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Foreign Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$49K - $115K/yr

Skill in applying basic principles, concepts and practices of foreign affairs sufficient to perform entry-level assignments in work associated with advising or performing research in international ...

$49K/yr

Skill in applying basic principles, concepts and practices of foreign affairs sufficient to perform entry-level assignments in work associated with advising or performing research in international ...

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Foreign Affairs information

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$15

$34

$145

How much do foreign affairs jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for foreign affairs in the United States is $34.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Foreign Affairs, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Foreign Affairs often encounter challenges such as navigating complex international protocols, adapting to rapidly changing global events, and managing cross-cultural communications. Successfully handling these challenges requires strong diplomatic skills, continuous learning about global trends, and effective teamwork with colleagues both domestically and abroad. Building resilience, staying informed, and fostering open communication within the team are essential for managing the fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable nature of the role.

What is the difference between Foreign Affairs vs Diplomat?

AspectForeign AffairsDiplomat
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in international relations, political science, or related field; often a master's or diplomatic trainingSimilar credentials; diplomatic training and government service experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, international organizations, think tanksEmbassies, consulates, international negotiations
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment departments, NGOs, international bodiesForeign service, diplomatic missions, government
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on policy, international relations, and government workFocuses on representing country abroad, negotiations, and diplomatic duties

Foreign Affairs professionals analyze international policies and advise governments or organizations, while diplomats actively represent their country abroad, engaging in negotiations and diplomatic relations. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within government or international settings, but their primary functions differ: policy analysis versus diplomatic representation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Foreign Affairs, and why are they important?

To thrive in Foreign Affairs, you need a strong background in international relations, political science, and cross-cultural communication, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with diplomatic protocols, foreign languages, and tools such as data analysis software and international policy databases is highly valued. Exceptional negotiation, adaptability, and interpersonal skills help build trust and navigate complex global issues. These skills are crucial for effectively representing national interests, fostering international cooperation, and addressing global challenges.

What are foreign affairs professionals?

Foreign affairs professionals are individuals who work on managing and analyzing the relationships between their home country and other nations. They may serve as diplomats, policy analysts, international relations advisors, or work within government agencies and international organizations. Their responsibilities often include representing their country abroad, negotiating treaties, advising on global issues, and helping to shape foreign policy. These professionals play a crucial role in promoting international cooperation, security, and understanding.
More about Foreign Affairs jobs
What cities are hiring for Foreign Affairs jobs? Cities with the most Foreign Affairs job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Foreign Affairs jobs? The most popular types of Foreign Affairs jobs are:
What states have the most Foreign Affairs jobs? States with the most job openings for Foreign Affairs jobs include:
Infographic showing various Foreign Affairs job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,960 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

US Department of the Air Force

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$143K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Position, Foreign Affairs Series, 0130.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPECIALIST 0130 SERIES: A Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) or a degree with a major or equivalent, or a combination of courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities; or 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics/quantitative methods. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. Courses equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, as shown above. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
OR
EXPERIENCE:
Four years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs. Evaluation of Experience: Qualifying experience may have been through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries.
AND
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes mastery knowledge of wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of foreign affairs complex management processes, providing political-military affairs expertise and policy oversight of Air Force plans, programs, and requirements involving international affairs for assigned AOR; directs Security Assistance programs in the regions and national security issues to ensure National and Joint objectives are incorporated across Air Force strategies, plans, policies, and processes; Expert knowledge of analysis, formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, negotiating effectively with management to accept recommendations relating to the political-military nature of the United States with other governments working with the US Ambassador's staff and their Country Teams to assess and support country requirements in the regions; Comprehensive knowledge and ability to evaluate content of new or modified legislation for projected impact upon the agency's programs or resources, to research and analyze information/situations to provide sound advice and recommendations in support of senior Air Force officials' decision-making, interfacing directly with both countries' embassies in Washington DC and their headquarters throughout all regions by serving as the focal point for all weapon systems sales, transfers, transfers, and support provided through Foreign Military Sales.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of national security issues and of Security Cooperation laws, regulations, policies and procedures to ensure National and Joint objectives are incorporated across Air Force strategies, plans, policies, and processes.
2. Knowledge of the formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, primarily of a political-military nature, of the United States with other governments; having experience with Air Force operations, aircraft, and acquisition of weapons system programs.
3. Skill and ability to research and analyze information/situations to provide sound advice and recommendations in support of senior Air Force officials decision-making.
4. Skill and ability to plan, organize, and direct team study work and to negotiate effectively with other action officers, senior analysts, and management to accept and implement recommendations, where the proposals involve substantial agency resources, require extensive changes in established procedures, or may be in conflict with the desires of the activity studied.
5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to justify, defend, present, advocate and/or advise on AF positions-including to very senior audiences.
6. Ability to synthesize complex, often competing, information and viewpoints to determine best course of action and advocate recommendations across the Air Staff and broader DoD, and to senior Air Force leaders.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER