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 36,483 federal jobs were in a foreign country and at least 14,691 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.
Intelligence Officer at the Department of Defense
- Salary Range: $38,790 - $75,600 per year
- Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
- Summary: As a member of the United States Intelligence Community, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is a Department of Defense combat support agency. With over 12,000 military and civilian employees worldwide, DIA is a major producer and manager of foreign military intelligence. We provide military intelligence to warfighters, defense planners, and defense and national security policymakers in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community in support of U.S. military planning and operations and weapon systems acquisition. We invite you to learn how you can become a valued member of the DIA team.
- Major Duties: Serve as an Intelligence Specialist (Pol/Mil) with responsibility for participating and assisting senior analysts in the production of all-source intelligence assessments focusing on a specific foreign country/regions political and military capabilities developments. As such, the incumbent applies basic intelligence analysis skills to monitor and report on military-political leadership, national military strategy, strategic doctrine, regional relations, security, and their impact on force developments.
Investigative Assistant at Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Salary Range: $35,306 - $56,859 per year
- Duty Locations: Houston, TX
- Summary: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) utilizes the government's second largest cadre of law enforcement officers to ensure our nation's economic, transportation, and infrastructure security. ICE enforces immigration and customs laws and protects federal facilities. Our talented and courageous workforce identifies criminal activities and eliminates vulnerabilities that pose a threat to our nation's borders.
- Major Duties: You will provide a wide range of technical, administrative, and clerical support to the investigations program. This includes gathering data and conducting limited inquiries regarding individual case assignments; assisting in accomplishing case research and trial preparation; and researching and assembling, compiling, and tabulating information and figures for agent's use in investigations, seizures and penalty reports and as evidence in various cases.
Foreign Affairs Officer
- Salary Range: $89,033 - $115,742 per year
- Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
- Summary: The men and women of the US Department of State with their skills, character and commitment to public service, are the backbone of America's diplomacy. Civil Service employees support the foreign policy mission from offices in Washington, DC and worldwide. Join us in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world as we formulate, represent and implement US foreign policy. Choose from hundreds of career possibilities - there's something for everyone!
- Major Duties: Participates in the development of policies and procedures, advises senior level management on crosscutting policy issues and problems that have an impact on IO/HR initiatives. Prepares briefing materials, policy recommendations on UN human rights issues. Participates in U.N. meeting negotiations, and assists in formulating U.S. positions. Prepares negotiation strategies for U.S. positions and goals, and meets, lobbies, and negotiates with representatives of other governments. Serves as the Bureau representative in Departmental, interagency, and NSC meetings and on matters concerning emerging human rights treaty issues. Assists with U.S. policy matters related to the U.N. Non-Governmental Organization Committee.
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 Positions |
|---|---|
Department of Homeland Security
|
42,844 |
Department of Defense
|
5,534 |
Department of Justice |
4,585 |
Department of State |
2,093 |
Office of Personnel Management |
1,698 |
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission |
902 |
Department of Treasury |
342 |
Source: Fedscope 03/10
Percentage International Relations Positions by Region
Fedscope, 03/10
Top Federal Jobs in Foreign Nations
Nation |
Postion Field | # Positions |
|---|---|---|
Germany
|
Total | 12,946 |
| Education | 3,842 | |
| Administrative | 3,037 | |
| Medical | 1,103 | |
| Information Technology | 893 | |
Puerto Rico
|
Total | 10,108 |
(US Territory) |
Medical | 2,592 |
| Administrative | 1,636 | |
| Investigation | 1,496 | |
| Legal and Kindred | 837 | |
Japan |
Total |
6,816 |
| Education |
2,904 | |
| Administrative |
1,047 | |
Republic of Korea |
Total | 3,181 |
| Administrative | 722 | |
| Education | 670 | |
| Italy | Total |
2,441 |
| Education |
844 | |
| Administrative |
468 | |
United Kingdom |
Total | 1,445 |
| Education | 637 | |
| Administrative | 251 | |
| Business | 107 | |
| Belgium | Total |
664 |
| Education | 244 |
Source: Fedscope 03/10