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Join USAID and Earn $110K–$161K as a Research Specialist

Join USAID and Earn $110K–$161K as a Research Specialist

Join USAID as an Intelligence Research Specialist – Make an Impact on Global Security

Are you ready to take your career to the next level and contribute to vital global security initiatives? USAID’s Bureau for the Middle East (ME) is seeking exceptional individuals to fill the role of Intelligence Research Specialist in Vienna, Virginia. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of intelligence and international development while supporting critical programs in the Middle East.

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Position Overview

Position Details:

  • Title: Intelligence Research Specialist
  • Location: Vienna, Virginia
  • Organization: Bureau for the Middle East (ME), detailed to the USAID Office of Security (SEC)
  • Appointment Type: Excepted service, time-limited appointment (up to five years)
  • Salary Range: FSL-03, $110,045 – $161,605 (including Washington, DC locality pay)
  • Number of Vacancies: Multiple
  • Application Deadline: January 17, 2025

This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work on programs that directly impact national security and international development efforts.


About the Organization

The position is sponsored by the Bureau for the Middle East (ME) but requires permanent detail to the USAID Office of Security (SEC). As part of SEC, you will:

  • Provide security services to protect USAID personnel and facilities.
  • Safeguard national security information.
  • Promote and preserve personal integrity.

This mission-critical work supports USAID’s programs across the Middle East, ensuring security compliance and enabling effective collaboration with intelligence and foreign affairs communities.


Key Responsibilities for Research Specialist

As an Intelligence Research Specialist, you will:

  • Conduct intelligence-based screening and vetting for USAID programs in the Middle East, including in West Bank and Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
  • Perform intelligence-based searches and compile information for evaluation, analysis, and use in administrative or operational determinations.
  • Represent USAID in developing and maintaining working relationships with stakeholders across the intelligence and foreign affairs communities.
  • Prepare intelligence reports and present oral briefings to policy and intelligence officials at all levels.
  • Provide expert advice on developing policies and procedures for liaison activities.
  • Plan, implement, and maintain databases to process technical or operational intelligence in assigned areas.

Qualifications and Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Security Clearance: Must possess and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
  • Availability: Must be available for shift work (Monday through Friday).
  • Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate technical subject matter effectively to non-technical audiences.
  • Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (FSL-04).

Specialized Experience Examples:

  • Collecting, reviewing, interpreting, and integrating large volumes of intelligence data from multiple sources.
  • Planning, implementing, and maintaining databases for technical or operational intelligence.
  • Preparing intelligence reports and delivering oral briefings to senior officials.
  • Providing expert advice on policies and procedures for liaison activities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following by 11:59 p.m. ET, January 17, 2025:

  1. A detailed resume/CV.
  2. A short written statement of interest.
  3. Three relevant professional references.

Application Submission Instructions:

  • Submit your application package to Administrative Management Services, Bureau for the Middle East at ME-FSL-Applications@usaid.gov.
  • Use the subject line: “FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: Intelligence Research Specialist FSL-03, Vetting Office.”
  • Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

For any questions, contact:


Why Join USAID?

By joining USAID as an Intelligence Research Specialist, you’ll be part of a team dedicated to advancing national and international security. You’ll gain unparalleled experience, work on high-impact programs, and collaborate with key stakeholders across the intelligence and foreign affairs communities.

Make your mark on global security and development. Apply today!

APPLY NOW

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