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Career Opportunities
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR
GENERAL
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Announcement Number: SES-06-08BSB
Opening Date: 03/09/06
Closing Date:
04/07/06
Area of Consideration: Qualified Federal Employees Only
Position: Legal Counsel, Office of Inspector General
ES-905
(SES Career Reserved)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Salary Range: $109,808 to $165,200 per annum
INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL: The United States has a long history of extending a helping hand to those people overseas struggling to make a better life, recover from a disaster or striving to live in a free and democratic country. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.
Major responsibilities of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) are to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and violations of law and to promote economy,
efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of the USAID. The OIG is
responsible for providing audit and investigative services to the USAID, the
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the African Development Foundation (ADF), the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), and on an ad hoc basis to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). The OIG is organized into four operational units: Audit, the MCC, Investigations, and Management. There are also seven overseas field offices, each headed by a Regional Inspector General, located in Baghdad, Iraq; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Frankfurt, Germany, Manila, Philippines; Pretoria, South Africa; and San Salvador, El Salvador.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is designated as SES Career Reserved. Under the direction of the
Inspector General, the incumbent serves as the Legal Counsel for the Office of
Inspector General (OIG), with the responsibility for providing a broad range of
legal advice on ethics issues, administrative matters, and matters involving
violations of criminal and administrative statutes of the United States. The
incumbent serves as the principal Ethics Officer for the OIG. As such, the
incumbent: manages the worldwide ethics program; provides guidance and counsel to
management at all levels of the organization; develops and disseminates all OIG
policy and guidance on ethics and conflicts of interests; manages the review of
financial disclosure forms, which approximately 150 OIG employees are required to
submit annually; serves as the USAID/OIG liaison with the Office of Government
Ethics (OGE). The incumbent has direct access to the Inspector General and Deputy
Inspector General on all ethics, legal and administrative matters involving the
OIG.
The incumbent manages an effective personnel litigation office, providing counsel
to the Offices of Audit, Investigations, MCC and Management. Issues range across
a broad spectrum including discrimination, selection-out, and promotion. The
incumbent is responsible for managing a staff of professionals who litigate cases
brought against the OIG by employees. These cases may be heard at the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board
(MSPB), and the U.S. District Court. The incumbent serves as the USAID/OIG
liaison with other agencies, including the Departments of Justice, State, and the
Office of Government Ethics on these matters.
The Legal Counsel has overall responsibility for the OIG's legal program.
Incumbent: 1) serves as legal and policy advisor to the Inspector General and
Deputy Inspector General and in that capacity serves on the executive leadership
team; 2) manages the Office of Legal Counsel and provides professional direction
to the legal staff; 3) is the final legal authority on Agency matters; and 4)
represents the Agency in a variety of forums, including with other federal
agencies and before the Congress, international organizations, foreign
governments and the business community.
The scope of the work is worldwide supporting OIG staff throughout the
USAID/Missions worldwide as well as in Washington.
HOW TO APPLY:
All application packages must include four collated and fastened copies of
the following documents:
1. Resume or OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment
- Your application must contain all of the following information or it will be
marked incomplete:
- Announcement number, and title and grade(s) of position;
- 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; employers 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.
2. Written narrative addressing the executive core qualifications and
technical qualification factors.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS:
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must meet all of the following
five factors:
- Leading Change
- Leading People
- Results Driven
- Business Acumen
- Building Coalitions/Communication
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- You must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar
Association and be a member in good standing of a state, territory of the United
States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar
- At least one year experience as an attorney at a GS-14, or equivalent
(e.g.- Foreign Service FS-02), level in the Federal or private sector;
- Working knowledge of government organizations and skill in working with
other government entities such as Department of State, Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Office of Government Ethics (OGE), General
Accountability Office (GAO), Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Office of
Personnel Management (OPM), and Congress; and
- Diversified legal experience resolving novel and complex legal issues in
at least four of the following areas of law: (a) Ethics, (b) Fiscal
Law/Appropriations Law, (c) Freedom of Information Act and other information law,
(d) Federal Personnel Law, (e) Equal Employment Opportunity, (f) Federal
Litigation, (g) Statutory Interpretation, (h) Public International Law, (i)
Contracting and Procurement Law.
DESIRABLE:
- A comprehensive understanding of the functions of an Office of the
General Counsel in the Federal Government.
Application packages should be submitted to:
U.S. Agency for International Development
IG/M/Human Capital Division
Ronald Reagan Building, Room 8.07-A
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20523-8700
ATTN: Avis Washington
If you need further information, please call (202) 712-4189.
Applications must be postmarked by the closing date and postmarks will be
accepted up to five days after the closing date. Candidates who fail to submit
all of the foregoing documents cannot be evaluated for further
consideration.
Time-in-grade does not apply for SES positions. Applicants for this position
must demonstrate the level and breadth of experience necessary to assume an SES
position.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
EVALUATION METHODS:
Current SES career appointees, career SES reinstatement eligibles and
eligible SES Candidate Development Program Graduates will be considered under
noncompetitive appointment procedures.
Qualified candidates who must compete, will be ranked by a panel of senior
executives based upon the executive core (see exhibit attached) and desirable
technical qualifications factors. APPROVAL AND PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
An individual entering this position on an initial SES career appointment
must have his or her qualifications approved by an Office of Personnel
Management Qualifications Review Board. Successful completion of a one-year
probationary period is required before the appointment becomes final.
NOTE: JOB FINALISTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A DECLARATION FOR FEDERAL
EMPLOYMENT (OF-306).
DRUG TESTING: This position is subject to drug testing in accordance with the
Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, as required under Executive
Order 12564. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be
required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to
appointment.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959,
must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or/are
exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service law.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: This position requires a top secret security clearance.
Upon selection, applicants must provide sufficient information to support the
investigation.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: In selecting personnel for appointment to
USAID, OIG positions, there will be no discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap,
age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Applicants
must be U.S. citizens.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: 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.
PLEASE NOTE: NO RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL BE PAID.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS This exhibit contains
information on the scope and content of the five Executive Core Qualifications
(ECQ's) that are considered necessary for effective performance in any Senior
Executive Service (SES) position. Note that the ECQ's do not include
professional, technical and program knowledge, skills, and abilities, which are
covered in the qualifications standard for the particular SES position being
filled.
The basic definition for each ECQ is supplemented with a list of those
Leadership Effectiveness Framework (LEF) Competencies which are particularly
important to it and Key Characteristics which reflect possession of the ECQ.
Definitions of the LEF Competencies are attached.
1. Leading Change: This core qualification encompasses the ability to develop
and implement an organizational vision that integrates key national and program
goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to this ECQ is the
ability to balance change and continuity; to continually strive to improve
customer service and program performance within the basic government framework;
to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking; and to maintain
focus, intensity and persistence, even under diversity.
Key Characteristics:
- Exercising leadership and motivating managers to incorporate vision,
strategic planning, and elements of quality management into the full range of
the organization's activities; encouraging creative thinking and
innovation; influencing others toward a spirit of service; designing and
implementing new or cutting-edge programs/processes.
- Identifying and integrating key issues affecting the organization, including
political, economic, social, technological, and administrative factors.
- Understanding the roles and relationships of the components of the national
policy making and implementation process, including the President, political
appointees, Congress, the judiciary, state and local governments, and interest
groups; formulating effective strategies to balance those interests consistent
with the business of the organization.
- Being open to change and new information; tolerating ambiguity; adapting
behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions,
or unexpected obstacles; adjusting rapidly to new situations warranting
attention and resolution.
- Displaying a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment to public
service; being proactive and achievement-oriented; being self-motivated;
pursuing self-development; seeking feedback from others and opportunities to
master new knowledge.
- Dealing effectively with pressure; maintaining focus and intensity and
remaining persistent, even under adversity; recovering quickly from setbacks.
2. Leading People: This core qualification involves the ability to design and
implement strategies that maximize employee potential and foster high ethical
standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
Key Characteristics:
- Providing leadership in setting the work force's expected performance levels
commensurate with the organization's strategic objectives; inspiring,
motivating, and guiding others toward goal accomplishment; empowering people by
sharing power and authority.
- Promoting quality through effective use of the organization's performance
management system (e.g., establishing performance standards, appraising staff
accomplishments using the developed standards, and taking action to reward,
counsel, and remove employees, as appropriate).
- Valuing cultural diversity and other differences; fostering an environment
in which people who are culturally diverse can work together cooperatively and
effectively in achieving organizational goals.
- Assessing employees' unique developmental needs and providing developmental
opportunities that maximize employees' capabilities and contribute to the
achievement of organizational goals; developing leadership in others through
coaching and mentoring.
- Fostering commitment, team spirit, pride, trust, and group identity; taking
steps to prevent situations that could result in unpleasant confrontations.
- Resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner. This includes
promoting labor/management partnerships and dealing effectively with employee
relations matters, attending to morale and organizational climate issues,
handling administrative, labor management, and EEO issues, and taking
disciplinary actions when other means have not been successful.
3. Results Driven: This core qualification stresses accountability and
continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective
decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation
and evaluation of programs and policies.
Key Characteristics:
- Understanding and appropriately applying procedures, requirements,
regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise; understanding
linkage between administrative competencies and mission needs; keeping current
on issues, practices, and procedures in technical areas.
- Stressing results by formulating strategic program plans that assess
policy/program feasibility and include realistic short and long-term goals and
objectives.
- Exercising good judgment in structuring and organizing work and setting
priorities; balancing the interests of clients and readily readjusting
priorities to respond to customer demands.
- Anticipating and identifying, diagnosing, and consulting on potential or
actual problem areas relating to program implementation and goal achievement;
selecting from alternative courses of corrective action; taking action from
developed contingency plans.
- Setting program standards; holding self and others accountable for achieving
these standards; acting decisively to modify standards to promote customer
service and/or the quality of programs and policies.
- Identifying opportunities to develop and market new products and services
within or outside of the organization; taking risks to pursue a recognized
benefit or advantage.
4. Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to acquire
and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner
that instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and the
ability to use new technology to enhance decision making.
Key Characteristics:
- Assessing current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals
and budget realities; applying merit principles to develop, select, and manage a
diverse work force.
- Overseeing the allocation of financial resources; identifying cost-effective
approaches; establishing and assuring the use of internal controls for financial
systems.
- Managing the budgetary process, including preparing and justifying a budget
and operating the budget under organizational and congressional procedures;
understanding the marketing expertise necessary to ensure appropriate funding
levels.
- Overseeing procurement and contracting procedures and processes.
- Integrating and coordinating logistical operations.
- Ensuring the efficient and cost-effective development and utilization of
management information systems and other technological resources that meet the
organization's needs; understanding the impact of technological changes on the
organization.
5. Building Coalitions/Communication: This core qualification involves the
ability to explain, advocate, and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner
and to negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also
involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other
organizations and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the
work of the organization.
Key Characteristics:
- Representing and speaking for the organizational unit and its work (e.g.,
presenting, explaining, selling, defining, and negotiating) to those within and
outside the office (e.g., agency heads and other government executives,
corporate executives, Office of Management and Budget officials, congressional
members and staff, the media, and clientele and professional groups); making
clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups; listening
effectively and clarifying information; facilitating an open exchange of ideas.
- Establishing and maintaining working relationships with internal
organizational units (e.g., other program areas and staff support functions);
approaching each problem situation with a clear perception of organizational and
political reality; using contacts to build and strengthen internal support
bases; getting understanding and support from higher level management.
- Developing and enhancing alliances with external groups (e.g., other
agencies or firms, state and local governments, Congress, and clientele groups);
engaging in cross-functional activities; finding common ground with a widening
range of stakeholders.
- Working in groups and teams; conducting briefings and other meetings;
gaining cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals;
facilitating win-win situations.
- Considering and responding appropriately to the needs, feelings, and
capabilities of different people in different situations; being tactful and
treating others with respect.
- Seeing that reports, memoranda, and other documents reflect the position and
work of the organization in a clear, convincing, and organized manner.
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.
Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number is requested
under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records
from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or
Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information
about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure
to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials, will
result in your application not being processed
Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information
requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is
authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and
certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your
application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you
may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December
31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service
System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
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.
Send Mail to:
U.S. Agency for International Development
1300
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20523-8700
Fax: 202
216-3392
For questions about this job:
Avis Washington
Phone: 202
712-4189
Fax: 202 216-3392
Internet: usaid@recruitmentoig.gov
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