Attorney-Advisor (General) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 24-DO-972-X Department Treasury, Departmental Offices
Salary $99,200.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 12 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/5/2024 Close Date 9/26/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

This position is located at the Treasury's Departmental Offices, Office of the General Counsel. As an Attorney-Advisor (General), you will provide legal advice and support on the Office of International Affairs' activities, including on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and potentially a wide range of international economic and financial matters.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. citizens or U.S. Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required.

Duties

The following are the duties of this position at the GS-15 level. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties and will receive training to help you grow in this position.

The employee will serve as an attorney in the Office of the Assistant General Counsel, International Affairs (OGC/IA), which is a component of the Department of the Treasury's Office of the General Counsel. The employee will assist the Assistant General Counsel (International Affairs) and the Deputy Assistant General Counsels (International Affairs) in providing legal support to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and the Assistant Secretary for Investment Security. In particular, the employee will work on matters relating to CFIUS, a nine-agency committee chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury that is tasked with reviewing certain foreign investments to prevent threats to U.S. national security. This work involves advising on specific foreign investment cases, including assessing CFIUS's jurisdiction to review particular transactions, negotiating national security agreements, and preparing committee recommendations to the President. It may also involve advising on monitoring and enforcement of national security agreements, including the assessment of penalties, issuance of subpoenas, and development of mitigation solutions, revision and development of the CFIUS regulations, and policy development and engagement with foreign partners.

The employee is also likely to work on national security matters related to outbound investment, including the development and implementation of a new regulatory framework pursuant to Executive Order 14105.

The employee may also work on other OGC/IA matters, which include the full range of issues handled by Treasury's Office of International Affairs, such as issues related to U.S. engagement with the World Bank and other multilateral development banks, international trade and investment, international banking and securities, international climate and energy, the International Monetary Fund, currency, sovereign debt, and regional economic and financial matters such as those involving China, the Middle East, or Europe. Such work includes advising on, for example, international law and its intersection with U.S. law, rules and laws governing multilateral development banks, foreign assistance, U.S. trade and investment agreements, participating in the negotiation of international agreements and implementing instruments, drafting legislation and executive orders, preparing legal memoranda, coordinating with the Department of Justice in the event of litigation, and a wide range of other matters.

The job demands excellent legal analysis, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to parse complex corporate transactions and draft novel contract, regulatory, or enforcement solutions. We are particularly interested in candidates who have backgrounds in enforcement law, rulemaking development, CFIUS law, corporate law, or national security law. We are seeking candidates with enforcement backgrounds who can help support CFIUS monitoring and enforcement and candidates with rulemaking backgrounds who can help support the development of the outbound investment rulemaking and future revisions to the CFIUS regulations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • Must successfully complete a background investigation.
  • All new hires will be required to comply with federal ethics laws. A review of financial or other interests may be conducted to determine if they create any real or apparent conflict of interests with official Treasury duties.
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
  • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
  • Please refer to the "Additional Information" section for additional Conditions of Employment.

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Applicants must
(1) be a graduate of an accredited law school with a LL.B., J.D. or equivalent;
(2) be an active member in good standing of the bar in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia; and
(3) have at least one year of legal experience, which may include, for example, the private practice of law, practice in a government legal office, or a judicial clerkship.


Specialized experience for the GS-15: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal service. The expectation for selection for grade GS-15 will be at least the following: 12 months of pertinent legal experience at the GS-14 (or equivalent) level in the following areas of responsibility:
- Demonstrated leadership experience independently providing specialized legal advice on CFIUS law, corporate law, enforcement law, administrative law (including regulatory or rulemaking law), international law, the intersection between international and domestic law, national security law, litigation, law related to economics or finance, trade and investment law, foreign assistance, laws and ethical requirements governing federal agencies and employees, or matters of similar scope and complexity.

Specialized experience for the GS-14:
You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. The expectation for selection for grade GS-14 will be at least the following: 12 months of pertinent legal experience at the GS-13(or equivalent) in the following areas of responsibility:
- Demonstrated experience providing specialized legal advice on CFIUS law, corporate law, enforcement law, administrative law (including regulatory or rulemaking law), international law, the intersection between international and domestic law, national security law, litigation, law related to economics or finance, trade and investment law, foreign assistance, laws and ethical requirements governing federal agencies and employees, or matters of similar scope and complexity.

Specialized experience for the GS-13:
You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service. The expectation for selection for grade GS-13 will be at least the following: 12 months of pertinent legal experience at the GS-12 (or equivalent) level in the following areas of responsibility:
- Demonstrated experience providing legal advice on CFIUS law, corporate law, enforcement law, administrative law (including regulatory or rulemaking law), international law, the intersection between international and domestic law, national security law, litigation, law related to economics or finance, trade and investment law, foreign assistance, laws and ethical requirements governing federal agencies and employees, or matters of similar scope and complexity.

Specialized experience for the GS-12:
You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service. The expectation for selection for grade GS-12 will be at least the following: 12 months of pertinent legal experience at the GS-11 (or equivalent) level in the following areas of responsibility:
- Experience under general supervision, providing legal advice on CFIUS law, corporate law, enforcement law, administrative law (including regulatory or rulemaking law), international law, the intersection between international and domestic law, national security law, litigation, law related to economics or finance, trade and investment law, foreign assistance, laws and ethical requirements governing federal agencies and employees, or matters of similar scope and complexity.

This experience may have been gained in either the public or private sector. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis.

Education

The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

Applicants must (1) be a graduate of an accredited law school with a LL.B., J.D. or equivalent; (2) be an active member in good standing of the bar in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia; and (3) have at least one year of legal experience, which may include, for example, the private practice of law, practice in a government legal office, or a judicial clerkship.

Additional information

  • This is a non-bargaining unit position.
  • A recruitment incentive may be offered.
  • Relocation expenses will not be paid.
  • We offer opportunities for telework.
  • We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.
  • This position requires that the successful candidate undergo personnel vetting, which includes a background investigation and enrollment upon onboarding into "Continuous Vetting." Enrollment in Continuous Vetting will result in automated record checks being conducted throughout one's employment with Treasury. The successful candidate will also be enrolled into FBI's Rap Back service, which will allow Treasury to receive notification from the FBI of criminal matters (e.g., arrests, charges, convictions) involving enrolled individuals in near real-time. For more information about individual rights, Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights - FBI, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI, and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov).
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

Our comprehensive benefits are very generous. Our benefits package includes:

  • Challenging work, opportunities for advancement, competitive salaries, bonuses and incentive awards.
  • Eleven paid holidays, 13 days of sick leave, and 13 to 26 days of vacation time each year.
  • Access to insurance programs that may be continued after you retire.
  • A wide choice of health insurance plans, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no waiting periods. We pay a substantial amount (up to 75%) of the health insurance premiums.
  • A retirement program which includes employer-matching contributions.
  • Learn more about Federal benefits programs at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application includes your resumé, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resumé may result in a "not qualified" determination.

Rating: You will be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. All candidates who meet the basic requirements listed above will be considered best qualified applicants and may be sent forward to the selecting official. All application materials and interviews, if conducted, will be used in the final evaluation and selection process. Your application may be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert.

Application of Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service, but the Office of General Counsel considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing the dates of service and type of discharge.

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview.

If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)) you must be assigned the middle category or better to be rated as "well qualified" to receive special selection priority.

Required Documents

A complete application includes:

1. A resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their own choosing. (Cover letters are optional.)

  • Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, your resume will still be accepted, however only the first 5 pages will be reviewed and considered for qualifications and eligibility determination in whether or not the minimum qualifications for the position have been met.
  • To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/date/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume.
  • It is suggested that you preview the online assessment questionnaire, to ensure that your resume thoroughly describes how your skills and experience align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and support your responses to the online assessment questionnaire.
  • For resume writing guidance, please visit USAJOBS Resources Center.
2. Submission of any required documents identified below, if applicable: Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
  • VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are claiming veterans preference, please see applicant guide for required documentation. In order to be considered for veterans preference, you must submit all required documentation as outlined in the applicant guide.
  • CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (CTAP) OR INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP) DOCUMENTATION: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee, click CTAP/ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents you must submit in order to be eligible.
  • EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION:
    • You are not required to submit transcripts for this initial phase of the application process. Candidates will be referred for consideration based on their self-certification. If you are selected for a position which has a positive education requirement (as described in the vacancy announcement) and/or you are qualifying solely on your education, you will be required to submit official transcripts verifying your qualifications prior to a job offer being issued.
    • A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.
  • RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTS: In addition, we recommend that you submit copies of the following:
    • Brief Resume. It is preferred that applicants submit a brief, standard-format resume.
    • Transcript. It is preferred that applicants submit a copy of their final law school transcript.
    • References. It is preferred that applicants submit a brief list of references that can attest to applicant's character and legal skills. References will not be called without the prior consent of the applicant, generally after the interview.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

DO has partnered with the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service to provide certain personnel services to its organization. Fiscal Service's responsibilities include advertising vacancies, accepting and handling applications, and extending job offers.

The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, please contact us by noon ET on the announcement's closing date.

The Bureau provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application:
-Log into your USAJOBS account (USAJOBS Login). A list of announcements in which you have applied is at the Welcome screen.
-Under "application status," click "Track this application" and you will be taken to the agency website where you can check your application status.

For more information regarding the job and applicant status, please refer to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/

If you wish to make changes/updates to your application and the vacancy is still open, you can click on the job announcement and "Update Application" to be taken back to your application. No updates can be made once the announcement has closed.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

For additional information on how to apply, please visit the Partnership for Public Service's Go Government website.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Treasury and its bureaus from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Treasury by email at, FairChanceAct@treasury.gov.

To learn more, please visit our page at: Treasury.gov/fairchanceact.

To preview the assessment questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12536545

Agency contact information

Applicant Call Center
Address
Management CFO - Office of the General Council
Administrative Resource Center
Parkersburg, WV 26101
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We will review your resumé and transcript(s) (if appropriate) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct any required suitability and/or security background investigation.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.