International Activities & Research Partnerships Specialist (SME II)

Overview

Ocean science and atmospheric research do not stop at national borders — and neither do you. As the International Activities & Research Partnerships Specialist supporting NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) International Activities Office, you will serve as a critical link between NOAA's world-class research enterprise and the global scientific, diplomatic, and interagency communities that depend on it. You will prepare briefing materials for senior NOAA leadership heading into international meetings, synthesize complex information from across the OAR portfolio into actionable documents for government and foreign counterparts, track international travel and engagement across OAR labs and programs, and help develop and expand NOAA's relationships with the embassies, research institutions, and international organizations that advance shared scientific goals. This role is built for someone with the analytical depth to understand research priorities, the diplomatic instinct to navigate the international space, and the organizational discipline to keep a complex global portfolio moving without missing a beat.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote:

• This position is primarily remote with ad hoc in-person support at SSMC3, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 as needed
• Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays
• Local and non-local travel may be required, including international travel; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. 

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and synthesize information from a variety of sources into portfolio summaries, implementation plans, and other documents for review by and submission to OAR and NOAA leadership and international counterparts
• Prepare briefing materials, memos, and talking points for OAR International Activities colleagues, OAR leadership, and NOAA leadership in preparation for interagency and international meetings and events
• Attend seminars, conferences, presentations, and laboratory and program reviews to deepen understanding of NOAA and OAR programs, U.S. foreign policy objectives, and ongoing international affairs in support of NOAA's international research goals
• Provide substantive and logistical staff support for the preparation, execution, and follow-up of international meetings, workshops, and events related to the assigned portfolio
• Refresh and maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for routine activities including the international travel process and best practices for office records management
• Track OAR international engagements, liaise with government points of contact from assigned labs and programs to obtain additional information, and support the OAR IA team lead in tracking approved and in-process submissions
• Maintain materials summarizing OAR laboratory and program capabilities and priorities in the international space; produce alternate versions as appropriate for NOAA leadership, the science community, international partners, and interagency leadership
• Develop and expand relationships with relevant counterparts from the national and international science community, embassies, and institutions relevant to assigned geographic and subject matter responsibilities
• Liaise and coordinate with OAR headquarters, lab, and program staff as assigned

Qualifications

Required: 

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — International Relations, Political Science, Environmental Science, Ocean or Atmospheric Science, Public Policy, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired: 

• Demonstrated experience supporting international activities, bilateral partnerships, or interagency coordination for a federal science agency or research organization
• Experience preparing executive-level briefing materials, talking points, and portfolio summaries for senior government or diplomatic audiences
• Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy objectives relevant to science diplomacy, environmental research, and international ocean or atmospheric programs
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills; ability to distill complex, multi-source information into clear, concise documents under tight deadlines
• Experience coordinating international travel logistics, processing travel requests, and maintaining engagement tracking systems for a federal program
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with counterparts from foreign governments, international scientific organizations, and embassies
• Experience attending and providing staff support for international conferences, workshops, or diplomatic meetings
• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages relevant to NOAA's international partnerships is a plus
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance; international travel required

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

$102,866.40 - $108,280.42 depending on experience, education, and clearance level.