Confidential Assistant

The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent Federal agency that provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; investigates and makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; and maintains the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Major duties

The Office of Commissioner Peter-Anthony Pappas seeks a candidate who is thorough and detail-oriented, and able to engage with Commission staff at all levels. The candidate should possess superior writing, communication, and organizational skills, and the ability to handle large volumes of information with precision. Though not required, an ideal candidate would have an interest in learning about the substantive areas of the Commission's work under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g., antidumping and countervailing duty investigations), under Section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g., factfinding investigations on international trade), and under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g., intellectual property and competitiveness matters). As Confidential Assistant to the Commissioner, you will: Primarily manage the Office of the Commissioner, which includes managing the calendar and files of the Commissioner, scheduling and organizing meetings and events, booking travel, records management, coordinating office workflow, and assisting the other aides to the Commissioner on administrative matters. Interface with other offices in the agency and work with all levels of staff, as well as outside stakeholders. Maintain National Security Information, handle confidential business information, and assist the Commissioner with sensitive matters. Work on special projects involving research or data collection and assist the Commissioner's other aides on their work under Title VII, Section 332, and Section 337. Prior knowledge of and experience working in these areas is not required. Due to the level of the organization that this position operates in, you will be required to keep confidences, and you must be able to adjust to changes in direction and perform effectively under pressure. There is a high degree of interaction and collaboration with the other Commissioner offices, so the incumbent must have excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and judgment. Sensitivity to confidential matters is required. Though not required, an ideal candidate would have demonstrated experience working in public policy or international trade. NOTE: THIS POSITION WILL BE FILLED USING THE SCHEDULE C HIRING AUTHORITY. AGENCIES MAY SEPARATE SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES AT ANY TIME IF THE CONFIDENTIAL OR POLICY-DETERMINING RELATIONSHIP ENDS BETWEEN THE INCUMBENT AND THEIR SUPERVISOR. SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES ARE NOT COVERED BY STATUTORY REMOVAL PROCEDURES AND GENERALLY HAVE NO RIGHTS TO APPEAL REMOVAL ACTIONS TO THE MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to perform the following tasks: Respond on behalf of a senior staff member or managerial official; Prepare a variety of correspondence which includes the development of standardized responses or editing to fit a particular task; Advanced knowledge of computer software which includes selecting the best application for the task and combining programs to prepare advanced documents and reports; Meeting and greeting of executive level or international visitors; Serving as a personal assistant to executive-level individuals that required maintaining confidences and handling of sensitive information. This is a Schedule C position, which does not afford permanent civil service status. If selected, you will be required to sign a statement that you have been informed of the employment status of this position.

Education

While there is no positive education requirement for this position, the most highly-qualified applicant would have a minimum of a 4-year academic degree, in a field of study that demonstrates competency in the key requirements of the position. In addition, formal education in the mission of the Commission is highly desirable. We encourage all applications to submit copies of their unofficial transcripts.