The Celestar Corporation has been issued a task order to provide support to the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). As a result, we’re looking for a Public Affairs Program Assistant who will be seated in Washington, DC. If interested and qualified, we welcome you to post for this challenging opportunity.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: A Secret Security Clearance is required for this position; however, the Contractor may begin work with an interim Secret security clearance.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance for this order will be one (01) year from the date of award with the option to exercise four (04) one-year option periods, subject to performance, need, and funding. The INL Contracting Officer (CO) will notify the Vendor of the Government’s intent to exercise an option prior to the end of each performance period in accordance with FAR 52.217-9.

BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State’s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world.
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) keeps Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.
INL’s Strategy, Communications and Outreach unit (INL/SCO) leads cross-bureau strategy and policy development and facilitates effective communication and interaction between INL and the interagency, Congress, domestic and overseas media, and the general public. Within INL/SCO, the Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy (PAPD) team plans, executes, and enhances public affairs and public diplomacy activities to increase domestic and foreign public support regarding Bureau initiatives.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Public Affairs Program Assistant will work within the PAPD team to execute public affairs and public diplomacy functions for the INL Bureau. The Program Assistant will draft documents (including public statements, briefing papers, talking points, scenarios for media engagements, press guidance, answers to media questions, social media content, and presentations). The Program Assistant will be responsible for coordinating the drafting and clearances of documents through the Department, and will communicate regularly with bureau, department, interagency, and overseas colleagues so that information can be disseminated publicly in a timely manner. The Program Assistant may assist with social media duties related to publicizing bureau and department messaging to domestic and overseas audiences, and evaluating the impact of such messaging.

TRAVEL: Travel is authorized for this position in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

LEVEL OF EFFORT
Hours for the position will be the core hours of the Department of State: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day. The level of effort for this position is equivalent to the labor category Program Assistant / Program Support Specialist Level 3.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The period of performance for this order will be one (01) year from the date of award with the option to exercise four (04) years, subject to performance, need, and funding.

TELEWORK
This is a hybrid position that allows for a combination of in-office presence and regular telework. The incumbent’s actual in-office and telework schedule will be determined by the COR and CO, based on INL policy, and is subject to change.

SUPPLEMENTAL HOURS
Supplemental hours for this position are authorized in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

POSITION LOCATION
The physical work location is the INL/SCO office (suite 1427) at the HST Main State Building, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT
DOS will provide office space, computer, phone, and other required equipment and supplies necessary to complete all job requirements. DOS will own and maintain all government furnished property.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT
A Secret is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with an interim Secret security clearance.

TRAVEL
Travel is authorized for this position in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

TRAINING
This BPA Call provides for mandatory training for DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes (reference 13 FAM 300 Agency Mandated Training), which shall be completed promptly and in accordance with Department policy. These trainings do not require INL Contracting Officer (CO) approval.
Travel related training (i.e., FACT (CT650), HTSOS-C etc.), may be required, if applicable. The contractor’s Program Manager (PM) shall coordinate with INL/EX/GAPP to determine if applicable and if INL CO’s approval is required prior. All other training requires INL CO approval.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a Best Athlete Selection Process! Please ensure that the required and/or desired experience is reflected on your resume to receive fair and competitive consideration.

Come onboard with a company that Values its Employees!
Celestar, a Veteran Owned Company, is Very Competitive with Salaries and Benefits. As an example, we offer Company Paid Benefits that include Employee and Family Dental Insurance, Employee Health Insurance, Life Insurance and Disability Insurance as well. We also offer a 401k retirement company match, paid Holidays and Personal Time Off.
Celestar is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, gender identity or national origin.