Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F. Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience applying knowledge of foreign policy and international affairs to advise and lead protocol operations. Experience planning and executing official visits and functions (e.g. state dinners, ceremonies, and summits) for heads of government and senior officials. Experience communicating with embassy and foreign officials on U.S. protocol procedures and requirements. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position.