International Economist

Summary An independent Federal agency, the U.S. International Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides import injury cases; and publishes the United States' tariff schedule. You will find a working environment throughout the Commission that is dedicated to the development of your technical skills and a commitment to provide balance between your work and personal life. Responsibilities MAJOR DUTIES Provide thought leadership in the development of new research agendas in areas of strategic interest. Serve as a project leader and lead staff in providing expert analysis on various trade issues. Develop and adapt research methods. Provide economic expertise to Commission investigations and strategic research goals. Use appropriate techniques to generate consistent datasets for complex economic analysis. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You must meet all the requirements below by the closing date of the announcement and they must be clearly identified in your application, resume, or supporting documents. This includes any general and specialized experience, education, and/or selective placement factors mentioned. These are used to determine if you possess the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to successfully perform in this position. BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR 2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Specialized Experience: To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience obtained in the private or public sector that is equivalent to the GS-11 level. Specialized experience is defined as 1) Data collection and analysis, or other substantive analysis which requires an understanding of the economic issue under investigation; and 2) Planning and execution of sequential work steps and contributing to research study as a team member. OR GS-12 level, you may qualify using one of the following options: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience obtained in the private or public sector that is equivalent to the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is defined as 1) Formulating plans and technically sound research methods and communicating progress and results. 2) Applying standard analytic methods to defined problems to produce professional research product; and 3) Compiling, cleaning, and managing datasets while applying common statistical and econometric techniques, such as descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis to ensure consistent and reliable data for economic research and analysis. To qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience obtained in the private or public sector that is equivalent to the GS-13 level. Specialized experience is defined as 1) Leading a research team, including formulating plans and research methods, and communicating progress and results. 2) Developing economic research methods and applying them to produce professional research products. 3) Constructing, updating, and managing complex databases while developing expertise in advanced economic analysis techniques, such as regression analysis, econometric modeling, gravity modeling, cost-benefit analysis, simulation, and macroeconomic modeling. 4) Compiling, cleaning, and managing large datasets while applying common statistical and econometric techniques, such as descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis to ensure consistent and reliable data for economic research and analysis; and 5) Providing economic expertise to agency investigations and strategic research goals and recommending development or revision of agency projects and frameworks as appropriate. 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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education GS-12: To substitute education for specialized experience, you must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. (school transcript required by closing date) FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Additional Information As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a one-year probationary period (competitive service) or a two-year trial period (excepted service) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Surplus or Displaced Federal Employees: The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs are available to federal employees that qualify. Those eligible for these programs are granted special priority selection rights. To be considered, you must be deemed well-qualified by receiving a score of 85 or higher. If you are a federal employee claiming CTAP/ICTAP, you must provide the documents listed under the Required Documents section to verify your eligibility. Also, you must indicate in your application that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. For additional information regarding CTAP/ICTAP, please visit: Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit Severely disabled persons program information: Cover page to fax paper application - OPM Form 1203fx: Assessment Question: Vacancy ID number: DH-26-002-DF Reasonable accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials, employment history, etc., will be verified as part of the security clearance process.

Created: 2026-01-29