International Relations Jobs in the Federal Government

In the federal government, many agencies employ individuals who work in international relations fields (data below excludes Customs and Border positions).

Federal Agencies that Send Civilian Employees Overseas

Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of the Air Force
Department of the Army
Department of State
U.S. Agency for International Development
Peace Corps
U.S. Information Agency

finding jobs overseas

In March 2008, at least 34,578 federal jobs were in a foreign country and at least 13,844 federal jobs were in U.S. Territories.

Most civilian jobs are posted on USAJOBS.gov unless the position is excepted from regular posting requirements, such as those within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Go to USAJOBS.gov, and search for the country and the general type of position at your GS level.
If you see a job that is of interest, or close to what you’re looking for, go to the “How to Apply” tab.
Inquire with the agency contact about the job and ask if there are other similar opportunities.

Another useful site is http://federaljobs.net/overseas.htm, which offers some information about being employed overseas

More about federal employment overseas
More on overseas employment for teachers

Tip: If you want to move to a particular country, do your research. Find out which agencies are in the country and then try to find relevant contacts on the specific agency Web sites. It may be worth contacting the human resources office and asking if they have additional resources available, such as whether there is a contractor that helps to fill these positions.

Job Profiles

Here are examples of recent job openings. Explore more and apply now at USAJOBS.

Counterterrorism Analyst

Salary Range: $39,262 - $81,747 per year
Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
Job Summary: The CIA is the mainstay of the nation's intelligence — and analysis is its product, providing crucial information to officials needed for making decisions on matters of national security. The daily work and the expertise CIA employees develop through training and experiences contribute to a process that is critical to the nation’s safety.
Major Duties: The specialist will assess worldwide terrorism developments to provide information for U.S. policymakers. He or she will monitor and evaluate foreign terrorist groups’ plans, leadership, motivations, as well as their state and non-state sponsors, as well as produce a range of intelligence products and brief key U.S. policymakers and provide tactical analytic support to law enforcement and intelligence operations.

Auditor

Salary Range: $31,526 - $71,494 per year
Duty Locations: Throughout the world
Job Summary: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) often seeks entry-level auditors to work at Inspector General posts in various cities across the world. Applicants must be capable of being granted a security clearance.
Major Duties: Auditors are expected to evaluate agency programs, in order to determine if the programs are operating efficiently and legally. This responsibility includes establishing auditing procedures, writing detailed reports and coordinating the audit with USAID and other agencies.

Foreign Affairs Officer

Salary Range: $77,353 - $100,554 per year
Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
Job Summary: Located in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Office of Multilateral Affairs, the person is this position monitors the efforts of governments in multilateral organizations, as well as coordinating respective U.S. input.
Major Duties: The officer will evaluate diplomatic statements made by representatives of governments and organizations; put together a portfolio of information on each subject; review statements and documents in regards to human rights and democracy issues; and serve as a delegate to multilateral human rights negotiations.

Agricultural Economist

Salary Range: $62,886 - $97,213 per year
Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
Job Summary: The Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service strives to improve the decision-making process used for issues relating to agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development.
Major Duties: The person in this position will research and analyze U.S. and global economic and policy factors that affect agricultural markets and trade.

Internship Examples

An internship at the U.S. Department of State is an opportunity for you to get an insider’s view at the various types of positions and responsibilities available in IR. Some interns work in Washington, D.C., and others have the opportunity to work at an embassy overseas. Positions are both paid and unpaid, and many are available during spring, summer and fall. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and accepted or enrolled as a degree-seeking student in at least their junior year. Interns must serve for at least ten weeks.
http://www.careers.state.gov/students

The National Security Agency’s Intelligence Analysis Summer Program offers college upperclassmen the chance to work in a multi-faceted cryptologic discipline that involves research, analysis and the sharing of findings. It is an intensive 12-week program intended for highly-qualified college juniors, and consists of formal classroom instruction, workshops, and on- and off- site facilities tours. This training is combined with an apprenticeship with senior NSA analysts. Internships are paid and are for a minimum of twelve weeks. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must also be able to receive a security clearance.
http://www.nsa.gov/careers/students_1.cfm

Federal Jobs by the Numbers

Number of International Relations Positions by Agency

Agency	FTP International Relations Positions
Department of Homeland Security	120,826
Department of Justice	30,490
Department of Agriculture	8,789
Department of Defense	8,512
Department of Transportation	4,841
Department of Treasury	4,522
Department of State	2,031
Department of Labor	1,441

Source: Fedscope 03/08

Percentage International Relations Positions by Region

Fedscope, 03/08

Top Federal Jobs in Foreign Nations

Nation	Postion Field	# Positions
Germany	Total	9,633
	Administrative	2,735
	Education	2,383
	Medical	814
	Information Technology	746
Puerto Rico	Total	9,567
(US Territory)	Medical	2,305
	Administrative	1,608
	Investigation	1,463
	Legal and Kindred	776
Japan	Total	4,738
	Education	1,171
	Administrative	990
Republic of Korea	Total	2,351
	Administrative	595
	Education	245
Italy	Total	1,787
	Administrative	389
	Education	380
United Kingdom	Total	1,148
	Education	239
	Administrative	223
	Social Sciences, Psychology, & Welfare	177
Canada	Total	447
	Investigation	390