Q A II April 6 2018.docx

Questions and Answers II - April 6, 2018

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF HUMAN RESOURCES

OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT, EXAMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT

2019 THOMAS R. PICKERING FOREIGN AFFAIRS GRADUATE

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY #: SFOP0004203

1. What is meant by the NOFO when it states “Counsel fellows on internship choices” (pg.11, section IV: Internships)? Does this entail securing placement sites?

The Recipient works with Fellows to identify their top three preferred Department of State Bureaus/Offices for their domestic and overseas internships. This does not entail securing placement sites. HR/REE secures the placement sites.

2. What is the number of semi-finalists that are expected to come to DC for the final interview process (as this affects the budgeting of that component)? Or is this number determined by the strength of the applicant pool and can be expected to vary from year to year?

The number of semi-finalists will be 60.

3. Can you clarify the structure of the selection committee and the total number of selectors that will be involved (Page 8, Part b. Structure of Selection Committees)?

The selection committee will consist of an interview panel and a writing panel. The interview panel will consist of three subpanels with three panelists assigned to each subpanel. The writing panel will be comprised of three panelists total.