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Career Opportunities

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of Inspector General
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Criminal Investigator - GS-1811-07/11
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 07-08-NJ
Salary Range: 37,640.00 - 72,421.00 USD per year
Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP)
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 11
OPENING DATE: Wednesday, August 22, 2007
CLOSING DATE: Friday, September 21, 2007

LOCATION: Duty Location: 1 vacancy - Washington, DC

POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time Permanent

Applications will be accepted from current and former competitive service Federal employees, and people eligible under special hiring authorities.

Job Summary:

Key Requirements:

  • Background and/or Security Investigation required.
  • Designated and/or Random Drug Testing required.
  • Age Restriction
  • Major Duties:

    You will serve as a Criminal Investigator under the direction of the Special Agent In Charge and will plan, organize and conduct investigations related to USAID programs involving alleged violations of U.S. criminal and civil laws and USAID regulations by Agency employees, contractors, grantees or other entities. You will be responsible for developing and evaluating reactive and proactive investigative plans for sensitive, complex, criminal investigations and other special investigative projects to determine the validity of allegations, scope of illegal activity or administrative mismanagement and maintain the integrity of Agency programs.

    These investigations often involve U.S. and foreign Agency contractors; senior career and appointed officials of the agency, as well as foreign citizens in the United States and abroad. The violations include but are not limited to false statements, conflict of interest, bribery, theft, kickbacks, antitrust, conspiracy, procurement integrity, and violations under the standards of ethical conduct.

    Other duties include interviewing witnesses, interrogating subjects, obtaining statements, making arrest, executing search and seizure warrants, and testifying before the grand jury, trial court, and special hearings. You will utilize investigative techniques including use and development of informants, undercover operations, searching for evidence, surveillance, financial analysis, and obtaining evidence through the use of tools such as recording devices, technical equipment, and subpoenas. You will work closely with other USAID personnel, law enforcement organizations, and professional business communities in resolving alleged violations of criminal and/or civil laws, or administrative regulations.

    You will coordinate prosecutive activities with federal, state, and local prosecutorial authorities; prepare reports of investigations to be used in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings; report investigative findings, as necessary; and assist authorities in the development and execution of judicial and/or administrative actions.

    Qualifications:

    You must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this job that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform. Typically we would find this experience in work within this field or a field that is closely related.

    GS-07:    1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5 level in the Federal government. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: (1) formal training in the laws and regulations enforced or applied, investigative techniques available for Federal investigators, rules of evidence that are applicable in criminal and non-criminal court cases, preparations of reports, investigative procedures and use of firearm. (2) performing segments of investigations, interviewing, verifying facts and obtaining specific information; (3) securing signed statements, affidavits and documenting evidence.

    *Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

    1.    Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the colloge, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

    2.    Grade point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of:

    a.    3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ('B' or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or

    b.    3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ('B+' or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

    3.    Election to membership in a national scholatic honor society- Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. The honor societies are listed in the Association of College Honor Societies: Booklet of Information (1992-95) and/or Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (1991). Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision.

    GS-09:    Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. J.D., if related or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: (1) observation of higher grade investigative work assignments, study of assigned material pertinent to cases, interviewing employees, officials in and out of Government, and others for the purpose of verifying facts and obtaining specific information (2) securing signed statements, affidavits and documentary evidence to be included in reports or case records; (3) interviewing witnesses and other persons, both informally at formally recorded conferences.

    GS-11:    PH.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related or 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: (1) perform full range of investigative functions on assigned straightforward issues or persons that are not controversial, cases or portion of cases, from planning through fact-finding to reporting the results of the investigations; (2) closes case, e.g., through arrest or report; (3) manning one fixed post at a time and watching and reporting on one or two suspects.

    You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.

    You will be required to maintain firearm proficiency and carry a firearm while performing the duties of this position.

    You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed into this position.

    In order to qualify for this position, you must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

    You can be appointed into this position as long as you have not reached your 37th birthday.

    You must meet time-in-grade restrictions by the closing date of this announcement.

    CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Appointment to this position is contingent upon successful completion of a full field background investigation and issuance of a 'TOP SECRET' clearance. Prior to appointment, the applicant will be asked to complete a 'Declaration for Federal Employment' (OF-306). The information collected on this form is used to determine applicant's suitability for federal employment. The applicant may be asked to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in the application/resume. The applicant must answer all questions truthfully and completely. A false statement on any part of the declaration or attached forms may be grounds for not hiring the applicant, or for termination after being hired.


  • Applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver's license upon appointment and be able to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle.


  • Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination by an Agency designated physician to determine if they are physically and medically qualified to perform the full duties of the position. Any physical condition which could hinder an individual's full, efficient and safe performance of his/her duties as a criminal investigator, or failure to meet any of the required physical or medical qualifications, will usually be considered disqualifying for employment, except when sufficient evidence is presented that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job efficiently and without hazard to themselves and others. Applicants who refuse to submit to the required examinations will not be considered for employment as criminal investigators. Medical examinations may be performed by a family doctor, in which case USAID will reimburse the candidate, otherwise, the examination may be conducted at the Agency's medical facility in Washington, DC.


  • Applicant must have satisfactorily completed the Basic Criminal Investigative Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, or its equivalent.


  • Applicants for this position are required to qualify with and use firearms and other weapons as part of assigned duties and to maintain such qualifications. Because of an amendment to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9), which became effective September 30, 1996, and is referred to as the Lautenberg Amendment, applicants are ineligible for this position in at ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant received a pardon.


  • Continuing employment in this position is contingent upon: (1) maintaining eligibility for a top-secret clearance in a position which has been designated as critical-sensitive; (2) maintaining criteria outlined in USAID/OIG/I Policy Directive 723, Health and Fitness Program for Criminal Investigators; (3) willingness to travel domestically and overseas as necessary; (4) work an average of 2 extra hours a day to meet the requirements of law enforcement availability pay (LEAP) as described in Title 5 U.S.C. 5545a(d)(1); (5)willingness to carry and use a firearm in the execution of official duties; and (6) compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment. Because of an amendment to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9), which became effective September 30, 1996, and is referred to as the Lautenberg Amendment, applicants are ineligible for this position if at ANY time they have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside or the applicant received a pardon.


  • SPECIAL NOTE:    This position is covered under the special retirement provisions for law enforcement officers. Applicants that have no prior series 1811 criminal investigator experience must meet the maximum age for entry into a 'covered position' which is the date immediately preceding the applicant's 37th birthday and must be able to retire at the mandatory age of 57 with 20 years of service as an 1811 criminal investigator. In order to receive consideration, you must include your date of birth in your application package.

    OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:    The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints are required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels.

    Since the duties of these positions are arduous and responsible, involving activities under challenging conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself, or other, is disqualifying.

    How You Will Be Evaluated:

    You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledges, skills, and abilities associated with this position as defined below. When describing your knowledges, skills, and abilities, please be sure to give examples and explain how often you used these skills, the complexity of the knowledge you possessed, the level of the people you interacted with, the sensitivity of the issues you handled, etc.

    Please limit your KSA responses to three pages.

    1.    Knowledge and experience in planning, coordinating and conducting, complex and sensitive investigations involving contract and procurement fraud, assistance agreements, and employee misconduct relative to agency operations and programs.

    2.    Demonstrated experience in the application of U.S. criminal laws (Title 18 and 15, U.S.C.); Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Evidence and related constitutional and statutory authorities in the investigation of financial and contract-related crimes and employee-integrity matters.

    3.    Knowledge and experience communicating effectively orally and in writing, reporting fact clearly, concisely and accurately on investigative matters.

    4.    Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals and/or groups at all levels of government, the public and private sector.

    Benefits:

    You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info:

    The USAID/OIG offers excellent benefits programs some of which may include:

  • Comprehensive health and life insurance
  • Competitive salaries
  • Generous retirement programs
  • Paid holidays, annual and sick leave
  • Flexible work environment and alternate work schedules
  • Paid employment related training and education
  • Subsidized transportation (Metro check)
  • Payment of licenses, certification, and academic degree, as applicable
  • Incentives and awards, as appropriate
  • Telecommuting, as appropriate
  • Long Term Care Insurance is offered
  • Flexible Spending Account is offered
  • Thrift Savings Plan (401 K Plan)
  • Other Advantages:

    We are located in the beautifully designed Ronald Reagan Building (RRB) and International Trade Center (ITC), which is within walking distance of the White House, the Capitol, Smithsonian Museums, and much more! The RRB is easily accessible to the Federal Triangle metro station (blue/orange line), has an on-site fitness center and day care center, a DC Visitor and Information Center, food court, and underground parking garage.

    Other Information:

    When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

    You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.

    The materials you send with your application will not be returned.

    Send only those materials needed to evaluate your application. Please do not place your application in a notebook or binder.

    Before entering on duty, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450. You will need to provide the information annually.

    How to Apply:

    Mail your applications so it will be postmarked by closing date and received within five (5) working days of that date. If hand delivered, be sure your application is received by closing date.

    We encourage you to use the USAJOBS resume builder to speed the application process.

    If you are a current or former federal employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your position, title, series, grade and eligibility.

    Your application must contain all of the following information or it will be marked incomplete.

    You must submit your KSAs.

    All applicants, including current USAID and USAID/OIG employees, must submit one of the following application forms:

    1. Resume and OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment

    2. OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment and OF-306

    Your application must contain all of the following information or it will be marked incomplete:

    Announcement number, and title and grade(s) of position; if applying for more than one grade level or job, submit an application for each grade level or job applying for;

    Full name, date of birth, social security number, complete mailing address and day and evening phone numbers, country of citizenship, veterans' preference, if applicable, reinstatement eligibility, and highest Federal civilian grade held;

    High school- name city and state, date of diploma or GED;

    Colleges and universities - name, city, and state, major, type and year of any degrees received;

    Job title, duties and accomplishments; employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, hours per week, salary; do not incorporate or attach position descriptions;

    Indicate whether we may contact your current supervisor; and

    Job related training courses, job related licenses and certificates, job related honors, awards, and special achievements.

    Other Documents Required In Addition To The Application Form:

  • Narrative statement (written by applicant) explaining his/her experience relative to the KSAs above. Do not respond by referring to item       number on your application or by repeating material on your application.


  • Current performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months, if currently employed in the Federal Government.


  • College transcript - to qualify based on education, submit copy of transcript or list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-      point average or class ranking. Application materials will not be returned. You can receive credit for education received outside the       United States if you provide evidence that it is comparable to an accredited educational institution in the United States when you       apply.


  • SF 50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing competitive status, if applicable.


  • Documentation showing proof of eligibility as a surplus or displaced employee.

    Handicapped applicants, disabled veterans, and VRA's or any others eligible for a noncompetitive appointment under special appointing authorities must clearly specify this eligibility on their application and attach documentation.

    If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. Those who have special selection priority rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified to receive special consideration. CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if they receive a score of 90 or above. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 90 or above on the rating criteria (KSA's) for this position.

    ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a 'Notice of Personnel Action' (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

    Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent performance appraisal and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

    If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must attach an SF-15, 'Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference' plus the proof required by that form.

    If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.

    You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; certain Vietnam era and disabled veterans; returned volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, etc.

    Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking, if any, on your application and follow all other instructions for applying shown in this announcement.

    This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis

    It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure that his/her application is complete. The personnel office will not be responsible for soliciting additional information from applicants.

    Contact Information:

    Nealy Johnson
    Phone: (202)712-4189
    Fax: (202)216-3392
    Email: recruitmentoig@usaid.gov

    Or write:

    U.S. Agency for International Development
    1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
    RRB, Room 8.07-A
    Washington, D.C. 20005

    What To Expect Next:

    Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.

    EEO Policy Statement:

    The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

    Reasonable Accommodation:

    Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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