GS-1140-14 February 16, 1994
NOTE: THE SENTENCE IN PART I DESCRIBING THE PURPOSE OF THE
POSITION AND PARTS II AND III IN THEIR ENTIRETY ARE PERMANENT
PARTS OF THE LIBRARY AND MAY NOT BE CHANGED OR EDITED IN ANY WAY.
I. INTRODUCTION
This position is located in
The incumbent plans, manages and independently implements major
trade program segments which address primary U.S. trade
priorities and impact multiple industry sectors and trading
partners.
II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Plans and manages major and continuing agency trade program
segments which are characterized by such features as (1) coverage
which extends to multiple businesses and industries and to a
substantial number of significant U.S. trading partners; (2) the
need to define and institute new methods and strategies which
require agency-level awareness and endorsement; (3)
responsibility for direction and integration of the contributions
of senior trade professionals both within and outside the
employing organization; (4) action as bureau authority and
spokesperson to other trade-involved government agencies, to top
business and industry officials and to foreign government
representatives; (5) clear potential to enhance the U.S. trade
position in one or more critical and high-visibility markets; and
(6) sufficient scope to extend over several fiscal years and to
demand substantial investment of resources.
III. FACTOR LEVELS
Factor 1 - Knowledge Required by the Position FL 1-8 1550 pts
Knowledge of the theories, dynamics and practices of
international trade, and of the economic, markets, and
geopolitical factors underlying such trade.
Knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and programs of trade-
involved government agencies.
Ability to effectively and independently analyze, and communicate
sound and authoritative recommendations on, highly complex and
sensitive trade issues/policies.
Sufficient technical expertise in trade dynamics of one or more
major U.S. industries or trading partners to prepare and deliver
program unit positions on controversial and high visibility trade
issues to the full community of interested organizations. -2-
Strong verbal skills and writing ability, sufficient to speak and
write convincingly to audiences including industry, other agency,
and foreign representatives with divergent and opposing views on
issues communicated.
Factor 2 - Supervisory Controls FL 2-5 650 pts
Work is assigned as a major continuing area of responsibility,
with the employee independently responsible and accountable for
planning, managing and coordinating work necessary to meet
program or functional objectives. Within broad administrative
and policy guidance the employee defines and revises program
approaches as judged necessary, and establishes external work
relationships with public and private sector organizations to
best serve assignment objectives. Technically, work is accepted
as authoritative and unreviewed; completed assignments are
considered in terms of resource utilization and fulfillment of
goals. The employee refers issues of external conflict or
political sensitivity for discussion and consults the supervisor
for availability of additional personnel and/or funding.
Factor 3 - Guidelines FL 3-5 650 pts
Guidelines consist principally of U.S. trade policy and
priorities, relevant statutes and regulations, and agency
administrative and management policies and procedures. Such
guidance provides a broad framework within which the employee
plans and develops assigned functions and programs. The employee
works with considerable discretion and latitude in establishing
cooperative relationships with other trade agencies, and in
revising existing and developing new guidelines and program
procedures. Within the scope of the assignment, the employee
develops guidance to be followed by others, and works as an
authoritative agency expert in the subject-matter or functional
area.
Factor 4 - Complexity FL 4-5 325 pts
The incumbent must consider, assess and frequently reconcile
numerous and diverse variables and interests in developing trade
strategies, programs and positions. Issues faced require
extensive analysis, and decisions and recommendations reflect the
need to balance empirical trade information with interpretation
and prediction of influences of economic, market, political and
other events.
-3-
Factor 5 - Scope and Effect FL 5-5 325 pts
The purpose of the work is to improve the trade posture of U.S.
business and industry through increased exports, favorable trade
agreements, improved competitiveness, new market penetration and
other accomplishments to which the employee contributes
substantially.
Factor 6 - Personal Contacts FL 6-4
Contacts are with senior representatives of other agencies and
with top U.S. business and industry executives. The employee
also meets with members of congressional committees, top state
and local officials, senior foreign government and industry
officials, and top ranking diplomatic representatives.
Factor 7 - Purpose of Contacts FL 7-d 330 pts
Contacts are to plan and coordinate multi-agency trade
development initiatives, to lead high-level negotiations and
international discussions; and to represent the organization on
sensitive and controversial trade issues. Exceptional tact,
diplomacy, persuasion and negotiating skills are required, and
the employee is relied upon to guide reconciliation or resolution
of top-priority problems.
Factor 8 - Physical Demands FL 8-1 5 pts
No special demands are present.
Factor 9 - Work Environment FL 9-1 5 pts
Work is performed in a standard office setting.
Total: 3840 pts
Grade: GM-14