NSEPnet-Job Detail

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REGIONAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans/Office of International Affairs - Europe
Department of Homeland Security

Overview

NSEP Exclusive

Open & Closing Dates
06/04/2026 to 06/20/2026

Pay Scale & Grade
GS9 per year

Work Schedule
Full-Time

Promotion Potential
GS13

Appointment Type
Permanent

Location

City
Washington, DC

State
DC Metro Area

Duties

Summary
The Regional Affairs Specialist for Europe serves as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor on U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) engagement with European governments, the European Union, and relevant multilateral forums. The position supports the development, coordination, and execution of DHS international policy priorities across a broad portfolio that includes border security, migration management, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, law enforcement cooperation, aviation and maritime security, customs and trade facilitation, critical infrastructure protection, emergency management, and information sharing.

Responsibilities
The incumbent monitors political, security, and policy developments across Europe and assesses their implications for DHS operations, partnerships, and strategic objectives. The position prepares senior-level briefing materials, talking points, policy papers, decision memoranda, and strategic engagement plans for DHS leadership meetings with European counterparts. The incumbent also coordinates with DHS Components, interagency partners, U.S. embassies, and foreign government officials to advance Departmental priorities, resolve policy issues, and ensure consistent messaging across bilateral and multilateral engagements.

The role requires strong regional expertise, policy analysis, coordination, and communication skills. The incumbent is expected to translate complex European political and security developments into actionable recommendations for DHS leadership, identify opportunities to strengthen operational cooperation, and help align DHS international engagement with broader U.S. national security, homeland security, and foreign policy objectives

Requirements

Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.

You must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance.

Relocation Expenses WILL NOT be paid.

Qualifications
Background in international affairs, public policy, public administration, or related fields.

Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and concisely in writing and in oral briefings for senior leadership audiences.

Experience researching complex public policy subject areas from diverse sources and recommending policy options.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across DHS Components (CBP, ICE, CISA, USCG, etc.), interagency partners, and international stakeholders.

Knowledge of DHS missions, authorities, and Component equities, or the ability to rapidly develop such knowledge.

Demonstrated knowledge of European political, security, border, migration, and law enforcement issues, including the role of the European Union, United Kingdom, Schengen Area, and key European partner governments.

Foreign language capability relevant to Europe, while not required, may be beneficial.

Security Clearance

Required
Secret

Required Application Materials

Resume, Academic Transcripts, DD-214 (veterans or active duty military only), SF-50 (current or former federal employees only), NSEP Letter of Certification, Writing Sample

Application Instructions

Your application is due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the application close date indicated above. Failure to follow the application instructions may result in rejection of your application.

Resume and Supporting Materials

You will need to submit your application through the vacancy posting on the NSEPnet Job Board. Please upload each of the required documents in the appropriate location. Files should be in Word, Excel, PDF, Text or Html formats only. When naming each file, please follow the following naming convention:

Document Type_Last Name, First Name

For example, the applicant John Smith would submit a resume named “Resume_Smith, John”.

To access the NSEPnet Job Board, you will need to login to https://www.nsepnet.org. The link to NSEPnet Job Board is at the top of the page under the “Job Search” tab. Please select the position you are interested in, read over the application instructions carefully, and upload all required documents.

If you cannot login or do not remember your login credentials, please use the Forgot Username tool at https://nsepnet.org/ForgotUsername.aspx or the Forgot Password tool at https://nsepnet.org/ForgotPassword.aspx.

SF-50 and DD-214

If you are a current or former federal employee, you will need to include your SF-50 (or similar document proving federal employment) in your application. If you are a veteran or active duty member of the U.S. military, you will need to include a DD-214 in your application.

Letter of Certification

You will need to request a Letter of Certification for this exclusive position. To request a Letter of Certification from the NSEPnet home page, hover over the blue “Request a Letter” option at the top of the page and click on “Certification Letter” from the drop-down options. Requests for Letters of Certification are generally processed within 1-2 business days.

HIRING AUTHORITY

The Department of Homeland Security will utilize the Schedule A (r) and/or NDAA’13 hiring authorities afforded to all NSEP award recipients with outstanding service requirements to make appointments to this position in the excepted service. NSEP award recipients who have already completed their service requirement to NSEP in full are not eligible to apply.

Additional Notes

This opportunity is only open to NSEP award recipients who have not yet fulfilled their service requirement to NSEP in full. If you have completed work which may fulfill part or all of your service under the terms of your Service Agreement with NSEP, please submit a Service Agreement Report (SAR) requesting service credit for that work as soon as possible. Feel free to reach out to the NSEP Service Team at nsep@nsep.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

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