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| Professional Associates ProgramApplications from eligible family members (EFMs) for the Professional Associates (PA) program are now being accepted from April 21, 2008 for two weeks. The following are the requirements and procedures for application. Background The reular FS assignments process invariably leaves some overseas positions without sufficient qualified Foreign Service bidders. These positions are designated Hard-To-Fill (HTF) and are opened to Department of State Civil Service employees and to EFMs. This cable announces positions available in the first HTF exercise that have not received sufficient bidders. EFMs may apply only for positions at these posts if their sponsoring employee is currently assigned, and must commit to serve for a minimum of one year in the position. Foreign Service direct-hire employees will continue to bid on these positions and will receive priority in selection. Qualified EFMs will be given preference over equally qualified Civil Service employees. Veterans will be given preference in the selection process. Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible for the PA program, applicants must be the EFM (defined in 3 FAM 8212 b) of a career government employee from any agency under Chief of Mission authority assigned to a full time position at an overseas post. Members of Household (MOH) and family members of contractors are not eligible. Additionally, applicants must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application, a high school graduate, at least 18 years of age, and qualified for the position. How to Apply Application packages must include: (1) Form DS-1950, Department of State Application for Employment; link follows: http://foia.state.gov/forms/employment/ds1950.pdf; (2) Evidence of relevant training, education, and/or experience for the position; (3) A signed and dated cover memorandum with the following language: "I am applying for position X (see Para 12). My sponsoring employee, (name), is assigned to (post) until (month/year). If selected, I commit to serve in the position for one year and I acknowledge that all leave would have to be approved by my supervisor." (4) Evaluation reports from previous federal employment. (5) Information on the position from the HTF list in the following required format: Grade/Post/Position/Incumbent/Org Code/Position Number (For example: FS02/Seoul/GSO/Greene/331001/3124300) EFMs may consult FSBid to access the capsule description of a position in which they are interested, contact the incumbent of the position to request his/her work requirements statement, or contact the bureau Executive Office to request a job description. The application package should be sent to the PA Coordinator, HR/CDA/EL, SA-3, Room 3000, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. Documents may be sent via e-mail to (GidsaspovaMM@state.gov) or FAX (202-663-0468). Professional Associates Program Selection Process HR/CDA will convene Qualifications Evaluation Panels (QEP) which will review applications from EFMs and from Civil Service employees for relevant experience and skills, including foreign language proficiency if the position requires it. EFMs without supervisory experience will not be considered for positions with supervisory responsibilities. A representative from the Family Liaison Office (FLO) will participate in the QEP as a non-voting member. EFMs who are certified as qualified by the QEP will be notified by the PA Coordinator and their application material will be forwarded to the regional bureaus for consideration for the vacancies for which they have applied. Selections are made by the bureaus. Qualified EFMs should contact the bureau EX Officer directly to express their interest and discuss their qualifications. Upon Selection Selected EFMs are required to have the appropriate security clearances for the posts of assignment prior to appointment. Professional Associates are appointed using the Family Member Appointment (FMA) mechanism. The regulations for FMAs are contained in 3 FAM 8200. Salary is determined by a Human Resources Specialist with experience in setting Foreign Service salaries. If required, training may be provided at NFATC. There is no mechanism for the conversion of a Professional Associate to career Foreign Service. EFMs selected for a PA position should be aware that they will not be able to convert to the career Foreign Service at the end of a tour. Information provided by the Family Liaison Office Cable STATE #041857announced that HR/CDA was accepting applications from eligible family members (EFMs) for the next round of the 2008 Professional Associates (PA) program. Copies of cables relating to the program can be obtained by emailing FLOAskEmployment@state.gov. Vacant overseas Foreign Service positions, designated Hard-to-Fill (HTF), are opened to Department of State Civil Service employees and Foreign Service Eligible Family Members (EFMs) through the Professional Associates Program. For more information about this program and upcoming application dates, contact the Family Liaison Office. Available Positions The following is a list of Foreign Service Hard-to-Fill Positions for which EFM's are eligible. (Post/Title(Language)/Org Code/Pos.No./Grade/TED) AF EAP EUR NEA SCA WHA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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