Course Instructor (Subject Matter Expert - SPAS)

Course Instructors serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) responsible for designing, updating, and delivering high-quality professional education to U.S. and interagency foreign affairs professionals. Instructors deliver interactive, adult-learning-focused courses that integrate regional, political, economic, cultural, and tradecraft perspectives aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Course Instructors operate with significant autonomy while coordinating closely with SPAS Course Chairs/Coordinators and the Contractor Program Manager (CPM). Instruction may occur domestically, internationally, or virtually and is tailored to experienced adult learners ranging from GS-5 through SES and Senior Foreign Service levels. SPAS Course Instructors are not lecturers-they are operational educators responsible for translating complex regional, political, economic, and cultural dynamics into actionable knowledge for U.S. foreign affairs professionals. Breadth of country expertise, instructional credibility, and adult-learning execution are mission-critical. Core Responsibilities Course Design & Preparation • Review and update existing syllabi, course grids, lesson plans, and instructional materials. • Develop new course content grounded in current research, policy developments, and regional expertise. • Incorporate adult learning theory, interactive methodologies, and experiential learning techniques. • Ensure all materials meet NFATC standards, formatting requirements, and Section 508 compliance. Course Delivery • Deliver instructor-led training using lectures, facilitated discussions, case studies, simulations, and guest speakers. • Engage students through dynamic, participatory instruction tailored to experienced professionals. • Integrate guest speakers from government, academia, think tanks, and international organizations when approved. • Manage classroom dynamics and ensure a professional, respectful learning environment. Assessment & Continuous Improvement • Use formative assessments (e.g., quizzes, group exercises, reflections) to monitor learning. • Review student evaluations and incorporate feedback into course improvements. • Participate in post-course after-action reviews with SPAS staff and the CPM. Administrative & Coordination Duties • Coordinate regularly with Course Chairs/Coordinators and the CPM before, during, and after courses. • Track student attendance and submit required documentation. • Support course logistics, classroom readiness, and virtual platform readiness. Requirements • Master's degree required (PhD preferred). • Minimum five (5) years of substantive expertise in the instructor's thematic, regional, or country specialization. • Minimum five (5) years of experience in adult education, professional training, or academic instruction. • Demonstrated ability to teach experienced adult learners using interactive methodologies. • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. • Experience delivering instruction in virtual or hybrid environments. • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate with U.S. Government stakeholders. Desired Qualifications • Prior experience with the Department of State, USAID, DoD, Intelligence Community, or international organizations. • Overseas professional experience or residence in assigned region. • Regional language proficiency. • Published research, policy analysis, or recognized professional contributions in area of expertise. Course-Specific Countries & Regions Supported by SPAS. The following list represents all countries and regional focus areas explicitly covered by SPAS courses, including regional overviews, sub-regional courses, language-integrated courses, and special offerings. Sub-Saharan Africa • East Africa • Central Africa • Southern Africa • West Africa (Country-specific instruction may include, but is not limited to: Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, etc.) East Asia & Pacific • China • Taiwan • Mongolia • Japan • South Korea • North Korea (contextual) • Mainland Southeast Asia • Maritime Southeast Asia • Australia • New Zealand • Pacific Island States Europe & Eurasia • Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) • Russia • Central Europe • Eastern Europe • Northern Europe & Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) • Southern Europe • Western Europe Near East & North Africa (NENA) • Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen) • Levant (Israel, West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria) • North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) • Iran • Iraq South & Central Asia • India • Pakistan • Afghanistan