Foreign Service Staffing HR Specialist - FSS HR Specialist

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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 Specialist 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 Specialist serves as a key operational resource within the Foreign Service Center (FSC) under the Office of Human Capital and Talent Management (HCTM). This role supports the full lifecycle of Foreign Service (FS) human capital needs—from recruitment and onboarding through assignments and career development. The incumbent works closely with senior HR specialists to address complex staffing, classification, placement, and policy issues, while also participating in the development and implementation of regulations, standards, and advisory services that support Agency-wide Foreign Service operations.

Responsibilities:

Human Resources Advisory Services (60%)

• Provide technical HR guidance to FSC leadership and management on FS staffing, recruitment, assignment, and personnel matters.
• Resolve complex HR issues related to position management, performance, grievance handling, and regulatory interpretation.
• Serve as a resource on FS-specific HR policies, providing in-depth responses to queries involving eligibility, benefits, and overseas service issues.
• Conduct case-by-case analyses to advise on exceptions, special staffing actions, and critical placement decisions.
• Liaise with Employee & Labor Relations, the Office of General Counsel, AFSA, and regional bureaus on sensitive or high-visibility issues.
• Train junior specialists and assistants on appropriate handling of personnel issues, including insurance, long-term care, and life events.

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

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in federal HR, preferably involving foreign affairs agencies.
• Familiarity with FS staffing, recruitment, benefits, and regulatory frameworks including the Foreign Service Act of 1980, Title 22, ADS, FAM, and FAH.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills with ability to interpret and apply complex federal HR policies.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication, including policy writing and briefing senior stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in high-pressure, cross-functional environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting HR operations for overseas staff or in a mission-driven federal agency.
• Training or certification in staffing, classification, or federal HR policy.
• Knowledge of USAID organizational structure and global workforce model.

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].