Foreign Service HR Lead Specialist - FSS Lead

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Our transition to Kentro in 2025 reflects a rich legacy built upon the foundation of IT Concepts. Rather than leaving ITC behind, we confidently embrace a future centered around the Core of More. By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones.

Kentro is hiring a Foreign Service Staffing Lead supporting the USAID. The objective of this contract is to provide senior-level advisory services to the USAID Human Resources Director in support of the agency’s strategic wind-down. The Senior Advisors will leverage deep institutional knowledge of USAID and the Department of State to guide the implementation of critical foreign service personnel actions—including severance, retirements, and staff transitions—while ensuring compliance with U.S. Government regulations and facilitating coordination with interagency partners.  The FSS Lead serves as the Division Chief for the Foreign Service Staffing Branch, overseeing the strategic design and operational delivery of global human capital services for Foreign Service (FS) personnel. The FSS Branch is responsible for full lifecycle staffing—including recruitment, onboarding, assignments, position classification, and separation—for all FS Officers (FSOs) and FS Limited (FSL) appointees across USAID. As the senior HR leader for FS staffing, the incumbent supervises a multidisciplinary team, drives interagency coordination, and leads major HR policy development initiatives with national and international impact.

Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Supervision (35%)

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of HR Specialists and Assistants
• Set strategic direction for the division in line with USAID workforce goals and HCTM priorities.
• Oversee performance management, work allocation, staff development, and succession planning for the FSS Branch.
• Establish cross-functional operational capability within the division and allocate resources efficiently across evolving priorities.

HR Policy Development & Advisory Services (30%)

• Serve as the Agency’s senior HR advisor for FS policy across recruitment, tenure, classification, and staffing.

• Lead the development, analysis, and implementation of complex Agency-wide HR policies.
• Represent USAID on interagency councils, task forces, and expert boards regarding FS staffing and HR reforms.
• Counsel senior USAID officials on HR matters, including those that may be subject to congressional inquiry or oversight.

Recruitment Strategy & Placement Operations (25%)

• Design and implement FS recruitment and placement programs in coordination with PPSM and External Outreach teams.

Program Evaluation & Strategic Workforce Analytics (10%)

• Conduct nationwide studies and internal reviews of FSS programs to ensure compliance with OPM’s Human Capital Accountability and Assessment Framework (HCAAF).
• Evaluate workforce trends—retirements, diversity, retention—and propose structural changes to meet Agency needs.
• Provide expert consultation to resolve systematic HR challenges that impact staffing for international programs.
• Monitor performance of HR systems (e.g., NFC, HRConnect) and coordinate evaluation of contractor support services.

Location: Remote, must be willing and able to be on-site in VA on a regular basis

• Education: Master’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive federal HR experience, including 5+ years managing HR programs or teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in Foreign Service staffing, position management, classification, and federal HR policy.
• Mastery of Title 5, Title 22, FAM/FHFA, OPM/DSSR regulations, and executive-level workforce planning.
• Skilled in resolving high-stakes issues involving legal, political, and operational risk.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems (e.g., HRConnect, NFC) and analytic tools for policy and workforce evaluation.

The Company

We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let’s solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence.

We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015) and two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC).

Industry Recognition

Growth | Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C.

Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner – Mid-Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor’s HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Victory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more.  We invest in our employees – Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development.  Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities – virtual and in-person – e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.

Commitment Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity. We have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure our hiring practices align with these requirements.

As part of our VEVRAA compliance efforts, Kentro has established an equal opportunity plan outlining our commitment to recruiting, hiring, and advancing protected veterans. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.

We encourage protected veterans to self-identify during the application process. This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for reporting and compliance purposes as required by law. Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your employment eligibility.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity extends beyond legal compliance. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees, including protected veterans, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

How to Apply

To apply to Kentro Positions- Please click on the: “Apply for this Job” button at the bottom of this Job Description or the button at the top: “Application.”  Please upload your resume and complete all the application steps. You must submit the application for Kentro to consider you for a position.  If you need alternative application methods, please email [email protected] and request assistance.  

Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need to discuss reasonable accommodations, please email [email protected].