You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Candidates for the GS-12 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized Experience is defined as having experience in (3) of the (6) following (experience must be reflected in resume): Candidates for the GS-13 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized Experience is defined as having experience in (5) of the (6) following (experience must be reflected in resume): Specialized experience for this position includes: Knowledge of employee training and development concepts, policies, practices, regulations, and procedures to develop and administer programs that meet the organization's needs and facilitate a well-trained and developed workforce. Expert experience in instructional course design and development to collaborate with program professionals and vendors in developing appropriate and valid training programs and materials. Experience in the techniques and practices of training and development needs assessment to conduct an ongoing needs assessment program and to assist managers and employees in the use of individual development plans. Expert knowledge of analysis and evaluation techniques and methods to assess the effectiveness of training and development programs, identify shortfalls and problems, and develop recommendations to enhance program performance. Experience in the ability to evaluate off-the-shelf training and development materials and externally developed courses, coupled with the ability to research and develop materials in unfamiliar subject matter areas to assess the application of such materials and courses in meeting current and future training and development needs. Advanced oral and written communication skills to prepare reports, make presentations, discuss training and development needs with staff and external vendors, and conduct training and self-assessment programs.