U.S. Department of State MBA Special Advisor Fellowship 2025: (Deadline 15 October, 2024)

Applications are open for the MBA Special Advisor Fellowship 2025. Coordinated by M/SS and the Under Secretary for Management fellows serve as special advisors to bureau executives who oversee critical management functions such as data analytics, strategic planning, human resources, logistics, overseas and domestic building operations, and financial management. Fellows will focus on delivering solutions to Department challenges within these functions.

Project work will be of high impact to the Department’s strategic objectives, focused on areas that will benefit from the expertise of an MBA graduate to apply institutional knowledge and the latest in business and management thinking and techniques. M/SS will host an orientation to familiarize fellows with the Department of State, its overall organizational structure, standard processes, and its domestic and overseas management platforms. Following orientation fellows will commence their project work in a bureau for the approximately 11 remaining months of the one-year fellowship. All positions will be in the Washington, D.C. area. No relocation assistance is provided.

Duties

• Plans and conducts studies for efficiency of operations using qualitative and quantitative methods and makes recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
• Applies management best practices and principles to maximize the efficient use of resources.
• Participates in special studies of the administrative management aspects of sensitive situations identified by the Bureau, Department, or external audit organizations.
• May attend meetings, briefings and conferences in the capacity of liaison. May serve as a member of ad hoc committees and study groups both internally and externally to the Department.

Remuneration

• Fellows are paid as Civil Service federal employees using the GS (General Schedule) pay scale. The GS pay scale for Civil Service employees features 15 pay grades, GS-1 (lowest) – GS-15 (highest) with 10 steps within each grade. Fellows will be appointed at the GS-9 – GS-13 level, dependent on previous experience and/or superior qualifications, during the twelve months of fellowship employment. Relocation expenses are not covered.

Eligibility

Selections will be made starting at the GS-09 grade level. A candidate may receive a higher step or grade, up to GS-13, with superior qualifications (past work experience). Eligible candidates must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be able to successfully obtain and maintain the required security clearance, as determined by the position.
• Hold an MBA or is in the second year of an MBA program with degree conferral occurring prior to entering on duty.
• Be able to pass random drug testing.
• Be eligible to work in the United States.
• Be found suitable for employment (as described in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, part 731).
• Meet the requirements outlined in the following Qualification Requirements section.

Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience in their resume:

• Experience using qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze and measure the efficiency and productivity of administrative or technical programs.
• Experience analyzing findings and making recommendations on programs and use of resources.
• Experience organizing and delivering briefings and writing written reports to encourage understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations.

Application

Application packages MUST include the following or will be disqualified for review:

• A resume with references
• Copy of transcripts – indicating an MBA degree or in second year of an MBA program with degree conferral occurring prior to July 2025
• Veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214, VA letter, etc.)
• A concise statement of interest – (no more than one page) describing your interest in the fellowship and public sector, noting the top project or projects (see 2025 project descriptions above) that you would like to be considered for, and articulating the attributes you will bring to the Department and fellowship program.

Complete application packages should be submitted directly to MBAFellowship@state.gov before 11:59pm on October 15, 2024.

For more information, visit & Apply to MBA Special Advisor Fellowship.