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
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