Project Description

The United States Trade Representative

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and leading or directing negotiations with other countries on such matters. USTR refers both to the agency and to the agency head, the person who holds the position of U.S. Trade Representative. The U.S. Trade Representative is a Cabinet member who serves as the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade and related investment matters. Like the National Security Council or Council of Economic Advisors, USTR is part of the Executive Office of the President. Through an interagency structure, the USTR coordinates trade policy, resolves disagreements, and frames issues for Presidential decision.

 

Careers in The United States Trade Representative

Deputy Assistant Trade Representative

In this position you would serve as an expert advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for a specific foreign country. You would recommend policies and strategies which the U.S. should consider adopting on issues relating to that country. The representative negotiates and monitors implementation of trade agreements, including recent agreements with the World Trade Organization, as directed by the USTR. This role represents the U.S. government in bilateral and multilateral meetings to explain, promote, and defend U.S. government positions and policies and to seek solutions to bilateral trade problems.

  • Qualifications: Since this is a senior level position, you must have at least one year of related experience equivalent to the GS-14 level. This should be specialized experience in or directly related to work of the position. Your experience should have equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position successfully.

  • Internship: Undergraduate, graduate and recent grads can apply for the USTR semester-long internship. The experience is invaluable in gaining a first-hand look at conducting U.S. trade policy.