Duties

Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) are responsible for the Department’s Information Resource Management (IRM) programs and Information Technology (IT) systems world-wide.

The duties of IMS vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. At various times, at posts around the world or in domestic locations, the following are some examples of the types of duties and responsibilities an IMS is expected to perform:

Customer Service Skills:

• Provide assistance to users of information management services (for example, by configuring and optimizing software).
• Train users in the use of new software applications, providing guidance and assistance with new or amended IT-related policies and procedures.
• Promote end-user involvement in technology and technical decision-making.

Information Technology Skills/Problem solving:

• Administer computer systems and manage system performance. Set up networks. Start up, operate, and shut down systems.
• Manage user access, train new personnel, identify and resolve problems, report, track and research incidents, counsel users, set up customer equipment, and replace equipment and parts.
• Manage and operate classified and unclassified client/server solutions, desktop systems, messaging solutions, web-based technology, database solutions, and virtual servers to support LAN/WAN.
• Manage telecommunication network services.
• Manage communications equipment, install cabling, provide circuits, support video conferencing, manage communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and manage wireless communications and Wi-Fi programs.
• Manage voice communication services. Coordinate equipment provision, manage the telephone and radio programs, the personal mobile device program, and VoIP convergence devices.

Information Management Skills/Problem solving:

• Implement IT projects gathering requirements, designing solutions, and assisting with development.
• Acquire IT products and services, test solutions, deploy products, and maintain IT procurement and inventory.
• Manage cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT Shared Services efforts.
• Manage pouch programs, diplomatic post office, and telephone operator program.
• Supervise locally employed staff system administrators, mailroom employees, telephone technicians, radio technicians and switchboard operators.
• Manage work assignments and individual performance.,
• Serve as part of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties outside of normal information resource management activities as determined by embassy or consulate management or as dictated by special circumstances.
• Support emergency planning and response and manage emergency wireless communications.
• Ensure emergency destruction capability.
• Maintain alternate processing site.
• Manage emergency digital communications.
• Keep current with specialty, gain and maintain certifications.

Information Security:

• Maintain internal controls on Department of State automated information systems.
• Protect classified documents and classified communications equipment and workspace.
• Promote communications security.
• Update security settings, manage physical security, monitor security, and network security, etc.
• Manage telephone system security.
• Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program.

Essential Physical Requirements:

Some of the essential functions of the Information Management Specialist (IMS) job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, IMSs are required to:

• Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects and work in confined spaces such as under desks or equipment or in crawlspaces, attics, communication closets, etc.
• Walk and climb stairs. Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, climb, and work on feet for extended periods.
• Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds. Push, pull, or drag heaving objects or equipment. Carry equipment up and down stairs.
• See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components and see under low illumination.
• Hear voices in noisy offices, on poor phone connections or at low volume or soft spoken, including distinguishing words in heavy accents. Hear to audibly monitor computer equipment for a faulty condition such as noise from a server or hard drive.
• Pull wires, cables, and ropes that can involve climbing and working on ladders.
• Coordinate precise movements with hands and fingers to assemble electronic components including using hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Feeling and manipulating small objects with hands and fingers.
• Type quickly for extended periods of time.
• Work in adverse environmental conditions, such as extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust.
• Work erratic, unusual, unexpected hours and long hours.
• Travel and experience jet-lag, changes in temperature, humidity, etc.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
• Be able to obtain a Top Secret - SCI Security Clearance.
• Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
• Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***

Please do not submit your application through USAJobs.

Please submit your application and register to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at: www.pearsonvue.com/IMST

This is a 2880 Foreign Service skill code (Information Management Specialist) equivalent to the 2210 series in the Civil Service.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.

  The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. IMSes are hired at the FP-04 or FP-05 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of Service upon request. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.

  See How To Apply for information on how to submit your application and register to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at www.pearsonvue.com/IMST. Please do not apply through USAJobs.

  After creating a web account, answer all the self-assessment questions, include work history for the past 10 years, and complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of Interest. An application missing any of these elements will not meet minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue.

  Personal Narratives and Statement of Interest
  These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.

  1. Substantive Knowledge – Give what you consider to be the best example of a situation where you found a solution to a practical problem by using your knowledge of information technology (IT) programs. Indicate the nature of the problem, who was affected by the problem, in what way, and the results or benefits of your solution.

  2. Intellectual Skills - Describe a time when you had to analyze a complex IT situation and make a quick decision. What process did you follow for making the decision? Were you satisfied with the results?

  3. Interpersonal Skills - Please provide an example that demonstrates you are good at working with others in difficult situations. What exactly did you do that shows you have this skill?

  4. Communication Skills - Describe a situation in which you used your communication skills to describe a technical issue to a non-technical audience.

  5. Managerial Skills - Information Management Specialists are often required to manage projects, demonstrating the ability to plan and organize, set priorities, employ a systematic approach, and allocate time and resources efficiently. Describe a project that you managed or helped to manage and how you sought to achieve the project’s goals.

  6. Leadership Skills - Describe a time when you identified a serious problem involving IT services or IT solutions that required immediate action. How did you take the lead in solving the problem?

  Statement of Interest
  Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:

  • Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,

  • Comments about your work experience, include special skills (e.g. computer), current licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position,

  • Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in U.S.

• How to Apply

  Submit your application and register to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at www.pearsonvue.com/IMST. Please do not apply through USAJobs.

  • Visit www.pearsonvue.com/IMST

  • Create a web account.

  • Follow the instructions to complete and submit the IMST online application:
    • Answer all self-assessment questions;

    • Include work history for the past 10 (ten) years; and

    • Complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of interest. (Please see the Required Documents section for more information.)

    • Your application is automatically saved as you proceed through it. You may interrupt the application process and return to it until you submit it.

    • Complete, review and submit the application.

  • After you complete and submit the above this becomes your online application and will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
  • You have six months to complete the application process outlined in this announcement and must take the IMST. If you have not done so within six months, you must restart the application process.
  • Application packages must be complete before you can register for the Information Management Specialist Test.
  • We strongly recommend that you go back into your application and verify that everything is completed properly.

  • Select an appointment to take the Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) at one of Pearson VUE's test centers. The Information Management Specialist Test (IMST) is an important part of the selection process, covering the job knowledge, English expression and situational judgment necessary to work as an Information Management Specialist.

  If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Pearson VUE Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), 1-952-905-7483 (toll) or by utilizing the Chat function on www.pearsonvue.com. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time; closed on local holidays.

  For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist selection process, please visit http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/selection-process.

  Agency contact information

  IMS Vacancy

  Phone

  000-000-0000

  Fax

  000-000-0000

  Email

  IMSVacancyInfo@state.gov

  Address

  U.S. Department of State
  2401 E. Street NW
  Washington, District of Columbia 20522
  United States

  Next steps

  Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the application and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
  
  The Department will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/selection-process.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career. Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position. If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).