FAS Foreign Service Professional Competencies | Operational Effectiveness - FAS Vice President

Operational Effectiveness

Sub-skills Level I (FS-04/03) Level II (FS-02/01) Level III (SFS)

Strategy Development Develops own work objectives and effective performance measures jointly with supervisor; contributes to the formulation of realistic short and long-term strategies for the team and/or work unit that are consistent with the Agency’s strategic objectives, involving stakeholders as appropriate; demonstrates understanding of the Agency’s strategic goals and how the division’s work helps achieve them. Effectively develops work objectives for self and work unit with input from staff, other program areas and stakeholders, as appropriate; devises effective performance indicators; manages long and short-term strategy development consistent with achievement of work objectives and the Agency’s strategic plan involving staff, other program areas and stakeholders, as appropriate; anticipates potential threats and opportunities; takes into account the needs of multiple stakeholders and the economic and policy environment for achieving results. Leads strategy development consistent with Agency goals, opportunities and constraints; ensures that managers, supervisors, team leaders and other relevant staff develop work objectives, strategies and performance indicators consistent with the Agency’s strategic plan; ensures that relevant staff and appropriate stakeholders are involved in the planning process; demonstrates a comprehensive perspective spanning domestic and global political and economic considerations and stakeholders’ priorities; understands the policy environment and its impact on achieving Agency objectives.

Strategy Execution and Accountability Executes strategies to achieve objectives; monitors and evaluates program and activity implementation based on identified performance indicators; recommends improvements and alternative approaches, as appropriate; continually strives for improvement; holds self accountable for delivering results; ensures that projects and activities within areas of specific responsibility are completed in a timely manner and within budget. Manages strategy execution for teams/work unit; holds self and employees accountable for strategy execution and achieving strategic objectives; ensures effective systems are in place for assessing results, revising tactics, and realigning resources; uses results of program and activity evaluations to improve programs/activities and realign resources, as necessary; acts with urgency; collaborates across boundaries and beyond the scope of job assignments; sets high standards for self and others. Implements the Agency’s strategic plan to achieve desired results overcoming obstacles and leveraging resources to maximize efficiency and organizational effectiveness; oversees systematic program and activity evaluation to measure results and enhance efficiency and effectiveness; realigns resources, as necessary, to achieve desired results; holds staff accountable for executing strategies and ensures all relevant staff and stakeholders are working together toward valid set of objectives; communicates with senior management, staff, and stakeholders to obtain their input and to clarify priorities and expectation; routinely challenges own thinking and that of staff.

Problem Solving and Decisiveness Identifies issues within context of own job which require decisions or other action; arrives at recommendations in a logical, orderly manner; acts confidently and decisively within own purview, consulting others as appropriate; is sensitive to needs and opinions of others; takes responsibility for the consequences of own decisions. Makes reasoned, effective, and timely decisions after considering the costs, benefits and consequences of each alternative, even when data are limited or conflicting or will produce unpleasant consequences; considers impact on people when making decisions; admits mistakes and makes adjustments as necessary; takes responsibility for the consequences of own and staff’s decisions. Develops insight into problems and obstacles facing the agency; integrates policy and administrative factors into problem solving and decision making in a manner enhancing the entire organization; encourages staff to accept responsibility; pushes decision making down to the lowest level at which competent decisions can be made; sees problems as opportunities.

Technical Credibility/
Substantive Job Knowledge Develops the knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve results; applies analytical ability, knowledge of agricultural trade principles, and knowledge of relevant technology to achieve work objectives; skilled in gathering and analyzing economic information and making program and/or policy recommendations to achieve FAS strategic goals; develops a high level of technical expertise in at least two key FAS functional areas; understands and appropriately applies FAS policies and procedures. Applies broad knowledge of agricultural trade principles, FAS policies and procedures, and technical requirements to develop and implement policies, procedures and strategies to achieve work unit objectives, solve problems and achieve results in keeping with the Agency’s strategic plan; ensures staff obtain appropriate technical guidance and training in order to optimize performance; demonstrates effective application of operational, administrative and personnel systems to achieve FAS strategic objectives. Demonstrates the technical credibility and substantive job knowledge necessary to effectively carry out executive responsibilities; effectively develops, implements and coordinates policy, procedures and strategies to achieve results in keeping with the Agency’s strategic plan; designs and implements the most cost-effective and efficient methods of performing work by reengineering processes and capitalizing on technology and available resources.