own bank account so that salary payments can be deposited directly. The eligibility rules applicable to regular employment apply to this program as well. Preference procedures apply to federal employment at NAS Sigonella, including the NEX and MWR. For example, Veteran’s preference regulations require selection of a qualified veteran with the applicable preference (i.e. military spouse or family member) ahead of an applicant without such preference. DoD also has a “Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Program” and “Family Member Preference Program.” Under the MSP program, best qualified military spouses are referred before family members (defined as spouses of federal employees, military spouses who do not have spouse preference and family members of civilian and military members). U.S. family members who are employed overseas in federal positions will be appointed under a Schedule “A” appointment. This is a dependent hire authority provided specifically for the employment of family members residing with their military or civilian sponsor stationed in a foreign area. Depending on the position and length of employment, family members may be eligible for a non-competitive appointment in the competitive service upon return to CONUS. It is important to note that it is DoD/DON policy to limit civilian employment to five years in foreign areas. Employees who are dependents of military or civilian personnel stationed in the overseas area are exempt from such limitation. However, the length of appointment is tied to the sponsor’s tour of duty and date of departure. Appointments may not be extended longer than the transfer from the area or the
Benvenuti a Sigonella
separation of the appointee’s sponsor, or beyond the time the employee ceases to be a family member. Finally, in addition to the requisites indicated above, U.S. employees, and U.S. citizen family members assigned to Sigonella, must have an official passport and visa for entry into Italy, regardless of dependent or employment status. It is important to note that U.S. citizens must satisfy the requirement of being considered “a member of the civilian component” as defined in the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). To meet this requirement, one must have been selected from the United States for assignment to a U.S. Government position in Italy, have travel orders, an official passport, a VISA issued from the Government of Italy for “missione” purposes, and be issued a sojourner’s permit upon arrival. Dependent family members who accompany their sponsor (civilian or military) must provide a copy of their official passport, “missione” VISA, sponsor’s travel orders, and sojourner’s permit for employment. Tourists are not eligible for employment with the U.S. Forces in Sigonella, Italy. If you are preparing to relocate to an overseas duty location or are already living overseas, you only need to visit www.USAJOBS.gov to find information on overseas employment opportunities. As the Federal Government’s official one-stop source for federal jobs and employment information, USAJOBS helps applicants conduct searches and apply for positions through a single, automated method. Applicants are strongly encouraged to store their appointment and preference documents in USAJOBS prior to relocating overseas so they will be readily available should they wish to apply for a job
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