Course Instructor (Subject Matter Expert – SPAS)

Description

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