Job Title: Counsel to Inspector General
Department: Department Of Agriculture
Agency: Office of the Inspector General
Sub Agency: Office of Counsel
Job Announcement Number: OIG-2010-011-SES
Salary Range: $119,554.00-$179,700.00/year
Open Period: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 to Friday, August 20, 2010
Series & Grade: ES-0905-00/00
Position Information: Full-Time Permanent
Duty Location: 1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC
Who may be considered: Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified individuals within the civil service.
JOB SUMMARY: are you interested in a career where your individual abilities and efforts can help make Government responsive to the interests and concerns of the public? This is a senior position with the Office of Inspector General, U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA OIG), which will provide you with the opportunity for interesting assignments, job satisfaction, professional growth, and opportunities to travel along with competitive salaries and great benefits. You will serve as Counsel to the Inspector General and direct the activities of the Legal Staff. Explore the public service opportunities with OIG USDA.
OIG’s mission is to promote economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in the delivery of USDA’s programs. OIG’s vision is to be a trusted contributor to the value, safety, and integrity of USDA programs. We place value on our people and on making a positive difference through the work we do. We are committed to constantly improving how we operate, embracing innovation, and using persistence and determination to achieve results.
Key Requirements:
Must file a public financial disclosure statement.
Must pass a background investigation and maintain a security clearance.
Duty Location Info:
1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC
As a member of the Inspector General’s decision and policymaking staff, the Counsel to the Inspector General shares responsibility for accomplishment of the OIG mission and participates in the planning, development, and execution of Department policies and programs, including the policies, plans, missions, and goals of the OIG. The incumbent has the following direct and primary responsibilities:
Directs the provision of expert, independent legal counsel to the Inspector General and all other officials of OIG on all legal matters pertinent to OIG involving criminal, civil, or administrative law.
Directs the OIG legal review of all USDA and other Federal agency proposed legislation and regulations affecting OIG programs and activities for the purpose of determining their potential policy and programmatic impact on USDA programs and operations, promotion of efficiency and economy in USDA operations, and prevention or detection of fraud and abuse. Advises on the interpretation and legal application of legislation and regulations administered or issued by USDA agencies and other Government entities.
Serves as liaison for sensitive activities with senior policy and program officials of the OIG, USDA, Justice Department, other law enforcement agencies, and the Congress. Consults with, and may seek opinions from, the Department’s General Counsel on interpretations of statutes which govern the programs and operations of the USDA (other than the OIG), and on significant issues that may have a substantial impact on either Department or OIG operations.
Provides assistance to U.S. Attorneys and other Department of Justice attorneys in the preparation and conduct of criminal and civil proceedings involving OIG employees on matters concerning enforcement or interpretation of OIG authorities, and on cases that have a major impact on OIG audits and investigations.
Directs the coordination and evaluation of, and responses to, all requests for information submitted to the OIG under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act.
Directs the administration of the OIG ethics program (as Designated Agency Ethics Official for OIG), which involves the provision of legal and policy advice concerning a myriad of statutes and regulations covering such matters as financial conflicts of interest; acceptance of gifts and honoraria; outside employment; political activity; misuse of Government time, equipment, and information; and post-employment considerations.
Directs the provision of counsel and training for auditors, investigators, and management staff on criminal, civil, and administrative legal issues, including complex and difficult issues which arise in the context of OIG audits and investigations into allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse by USDA program beneficiaries, contractors, and employees.
Directs the congressional liaison program activities of the OIG, which involves the development of a proactive program strategy designed to effectively inform the Congress about the mission, programs and operations of OIG, and the maintenance of a continuing dialogue between OIG and the Congress on matters of congressional interest, inquiry, and investigation, to include the preparation of testimony for officials appearing before committee/subcommittee hearings.
Directs the OIG public communications function, which involves coordination and dissemination of information to the public regarding the programs, activities, and achievements of the OIG in order to elicit understanding and support for OIG activities.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
All applicants must meet the Mandatory Technical Competencies and Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) requirements listed below to be eligible for further consideration.
Eligibility will be based on a clear showing that the applicant’s training and experience is of the scope, quality, and level of responsibility sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this executive position.
All applicants must submit a supplemental statement addressing each of the Mandatory Technical Competencies and the ECQs stated below. Career applicants currently in the SES, reinstatment eligibles, or graduates of an SES Candidate Developement Program who have been certified by OPM’s Qualifications Review Board are not required to address the ECQ’s. (SES) Candidate Developement Program graduates must submit proof of OPM Qualifications Review Board certification. Your application will be disqualified if you fail to submit either of these two supplemental statements.
The ‘Guide to SES Qualifications’ is a helpful resource for those applying for SES positions. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Guide at the following website prior to applying for this position:
http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/qualify.asp.
Just click on the pdf file link under the ‘Download the SES Qualifications Guide’ heading located at the bottom of the web page.
You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
The successful applicant will be required to receive and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
You will be required to do some travel.
Specialized Education:
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.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Eligible candidates will be evaluated by a panel of Senior Executives based on the extent and quality of their total background relevant to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Technical Qualifications (TQs) described below. In order to be considered for the position, applicants are required to submit a statement addressing each of the five ECQs and each of the three mandatory TQs. Failure to do so will result in the applicant not being considered for the position. Each ECQ and TQ must be addressed in a separate statement. Each response should include a brief summary of the applicant’s executive experience in relation to the specific ECQ or TQ and specific examples of accomplishments. A complete guide to writing executive qualifications is available on the Office of Personnel Management’s website at:
http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/SES_Quals_Guide_2006.pdf.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
1) Extensive experience analyzing complex legal issues, making statutory interpretations, and developing sound legal decisions and recommendations.
2) Demonstrated ability to coordinate with other internal and external offices, represent the Office of the Inspector General to key individuals and groups outside the immediate work unit, as well as serve as spokesperson for the organization.
3) Ability to provide independent legal advice (orally and in writing) to senior level management on highly technical programs.
Executive Core Qualifications
ECQ 1: Leading Change Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, and to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
Creativity and Innovation
Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting edge programs/processes.
External Awareness
Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders’views; is aware of the organization’s impact on the external environment.
Flexibility
Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
Resilience
Deals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.
Strategic Thinking
Formulates objectives and priorities, and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.
Vision
Takes a long-term view and builds a shared vision with others; acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action.
ECQ 2: Leading People
Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
Conflict Management
Encourages creative tension and differences of opinions. Anticipates and takes steps to prevent counter-productive confrontations. Manages and resolves conflicts and disagreements in a constructive manner.
Leveraging Diversity
Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization. Developing others develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods.
Team Building Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
ECQ 3: Results Driven
Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
Accountability
Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
Customer Service
Anticipates and meets the needs of both internal and external customers. Delivers high-quality products and services; is committed to continuous improvement.
Decisiveness
Makes well-informed, effective, and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
Entrepreneurship
Positions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.
Problem Solving
Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
Technical Credibility
Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
ECQ 4: Business Acumen
Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
Financial Management
Understands the organization’s financial processes. Prepares, justifies, and administers the program budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.
Human Capital Management
Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs. Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, and rewarded; takes action to address performance problems. Manages a multi-sector workforce and a variety of work situations.
Technology Management
Keeps up-to-date on technological developments. Makes effective use of technology to achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.
ECQ 5: Building Coalitions
Definition: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Partnering
Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
Political Savvy Identifies the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Perceives organizational and political reality and acts accordingly.
Influencing/Negotiating Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals.
BENEFITS:
You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.
Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life
Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#ltci
New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr
You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA
You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV
You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI
If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run.
You can use Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under their FEHB plans. More Info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FSA
OTHER INFORMATION:
You will be required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report, SF-278. You will need to provide the information annually.
If new to the SES, you will be required to serve a probationary period of one year.
HOW TO APPLY:
You must submit your application so that it will be received by the closing date of the announcement.
Applicants must submit the following:
- A resume or an Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612). We encourage you to use the USAJOBS resume builder. Although we do not require a specific format, certain information is required to determine if you are qualified.
- A narrative statement specifically addressing the five executive core qualifications (ECQs), mandatory technical factors. Career applicants currently in the SES, reinstatement eligibles, or graduates of an SES Candidate Developement Program who have been certified by OPM’s Qualifications Review Board are not required to address the ECQ’s. (SES) Candidate Developement Program graduates must submit proof of OPM Qualification Review Board certification.
- If you are a current or former federal employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF50) and a copy of your most recent Performance Appraisal.Application mailed using government postage or through an internal federal government mail system will not be considered.
You may submit your application directly by email to Carl.Johns@oig.usda.gov
or it may be mailed to:
USDA, OIG, HRMD
ATTN: Carl Johns
1400 Independence Ave, SW, Stop 2306
Whitten Building, Room 13E
Washington, DC 20250
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Carl Johns
Phone: 202-720-8383
Fax: 202-720-4321
Email: carl.johns@oig.usda.gov |
Agency Information:
Department Of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Mail Stop 2306
Washington, DC 20250
US
Fax: 202-720-4321 |
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
Once it is received, we will screen your application to determine your eligibility and qualifications for the SES. An agency Executive Resources Board (ERB) consisting of members of the SES will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. The application of the individual tentatively selected for this position will be reviewed by an SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to ascertain whether the selectee possesses the required ECQ’s. The selectee’s ECQs must be determined by the QRB to be sufficient to appoint to the SES. You will be notified of the outcome.
For more information visit:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=89508833&JobTitle=Counsel+to+Inspector+General&q=&jbf574=AG23&jbf522=&salmin=&salmax=&paygrademin=&paygrademax=&FedEmp=Y&sort=rv&vw=d&ss=0&brd=3876&FedPub=Y&caller=%2fagency_search.asp&submit1.x=117&submit1.y=10&AVSDM=2010-07-21+12%3a11%3a00