ACADEMIC COURSE DELIVERY SPECIALIST

Summary

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) is an academic institution within the U.S. Department of Defense established in 1999, and funded by Congress for the study of security issues relating to Africa. This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.

Duties

Major Duties The purpose of this position is to plan and coordinate academic support for delivery of curriculum for the Africa Center's Academic Affairs Division. Specific duties include: The incumbent provides course development and refinement, manages and procures or otherwise acquires instructional and educational materials in support of curriculum, and conducts research support for Academic programs and activities. Works directly with Faculty and Program Managers to support the development and execution of academic curriculum and programs such as seminars, workshops, courses and the research program. Drafts written documents which serve to contribute to the development and refinement of the curriculum and in support of academic programs (letters, research summaries and synopsis, literature reviews). Undertakes guided research on security matters related to Africa, and to U.S. policy towards Africa (e.g., counter-terrorism, national and transnational security strategy, human security, civil-military relations, defense economics, conflict management, arms proliferation, etc.). Assists with the development of section publications, in collaboration with Faculty and Program Leads. Proofreads and formats guest speaker presentations, program highlights, academic syllabi, and other academic materials in English, Portuguese, French and/or Arabic as required. Analyzes program evaluation data and compiles into program evaluation reports. Supports the Academic section by working collaboratively with Faculty to research, identify, contact and invite adjunct faculty, guest speakers, note-takers, and other staff needed to support academic programs. Researches, develops and collates short biographies for adjunct faculty and guest speakers. Reviews and proofreads reports and other documents, editorial and content, for quality control purposes. Develops, manages and updates spreadsheets and databases on publications, potential attendees, faculty and guest speaker presentations, travel and other logistical information. In collaboration with faculty, develops, formats and prepares documents and presentations and complies syllabus binders with attention to prescribed procedures and protocols for branding and quality control purposes, in one or more languages as required. Drafts and finalizes program-related correspondence and after-action reports. Manages academic databases for participant and faculty support including evaluation records, and adjunct faculty and alumni records. Performs occasional translation of documents from English to Portuguese, French and/or Arabic as needed. Serves as the Academic Affairs support staff representative on ACSS project teams, liaising within the Africa Center as well as with other organizations on event planning and preparation of operational matters related to the academic program schedule, adjunct faculty, guest speakers, interpreters, and note-takers. Serves as primary Point-of-Contact for the Academic Section to other organizations, sections and augmented staff (adjunct faculty, guest speakers, note-takers, interpreters) during the development and execution of organizational academic programs to which the incumbent is assigned. Provides oversight and direction to temporary employees and note-takers during the execution of academic programs as needed. Manages the Africa Center's academic program peer-learning system, corresponding processes, and operating procedures in support of curriculum delivery. Develops and disseminates course and program information and resources for current and prospective participants and faculty. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and evaluation

A screening panel will review your resume and narrative answers to the assessment questions to evaluate your qualifications for the position. NDU uses a multi-tier selection process for academic positions. The following questions will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13069939. The Assessment Questionnaire collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies: Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil

Education

Education Requirement: Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or, international equivalent, (doctorate preferred) in a discipline directly related to international relations, African Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science, History, Economics, National Security Affairs, or a related area or other appropriate discipline. 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

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below. Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. 1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. 2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application. 3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Required documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at: Learn more about the new resume requirements. Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement. Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit. NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met. Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement. SF-50: Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification. If you claim Veteran's Preference:- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference. Other documents identified in the announcement. WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

Additional information

This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension. Background or Security Investigation: This is a Non-Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security determination to occupy a Non-Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Initial Probationary Period: Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a I2 month probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. Reemployed Annuitants: Department of Defense has the authority to hire annuitants without reduction in pay. For more information, go to: https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/policy/retirement/reemployedannuitant All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) leads, directs and manages security cooperation programs and resources to support national security objectives that build relationships that promote U.S. interests, build allied and partner capacities for self-defense and coalition operations in the global war on terrorism, and promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces. The Africa Center serves as a forum for bilateral and multilateral research, communication, and exchange of ideas involving military and civilian participants. The Africa Center does this by expanding understanding of African security issues, providing a trusted platform for dialogue, building enduring partnerships, and catalyzing strategic solutions. The overarching goal is to support processes that foster security for all Africans championed by effective institutions accountable to their citizens. Africa Center programs revolve around the generation and dissemination of knowledge through its research, academic programs, and community engagement. DSCA has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings plan (TSP); health, life, and long-term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. DSCA employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy and situational telework opportunities.