International Cooperation
Coordinates international cooperation initiatives and manages relationships with foreign governments.
💰GS-0136 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| 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 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0136
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0136
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal international cooperation position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0136
Foreign Area Officer
Navy Foreign Area Officers specialize in international diplomacy and cooperation, providing a direct skill set match for this GS series.
Foreign Area Officer
Foreign Area Officers have direct experience in managing international relations and negotiating agreements, making them ideal candidates for international cooperation roles.
Civil Affairs Specialist
Civil Affairs Specialists are trained to work with foreign governments and manage international relationships, aligning well with international cooperation roles.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Coordinate international programs
- •Manage foreign relationships
- •Negotiate international agreements
- •Analyze international issues
- •Support diplomatic initiatives
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to manage international cooperation programs.
Skill in working with foreign governments and organizations.
Ability to work effectively across different cultures.
Skill in negotiating agreements and partnerships.
Ability to analyze international policy issues.
Knowledge of foreign assistance and grant management.
Skill in written and oral communication in international contexts.
Proficiency in foreign languages (often required).
Ability to coordinate multi-national projects.
Understanding of international cooperation regulations.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0136
What is an International Cooperation Specialist?
A GS-0136 International Cooperation Specialist coordinates international partnerships, manages relationships with foreign governments, and facilitates cooperative programs. These professionals support defense cooperation, international development, scientific collaboration, and diplomatic initiatives across federal agencies.
How much does an International Cooperation Specialist make?
International Cooperation Specialists earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually. Overseas assignments may include additional allowances and benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-0136 positions?
GS-0136 positions require education and/or experience in international relations, foreign affairs, or program management. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in managing international partnerships, foreign military sales, or cooperative programs.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0136?
Military experience with foreign military sales, security cooperation, international liaison, or overseas partnership programs is directly applicable. Those who worked with allied forces, managed FMS cases, or coordinated international training programs have relevant experience that translates well.
What is the career progression for International Cooperation Specialist?
The career ladder typically follows GS-9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level specialists support program coordination. GS-12/13 specialists manage country programs or partnership portfolios. Senior positions involve program direction and policy development for international cooperation initiatives.
How do I apply for GS-0136 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'International Cooperation' or '0136' series. Major employers include DoD, State Department, and USAID. Your federal resume should highlight international program experience, language skills, and cross-cultural coordination. Security clearance eligibility is typically required.
Ready to Apply for GS-0136?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.