U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker Announces Launch of U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Officer Recruitment Process

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced the opening of the 2014-2015 application process for U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Officer (Commercial Service Officer) positions. This new class of officers will support the ongoing expansion of the Commercial Service’s global footprint. In April, Secretary Pritzker unveiled plans to open new Commercial Service offices in Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Tunisia, China, and Burma. 

“Our Foreign Commercial Service Officers are a critical part of the Department’s efforts to expand U.S. exports and attract foreign investment to the United States,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Each day, these commercial diplomats help American businesses navigate and break into overseas markets, ultimately strengthening the U.S. economy and creating jobs here at home.” 

Commercial Service Officers are dedicated to assisting U.S. companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to compete in the global economy. Applications will be accepted via USAJOBS from now through December 19. The application is the first step in a process that generally occurs only once every two years.   

Successful applicants to this exciting international career opportunity will make up the next generation of commercial diplomats representing the U.S. government. In building this future cadre of leaders, the Department aims to recruit a highly qualified and diverse workforce that is reflective of the American people.   

“Our Commercial Service Officers help American businesses go global. They are essential to American competitiveness and prosperity in the 21^st century. Commercial Service Officers have a direct positive impact on the lives of American workers and on the prospects for our businesses,” Pritzker added. “Officers serving overseas provide in-country leadership, bringing our export promotion programs to life.” 

Officers advocate and intercede with foreign governments and trade organizations on behalf of the U.S. government and American companies, and develop and utilize an extensive network of host country contacts at the local, regional, and national levels. 

For more information about the application process, please visit http://www.trade.gov/jobs/world-of-opportunity.html.