Foreign Service Human Resources Officer

Specialized Experience 

Specialized Experience is work in the field of Human Resources management that demonstrates the applicant has a combination of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities pertinent to a FS HRO position. Applicants must demonstrate that their job-related experience has been of a progressively responsible nature. 

Qualifying Specialized Experience must consist of at least 60% or more of the following duties: 

• Recruitment and staffing – recruitment, qualifications review, testing, interviewing 
• Staff training and development
• Performance management and appraisal
• Employee relations; work-life balance, discipline
• Salary and benefits administration – wage and benefits surveys and analysis, administration of employee benefits programs such as health benefits, life insurance, and retirement systems
• Drafting and/or implementation of Human Resources policies and procedures
• Labor relations and laws – U.S. and local laws including EEO and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
• Position classification
• Supervision 

In addition to meeting the requirements above, applicants must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a strong customer service orientation. 

Experience as a Human Resources professional in a multicultural, diverse, or international environment is an asset.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) 

The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. An applicant’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.

General Human Resources Knowledge: Recruitment, training, candidate assessment, change management techniques, information security methods, employee evaluation procedures, awards procedures, benefit programs, grievance and disciplinary procedures, engagement and quality of work life, management of remote work, career development, leadership principles, supervision principles, mentoring techniques, performance metrics, equal employment opportunity law and sources of bias, information resources, legal terminology, cross-cultural communication,  

Skills: Written communication,  interpersonal interactions, building relationships, customer service, resolving conflict, working with others of diverse backgrounds, managing laterally and upward, leadership, training, evaluating and interviewing personnel, running meetings, teamwork, critical thinking, creative problem solving, decision making, organizing, planning, project management, time management, computer and internet technology, operating HR communication networks, data analysis, professional social interaction, counseling and giving constructive feedback, managing intense emotional situations, presentations and public speaking, being adaptable and resilient, and self-development. 

Other Requirements: Continuous learning, cross-cultural awareness, cross-cultural interest, tolerance for working overseas, tolerance of travel, tolerance of varying work environments, worldwide availability, tolerance of living away from family, attention to detail, dependability, accountability, integrity, and willingness to perform other duties. 

Foreign Service Specialists must demonstrate and maintain a high standard of English.