Serving as a CIA contractor can be both exciting and involving. As a CIA contracting officer, you serve as a member of a team of professionals who provide critical support in facilitating the functions of the intelligence Agency. The job entails the utilization of innovative business practices to manage a variety of complex contracts, and the aim is to obtain the best value of the agency resources on behalf of the U.S. Government. The average annual salary for a full-time CIA contractor is $79,000.
Education and Training
Women aspiring to acquire the position of a CIA contractor should demonstrate experience and knowledge with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). You should also be conversant with U.S. contracting practices. In addition, you must possess educational qualification of an accredited bachelor’s degree in business-related fields such as finance, management and economics. An advanced accredited degree in Public Administration or Law is desirable for a better job prospect.
Certification and Licence
The various certifications desirable for this job include a Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM). Whereas a license is not a prerequisite, you should have at least one of the above certifications to acquire the legal basis to perform your job duties.
Qualities and Skills
CIA contractors spend most of their time in outdoor service activities such as evaluating the welfare of agency clients. Anyone eying the position must therefore possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills. This facilitates coherent response and swift conflict resolution among your clients and junior officers. You must also have exceptional customer service skills and the ability to multitask in a busy environment. Excellent writing and oral communication skills are also desirable qualities.
Applying for the Job
Only U.S. citizens can apply for the position of a CIA contractor. The application process entails a series of tests that you must pass to qualify. You must successfully complete an online occupational and cognitive test and a thorough medical test, followed by an extensive background investigation. The aim is to ensure that you have a clear criminal record and have not used illegal drugs within the last year. You must also pass a polygraph interview to verify your honesty, discretion and ability to handle classified information.
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Writer Bio
Clyde Bentley has been a writer since 2001, specializing in career and business articles. He worked as a copywriter for a New York City fashion ad agency and copy edited for the McGraw-Hill Book Company. Bentley holds a Master of Arts in journalism, minor in management from The University of Texas at Austin.