Job Translation: International Affairs

Understanding International Affairs Roles in the Federal Government

Federal international affairs careers fall into two main job series: Foreign Affairs (0130) and International Relations (0131). Both help advance U.S. interests around the world, but they differ in their focus and where they're used across government. Foreign Affairs specialists typically analyze problems and develop policy solutions from headquarters, while International Relations specialists implement policy through direct engagement with foreign counterparts (distributed across agencies based on each agency's international mission).

0130: Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs specialists work on policy development, strategic planning, and program design. About 80% of these positions are at the State Department, with others at Defense and other agencies. They research international issues, develop policy recommendations, design programs, and provide strategic guidance. Most work in Washington, D.C., though some positions involve overseas travel.

0131: International Affairs

International Relations specialists conduct direct diplomatic engagement with foreign governments. They meet with foreign officials, negotiate agreements, and manage government-to-government partnerships, often requiring overseas assignments or frequent international travel. These roles are distributed across agencies with international missions.

Related Career Paths: Three other specialized series work in international affairs but require different expertise. Intelligence specialists (0132) focus on national security threats, Foreign Agricultural Affairs officers (0135) promote U.S. farm exports, and International Cooperation specialists (0136) manage foreign development and assistance programs at USAID.

Your Career Path: From Entry-Level to Executive

1. Starting Point (GS-9/11): Entry-level specialists conduct research, support policy development, and learn international affairs processes. Language skills and regional expertise are valued.

2. Mid-Career (GS-12/13): Specialists independently manage portfolios and advise on policy. Foreign Affairs roles focus on designing programs and coordinating policy initiatives. International Relations roles emphasize managing bilateral relationships and negotiations.

3. Senior Level (GS-14/15): Senior specialists lead programs and advise agency leadership. Example duties include "serves as senior action officer for nonproliferation policy" and "advises senior officials on multilateral export control issues."

4. Executive (SES): Directors shape foreign policy, lead bureaus, serve as Ambassadors, and testify before Congress.

Translatable Skills

To succeed, you'll need:

• Written & Oral Communication: Reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and active listening are essential. You'll explain complex international issues, draft policy papers, brief senior officials, and present to diverse audiences. Strong communication skills help you translate technical analysis into actionable recommendations.
• Critical Thinking & Analysis: Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of solutions, analyzing data and information, and making sound judgments. You'll evaluate policies, assess international situations, and develop evidence-based recommendations while considering multiple perspectives.
• Social Perceptiveness & Interpersonal Skills: Understanding others' reactions, establishing relationships, and coordinating with colleagues. International affairs work requires building trust with foreign counterparts, working across cultures, and navigating complex organizational dynamics.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Identifying complex problems, reviewing information, evaluating options, and implementing solutions. You'll weigh costs and benefits of different policy approaches and make recommendations with significant implications.
• Adaptability & Learning: Updating and using relevant knowledge, active learning, and applying new information to changing situations. The international landscape shifts constantly—you must stay current on global events, policy changes, and emerging issues.

Where the Opportunities Are

While international affairs careers exist across multiple federal agencies, opportunities are concentrated in specific locations and departments.

If you're pursuing a career in Foreign Affairs or International Relations, Washington, D.C. is where most opportunities are. Unlike many federal career paths that offer nationwide positions, international affairs roles are primarily based in the nation's capital.

The numbers show this clearly: 185 positions are in D.C., with another 42 in Virginia and 6 in Maryland. The DC metro area accounts for nearly 90% of all Foreign Affairs and International Relations openings. Other locations like Texas (18 positions), Florida, and Illinois (4 each) have smaller numbers of opportunities.

The Department of State posts the most positions in this field—over 60% of all Foreign Affairs openings (144 out of 238). But opportunities also exist at Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, and Labor, each focused on their agency's international mission.

International Relations (0131) positions tend to favor experienced professionals, with nearly all posted positions at GS-12 or above. Foreign Affairs (0130) offers more entry points across different grade levels, from GS-9 through GS-15.

Whether you're interested in nonproliferation policy, trade negotiations, diplomatic security, or international labor standards, federal international affairs roles offer opportunities to contribute to America's global engagement. Most of these careers will be based in the DC metro area.

Making the Transition

Federal work offers meaningful public service, and the opportunity to impact the lives of millions across the country. The key to making a successful transition is understanding how your experience translates, identifying which job series and specialty align with your background, and targeting agencies that match your interests.

Ready to explore federal opportunities? Visit www.govskills.io to search open roles across all levels of government, or follow us on LinkedIn for the latest public sector labor market insights.