after 15 years of federal service
For more information on Annual Leave visit
Sick Leave
Accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period, 13 days per leave year. For more information on sick leave, visit
Family Medical Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 provides Federal employees with an entitlement of up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the following purposes:
- The birth of a son or daughter of the employee and the care of the newborn
- The placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care
- The care of a child, spouse or parent of the employee with a serious health condition
- A serious health condition of the employee that makes an employee unable to perform the major functions of the job
For more information on The Family and Medical Leave Act, visit
http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/html/sicklv.asp
Ten Paid Holidays Per Year
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King's Birthday
- President's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
(In addition to the above holidays, the U.S. Government also observes some local holidays celebrated at overseas posts of assignment).
Unique U.S. Agency for International Development Work Life and Family Friendly Programs
Convenient Employee Services
Including an on-site Credit Union and various bank ATMs, fitness facility, U.S. Post Office, barber/beauty shops, dry cleaner and gift/card shops.
Employee Consultation Service
Staffed by licensed clinical social workers to provide counseling and referrals for personal and family concerns.
Flexible Work Hours, Alternative Work Schedules, Telecommuting and Job Sharing
Varies from office to office.
Information
A counseling, education and referral service to help employees manage personal and professional responsibilities (e.g., adoption, adult care).
MetroChek Transit Subsidy
The Federal Government provides transportation benefits to qualified Federal employees to encourage the use of mass transportation domestically to conserve energy, improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion on U.S. roads and highways. The MetroChek Transit Benefit program helps defray the cost of traveling to and from work. The benefit is based on actual commuting costs and, as of January 2005, cannot exceed $105 per month.
We Also Offer
- Employee Recognition through our Incentive Awards Program
- Extensive Training Opportunities through our Foreign Service Institute (FSI)
- Global Career Mobility Opportunities (if desired)
- Flexible Work Hours (alternative work schedules)
- Managerial and Leadership Development
- Periodic Performance-Based Pay Adjustments (within grade/step increases)
- Shuttle Bus Service
- Telework
- Workers' Compensation Coverage for work-related injuries/conditions
17. What is the screening process for Foreign Service positions and how long does it take?
Applications for Foreign Service positions are initially screened to ensure that they meet the basic qualifications for the specific vacancy announcement. Applications passing the first screening are rated and rank ordered, relative to the qualifications specified in the announcement, by a Technical Panel composed of subject matters experts. The highest ranking applicants are requested to come to Washington D.C. at their own expense for a structured interview. Upon completion of all the interviews, final selections are made and pre-employment procedures are initiated for selected candidates.
From the time an applicant initially applies and enters on duty, the complete recruitment process can take from eight months to a year, due to the fact that medical and security clearances must be obtained prior to entering on duty.
18. How do I Become a Foreign Service Officer with USAID?
Background Investigation
Candidates who receive a Conditional Offer must apply for the security clearance required for appointment to the Foreign Service. A comprehensive background investigation, conducted by the U.S. Department of State in cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies, will provide the information necessary to determine a candidate's suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service and for a Top Secret security clearance. The process considers such factors as: failure to repay a U.S. Government-guaranteed loan or meet tax obligations; failure to register for the Selective Service; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; unsatisfactory employment records; a criminal record or other violations of the law; drug or alcohol abuse; and less than honorable discharge from the armed forces. Candidates who hold dual citizenship, have had extensive travel, education, residence and /or employment overseas, or who have foreign contacts, a foreign-born spouse, immediate family members or relatives who are not citizens of the United States, should be aware that the clearance process will take longer to complete. The background investigation includes interviews with current and previous contacts, supervisors and coworkers. Candidates who do not receive a security clearance are ineligible for appointment. Potential candidates who have any serious issues that may prevent them from receiving a clearance should give some thought to the likelihood of their being found ineligible before starting this process.
Medical Clearance
The Office of Medical Services of the Department of State determines a candidate's medical fitness and ability to serve overseas. Many Foreign Service posts are located in remote areas with extremely limited medical support; therefore, each candidate must meet rigorous medical standards in order to qualify for the required worldwide medical clearance. Medical clearance determination by Medical Services is based on its thorough review of each candidate's medical history and physical examination, including an individual assessment of his/her specific medical needs and the medical capabilities of Foreign Service posts to meet those needs.
After receiving an Immediate Conditional Offer of employment, each candidate is provided with the necessary examination forms (with instructions) to give to the examining health care practitioner (MD, DO, NP, PA). We also provide an authorization for the Department of State to pay for the examination. However, candidates living within a fifty-mile radius of Washington, D. C. must have their medical examination performed at the Examination Clinic, Office of Medical Services in Washington.
All potential candidates, especially those with current or chronic medical conditions, should be aware of the possibility that they may not qualify for a worldwide medical clearance. Medical Services may be unable to issue a worldwide clearance to a candidate based on its determination that an individual's medical condition requires specialist monitoring or follow-up care unavailable at some Foreign Service postings, that service in a particular geographic area or climate would pose a significant medical risk to the individual or that adequate emergency facilities for treating life-threatening complications of an individual's specific medical condition is not available at all posts.
While the candidate must be medically cleared for worldwide service, the Department of State does not consider the medical condition of eligible family members for pre-employment purposes. It does, however, require that each eligible family member have a medical clearance before they can travel overseas at U. S. Government expense when accompanying an employee on assignment. Please note that employees with a family member who has been issued a limited medical clearance (not worldwide) may be assigned to posts where that family member cannot accompany them. We strongly advise candidates to consider this situation as they pursue employment with the Department of State. For more information visit the link below.
http://careers.state.gov/officer/join/medical.html
Worldwide Availability
Worldwide availability is both an affirmed willingness to serve anywhere in the world and a matter of being medically qualified to do so. Both the willingness and being medically qualified are essential requirements for appointment to the Foreign Service. Worldwide availability also means that, while members of the Foreign Service are expected to serve anywhere in the world, due to political instability and/or security concerns, in some cases family members cannot go to post (unaccompanied tours) or must leave post as security deteriorates (evacuations).
Regardless of who administers the medical clearance exam, the Department's Office of Medical Services determines whether or not a candidate is medically eligible for assignment to all Department of State posts worldwide. While a candidate may effectively manage a chronic health condition or limitation within the United States or in specific areas outside of the U.S., the Office of Medical Services might well determine that the same individual is not eligible for a worldwide ("Class One") medical clearance. Such clearances may only be issued to candidates whom the Office of Medical Services deems able to serve at the most isolated and restricted overseas posts.
Such a post could feature extreme isolation in terms of limitations on reliable air service in and out of the country, unreliable Internet and telecommunications connections, and/or unreliable postal and delivery systems. Any of these limited services can have a severe adverse impact in terms of both bringing in required medical services and/or supplies, and/or permitting timely medical evacuations. Other infrastructure at such a post might also be inadequate. There might be a poor or negligible public health system, poor sanitation, unreliable electricity and a lack of potable water. There might also be infectious and communicable diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, tuberculosis, rabies, encephalitis and gastrointestinal diseases. There might be no health unit at the post and next to no local medical facilities. The emergency room, for example, might be completely inadequate, without ventilators, defibrillators, x-ray capabilities, etc. There often would be no blood bank or medical supplies or medications available locally. Because of political instability, security could be a concern.
Candidates should be aware that these posts are not few in number nor confined to a specific geographic region. Also, there are numerous other posts - in Asia and Europe for example - where conditions appear similar to that of the U.S. but which also feature some of these prohibitive characteristics.
As a result of these characteristics of a post, the stress level among employees might be very high. Given these concerns, the Department of State would only assign employees with unrestricted medical clearances to such posts (of which there are many), and is unable to hire new employees without such clearances.
How are initial assignments determined?
After an initial orientation and training period in Washington (usually between six months and one year), the newly-hired Foreign Service Officer is assigned overseas. The first overseas assignments (usually two years each) are designed to develop the new officer's talents in different working environments and ensure that he or she has attained foreign service and language skills. The officer will hold a variety of positions in order to demonstrate his or her qualifications for tenure as a career Foreign Service Officer within a five-year probationary period and to see if Foreign Service is the right fit.
New officers are given the opportunity to express their preferences for postings from a list of positions available. Personal and professional goals, training requirements, and medical and educational concerns for family members are some of the factors taken into account when assignment decisions are made. All officers are considered worldwide available and must be prepared to go where needed. While personal and professional factors are taken into account when making assignments, the needs of the Service remain paramount.
19. Will I receive orientation and training?
Newly-hired Foreign Service Officers begin their careers with a five-week orientation program designed specifically for their first assignment. The focus of orientation is to introduce new employees to the structure and function of the Agency and its role in the development and implementation of U.S. foreign policy; to develop an understanding of the terms of employment; and to enhance core skills needed by all Foreign Service employees. The five-week orientation program is conducted at the Center for Association Leadership on the Concourse Level of the Ronald Reagan Building (RRB) in Washington DC, and, is primarily a classroom experience. But it also includes trips to Capitol Hill as well as a offsite component at the Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington where you will hear about the role the State Department's Medical Office plays in your career, be briefed on the services offered by the Overseas Briefing Center to Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). In addition to guest speakers and U.S. Agency for International Development officials, the orientation program also includes a series of practical exercises and case studies, as well as optional presentations by various organizations and stakeholders.
20. Do many FSOs bring their own vehicles on assignment?
Yes. They might opt to bring their own car, or they might buy one from a departing colleague when they arrive at post. There are a number of possibilities. Just keep in mind though that you are limited sometimes by certain restrictions - right-hand drive cars, sometimes limitations on retractable headlights, emissions, etc. All of this information about a particular country is readily available to you as part of the assignment bidding process so you can be well informed.
21. Does the U.S. Agency for International Development consider lesbians and gays for employment? What if I have a live-in partner?
It is the policy of the .S. Agency for International Development to provide equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, political affiliation or marital status, or sexual orientation.
22. If I decline an offer of employment, will my candidacy continue? Am I likely to get another offer of employment in the future?
If a candidate declines an offer of employment, his/her name will remain on the register until the candidacy period runs out. However, there is no guarantee that his/her name will be reached again and another employment offer made.
23. My situation has changed. Can I defer my candidacy for entry into the Foreign Service?
The appointment process to become a Foreign Service Officer requires strong commitment. Occasionally, candidates request deferral of their candidacy. Active or reserve military personnel serving abroad, or U.S. civilian government employees serving abroad, including Peace Corps, may request deferrals for the period of their overseas service, up to a maximum of two years. Requests for deferrals from any other candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis; however, candidates should be aware that only truly compelling deferral requests can be approved. A deferral does not result in additional time for a name to remain on a register. A deferral merely "stops the clock;" at the end of the deferral period, the candidate's name will be re-added to the Register for the period of time remaining from their original candidacy.
24. Do I have to accept every assignment that is offered?
Foreign Service personnel can express their preference for postings, but must be willing to serve worldwide according to the needs of the Service.
25. Does the system tolerate dissent?
As public servants, Foreign Service Officers must publicly defend U.S. government policy, despite personal reservations. There is an internal channel through which an employee may present dissenting views on specific foreign policy issues. If an officer cannot publicly defend official U.S. policy, he or she has the option to resign.
26. What is the status of my application? Did you receive my application?
Applicants receive a postcard to acknowledge receipt of their application. Only applicants who are selected for future processing are contacted thereafter.
27. What is the mailing address and hours of operations for your agency?
Our official mailing address is:
U.S. Agency for International Development
Office of Human Resources
Personnel Operations Division
Room 2.08, RRB
Washington, D.C. 20523-2808
For hand delivery or appointments, the building address is:
The Ronald Reagan Building
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington D.C.
(Federal Triangle Metro Stop)
Our hours of operation are 8:45 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Please refer to the specific open vacancies for more information regarding qualifications of each program.
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