Home / Federal careers / GS-0130
Foreign Affairs
Federal position working in international relations, foreign policy development, diplomatic activities, and overseas operations for the State Department and other federal agencies.
What GS-0130 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0130, as written.
Degree: major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OR
Experience: four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0130
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Foreign Area Officer
Foreign affairs expertise. Highlight regional expertise, foreign relations, and analysis.
Skills that carry over: Regional Expertise, Foreign Relations, Analysis, Cultural Knowledge, Policy.
Usually opens at: GS-12, GS-13, GS-14.
Civil Affairs Specialist
Strong match for civil-military operations experience. Language and cultural skills valuable. Consider State Department, USAID, or DoD civilian positions.
Skills that carry over: Civil-military operations, Interagency coordination, Needs assessment, Cultural engagement, Governance support.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Intelligence Specialist
Foreign Affairs — ISs with international maritime intelligence or foreign partner liaison experience qualify. State Department, DHS, and DOD hire for foreign affairs positions involving threat analysis and international cooperation.
Skills that carry over: International affairs, Foreign partner coordination, Geopolitical analysis, Policy analysis, Diplomatic communication.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Analyze foreign policy issues
- Prepare briefing materials
- Coordinate international programs
- Negotiate agreements
- Represent US interests
- Monitor foreign developments
- Draft diplomatic correspondence
- Advise on policy matters
- Coordinate with agencies
- Support diplomatic missions
Key competencies
Foreign Policy
Knowledge of U.S. foreign policy objectives and processes.
International Relations
Understanding of international political dynamics.
Country/Regional Expertise
Expert knowledge of specific countries or regions.
Diplomatic Skills
Ability to negotiate and represent U.S. interests.
Political Analysis
Skill in analyzing foreign political situations and trends.
Report Writing
Ability to prepare cables, briefings, and policy papers.
Cross-Cultural Communication
Skill in working across cultures effectively.
Language Skills
Proficiency in foreign languages (often required).
Crisis Management
Ability to respond to international crises and emergencies.
Interagency Coordination
Skill in coordinating with other U.S. agencies.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0130
What is a Foreign Affairs Specialist?
A GS-0130 Foreign Affairs Specialist works in international relations, foreign policy development, and diplomatic activities. These professionals analyze foreign policy issues, coordinate international programs, and support U.S. diplomatic missions at the State Department and other federal agencies with international responsibilities.
How much does a Foreign Affairs Specialist make?
Foreign Affairs Specialists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale following two-grade intervals. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually. Overseas assignments may include additional allowances.
What are the requirements for GS-0130 positions?
GS-0130 positions require education and/or experience in international relations, political science, history, or related fields. Entry-level positions accept relevant degrees. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in foreign policy, international programs, or diplomatic operations.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0130?
Military experience in foreign area officer programs, international affairs, civil affairs, or overseas assignments provides excellent preparation. Those with language skills, cultural expertise, or experience working with foreign militaries have directly applicable backgrounds. Security clearances from military service are valuable.
What is the career progression for Foreign Affairs Specialist?
The career ladder follows two-grade intervals (GS-7/9/11/12/13/14). Entry-level specialists support international programs. GS-11/12 specialists manage country portfolios or program areas. Senior positions involve policy leadership and may lead to Foreign Service or SES appointments.
How do I apply for GS-0130 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Foreign Affairs' or '0130' series. Major employers include State Department, USAID, and Defense. Your federal resume should highlight international experience, language proficiency, regional expertise, and any overseas assignments. Security clearance eligibility is typically required.
Ready to apply for GS-0130?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.