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

Job Profiles

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

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/student/programs/student_internships.html

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 State	7,579
Department of Defense	4,549
Department of Justice	3,048
U.S. Agency for International Development	2,063*
Department of Homeland Security	1,971
Department of Commerce	742
Department of Agriculture	240
Department of Energy	148
Department of Treasury	121
Department of Labor	31