PROTOCOL OFFICER

National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world. This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment

Major duties

• Serves as the Protocol Officer and principal advisor on National Defense University (NDU) conferences for the President, NDU. Serves as the expert authority on conferences hosted or attended by the NDU and it’s six colleges.
• Independently conceptualizes, plans, coordinates, and executes high level (DoW, Government Industry and other) military and civilian, foreign and domestic visits/functions, ceremonies, conferences, and special events hosted by the senior NDU leader.
• Executes the Protocol program as well as an expert knowledge and understanding of national and international rules, procedures, and forums prescribing traditional and diplomatic customs, courtesies, and etiquette.
• Analyzes complex protocol requirements and develops event plans addressing invitations, precedence, seating, flags, honors, security, cultural considerations, logistics, gifts, and contingency requirements.
• Coordinates with the Joint Staff, Department of War, Department of State, White House, congressional offices, foreign embassies, senior military commands, private organizations, contractors, and university components.
• Manages protocol-related resources, official representation support, gifts, records, vendors, services, and administrative requirements in accordance with applicable policies and controls.

Qualifications

You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized Experience is defined as: independent planning, coordinating, and executing high-visibility national or international protocol events, official visits, conferences, ceremonies, or engagements involving senior military, civilian, diplomatic, or foreign officials; interpreting and applying military, civilian, diplomatic, or international protocol requirements; advising senior leaders on protocol matters; coordinating requirements across government agencies and external organizations; and resolving complex issues involving precedence, honors, etiquette, cultural considerations, logistics, or official representation. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education is not substitutable for specialized experience for this grade level. Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above. Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education