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