The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is seeking an experienced official to serve as an Attache in Panama City. This pivotal role functions within the Office of International Affairs, requiring a GS-15 level candidate capable of managing complex border security operations and international law enforcement coordination. You will act as the primary liaison between CBP and host country authorities, facilitating intelligence exchange and reciprocal treaty administration. Working in this capacity necessitates a deep understanding of federal operations and the ability to navigate delicate diplomatic landscapes while upholding agency core values of integrity, vigilance, and dedicated service.

Candidates must be existing permanent competitive service employees or eligible via the Career Transition Assistance Plan. You will spend your time planning, directing, and evaluating CBP operations throughout the assigned area of responsibility. Success in this role demands the creation of project plans and initiatives that align with broader U.S. Government international goals. You'll also provide technical assistance to foreign partners, ensuring border security standards meet established international benchmarks. The nature of this assignment means you aren't just performing office tasks; you're actively managing cross-border controversies and negotiating with foreign representatives to settle law enforcement disputes.

Logistics for this role are rigid. Since this is an NTE appointment, you retain rights to your previous position, but you aren't eligible for retirement while serving overseas in this capacity. If you approach retirement eligibility, you must return to your home office of record at least two full pay periods before retiring. Returns to your original domestic location are prioritized by the agency but aren't strictly guaranteed, as operational needs fluctuate. You'll need to stay current with locality pay tables and special rate charts provided by the agency. The physical move involves Government Bill of Lading documentation for all household items. Intelligence analysis is a central pillar of this job, as you will evaluate information from diverse sources to provide actionable recommendations to federal agencies and foreign government officials. Your work impacts how U.S. security interests are perceived and protected in the region. Maintaining working relationships with Embassy staff and host country leaders is essential for the seamless execution of international security programs. This post demands high-level administrative coordination and the capacity to lead CBP functions across international boundaries, requiring constant adherence to agency policies and federal travel regulations for all transit and household goods management.