Federal

Senior Trade Representative (Beijing) (Minister Counselor for Trade Affairs)

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Β· Executive Office of the President
πŸ“ Washington, District of Columbia SL-00 $151,661 - $209,600/yr
Posted: Feb 3, 2026 Deadline: Feb 17, 2026 (Closes in 2 days days left)

About This Position

This position is located in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The incumbent serves as Senior Trade Representative in Beijing, responsible for providing support in the development, coordination and implementation of U.S. trade policy strategies with China. The selectee will be temporarily assigned to Washington, DC until all travel arrangements are final for relocation to Beijing, China. Mandarin language skills are preferred, but not mandatory

Qualifications

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. MTQ 1.Describe your experience across all facets of trade issues involving China, including your knowledge and understanding of U.S. policy governing relations with China, and your experience securing cooperation with the Chinese government and other foreign counterparts, governments, and senior level officials. MTQ 2. Describe your experience developing policy positions on issues related to the negotiation and administration of U.S. trade agreements, as well as your knowledge and understanding of domestic and international laws, rules, and regulations and how they affect trade policy. MTQ 3. Describe your skillset preparing written analyses of international trade issues and policy options papers and in making oral presentations of technical information.

Major Duties

As a Senior Trade Representative (Beijing) (Minister Counselor for Trade Affairs), SL-0301-00, your typical work assignments may include the following: Supports senior USTR officials in connection with developing and implementing the U.S. trade policy agenda with China. Represents the USTR on a broad range of policymaking and negotiating assignments . Serves as a member of the Embassy's country team and the chief advisor on trade policy matters within the Embassy. Leads research effort in Beijing to understand restrictive PRC trade and market access policies, particularly ones that discriminate against U.S. goods and services in the Chinese economy. Participates in interagency and intergovernmental discussions on formulation and implementation of U.S. economic policy. Meets regularly in the U.S. and abroad with foreign government officials and U.S. private industry representatives to discuss trade problems and concerns and provide advice in developing policy and negotiating strategies.

Education

This position does not have an education requirement.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above. TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Applications will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel; the panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official. Highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.

Additional Information

Veterans' preference applies to SL positions and will be applied accordingly: A Veteran with preference will receive first consideration for this position before all non-preference eligibles. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Main_Page Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternative Application. OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.

Required Documents

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible). Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. 1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Level (SL) must include evidence of TQs. 2. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable: CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee. DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities. DD-214 must be a Member 4 or Service 2 copy which reflects the type of discharge/character of service. Non-competitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable. Career Transition Assistant Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) 3. RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS: It is strongly recommended that applicants provide their most recent performance evaluation, if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Senior Trade Representative (Beijing) (Minister Counselor for Trade Affairs) position at Office of the U.S. Trade Representative?
The salary range for this position is $151,661 - $209,600/yr. This is a SL-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Senior Trade Representative (Beijing) (Minister Counselor for Trade Affairs) job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification re...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 17, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does SL-00 mean?
SL-00 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.