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U.S. International Trade Commission

Confidential Assistant

U.S. International Trade Commission See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $70,623/year
  • Washington, DC
October 2, 2026

Job Description


Duties

The Office of Commissioner Peter-Anthony Pappas seeks a candidate who is thorough and detail-oriented, and able to engage with Commission staff at all levels. The candidate should possess superior writing, communication, and organizational skills, and the ability to handle large volumes of information with precision.

Though not required, an ideal candidate would have an interest in learning about the substantive areas of the Commission's work under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g., antidumping and countervailing duty investigations), under Section 332 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g., factfinding investigations on international trade), and under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (e.g., intellectual property and competitiveness matters).

As Confidential Assistant to the Commissioner, you will:

  • Primarily manage the Office of the Commissioner, which includes managing the calendar and files of the Commissioner, scheduling and organizing meetings and events, booking travel, records management, coordinating office workflow, and assisting the other aides to the Commissioner on administrative matters.
  • Interface with other offices in the agency and work with all levels of staff, as well as outside stakeholders.
  • Maintain National Security Information, handle confidential business information, and assist the Commissioner with sensitive matters.
  • Work on special projects involving research or data collection and assist the Commissioner's other aides on their work under Title VII, Section 332, and Section 337. Prior knowledge of and experience working in these areas is not required.
Due to the level of the organization that this position operates in, you will be required to keep confidences, and you must be able to adjust to changes in direction and perform effectively under pressure. There is a high degree of interaction and collaboration with the other Commissioner offices, so the incumbent must have excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and judgment. Sensitivity to confidential matters is required. Though not required, an ideal candidate would have demonstrated experience working in public policy or international trade.

NOTE: THIS POSITION WILL BE FILLED USING THE SCHEDULE C HIRING AUTHORITY. AGENCIES MAY SEPARATE SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES AT ANY TIME IF THE CONFIDENTIAL OR POLICY-DETERMINING RELATIONSHIP ENDS BETWEEN THE INCUMBENT AND THEIR SUPERVISOR.

SCHEDULE C APPOINTEES ARE NOT COVERED BY STATUTORY REMOVAL PROCEDURES AND GENERALLY HAVE NO RIGHTS TO APPEAL REMOVAL ACTIONS TO THE MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD.


Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
  • You may be required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement
Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to perform the following tasks:

  • Respond on behalf of a senior staff member or managerial official;
  • Prepare a variety of correspondence which includes the development of standardized responses or editing to fit a particular task;
  • Advanced knowledge of computer software which includes selecting the best application for the task and combining programs to prepare advanced documents and reports;
  • Meeting and greeting of executive level or international visitors;
  • Serving as a personal assistant to executive-level individuals that required maintaining confidences and handling of sensitive information.
This is a Schedule C position, which does not afford permanent civil service status. If selected, you will be required to sign a statement that you have been informed of the employment status of this position.

Education

While there is no positive education requirement for this position, the most highly-qualified applicant would have a minimum of a 4-year academic degree, in a field of study that demonstrates competency in the key requirements of the position. In addition, formal education in the mission of the Commission is highly desirable. We encourage all applications to submit copies of their unofficial transcripts.

Additional information

1. If you are a male applicant who was born after December 31, 1959, you are required to certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit www.sss.gov.

2. Time period to meet qualifications: All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

3. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials and employment history will be verified as part of the security clearance process.

4. Excepted service appointments: This position is in the Excepted Service and therefore, does not confer rights to permanent Civil Service status.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Salary
  • $70,623/year


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