Clarification from the agency

All groups of qualified individuals may apply. Additionally, current career Senior Executive Service (SES) members, OPM certified graduates of an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP), and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility may be considered noncompetitively.

Serves as chief legal advisor to the Inspector General (IG) and senior staff on significant matters concerning the OIG's powers and responsibilities under various statutes, regulations, executive orders, and proclamations that affect its oversight responsibilities, business activities, and administrative management of operations.

Provides expert legal advice to the IG and senior staff on matters arising in connection with the work of the OIG's Offices of Audit and Investigations, and on general law matters, including, but not limited to: the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, and related authorities; Federal fiscal law; Federal employment and personnel law; administrative law; contracts; Federal procurement law; Federal information laws; Federal ethics obligations; eDiscovery; and criminal procedures.

Provides executive leadership over a comprehensive litigation program for the OIG, including the development, coordination, and direction of general law (as defined above) litigation and the supervision of OCIG staff engaged in all aspects of general law litigation.

Provides executive leadership over and is responsible for directing and supervising OCIG staff engaged in providing legal advice to the OIG on policies and on general law (as defined above) matters, including conducting legal research, often on highly complex, critical, or precedent-setting matters; drafting letters, memoranda, legal instruments, and legal opinions; and participating in discussions, meetings, and conferences, often with senior-level personnel in the OIG or SSA.

Provides executive oversight to regulatory strategy, including developing and reviewing responsibilities under current and anticipated regulatory requirements, and advising on the interpretation and application of new and emerging authorities. Drafts or reviews reports and letters to congressional committees, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others on proposed legislation and legislative matters. Drafts or reviews proposed testimony of OIG officials before Congress.

Serves as the principal liaison to the Department of Justice, and other Local, State, and Federal agencies or organizations on general law (as defined above) matters.

Serves as the Touhy officer for OIG, pursuant to 20 C.F.R. Part 403. Responsible for determining whether an OIG employee may testify concerning any function of OIG or SSA or any information or record created or acquired by OIG as a result of the discharge of its official duties in any legal proceeding.

Represents OIG in discussions and negotiations with senior officials of the SSA; CIGIE; Congress; the White House; OMB; OSC; other Federal, State, and local agencies; and those from outside interests, including media, on general law matters.

Responsible for overseeing the preparation, litigation, development and presentation of the Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) program Section 1140 of the Social Security Act and in all legal matters relating to audits and investigations of Agency programs in order to prevent and detect fraud and abuse and to promote economy and efficiency in the administration of such programs.

Directs the litigation, negotiation, and settlement of cases involving CMP Section 1140 of the Social Security Act, fraud and IG personnel issues throughout the legal process. Cases usually involve multiple, highly complex issues, with clearly applicable precedents not readily available. Develops operating policies and procedures for these programs for the OIG.

Collaborates with the Office of Investigations and SSA offices in pursuing selected CMP Section 1140 of the Social Security Act cases which involve significant penalties, or which will create major case law in the CMP program.

Oversees regional monitoring and tracking of pending CMP Section 1140 of the Social Security Act investigations and litigation, and the preparation and submittal of reports of actions taken and monies recovered.

Provides executive leadership over OCIG, including determining and implementing program goals, designing and implementing organizational structures to promote program goals, obtaining and allocating resources for all assigned programs, developing and setting effectiveness and productivity standards, monitoring work products to assess and evaluate accomplishments, and determining problem areas impacting achievement of goals and developing plans to resolve identified areas.

Conditions of employment

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, candidates must have had responsible professional experience at a senior level (equivalent to the GS-15 in either the General Schedule (GS) or a comparable pay plan).

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• 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.
• May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
• Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
• You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.

There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:

• Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back;
• FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation); and
• SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information).

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME BASED. It is important that your resume be complete and thorough, following the requirements outlined below.

As a basic requirement, to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, applicants MUST demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualifications within their resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2, or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, candidates must have had responsible professional experience at a senior level (equivalent to the GS-15 in either the General Schedule (GS) or a comparable pay plan). Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet this basic qualification requirement and all executive and technical qualification factors automatically disqualifies an applicant.

NOTE: If you are (1) a member of the SES, (2) have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or (3) have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
1. General knowledge in the majority of the following relevant areas:

• The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, and related authorities
• Federal fiscal law
• Federal employment and personnel law
• Administrative law
• Contracts
• Federal procurement law
• Federal information law
• Federal ethics obligations
• eDiscovery
• Criminal procedure

2. Demonstrated experience litigating cases involving one or more of the above-referenced areas of general law before the Federal courts and/or Federal administrative agencies.

3. Demonstrated experience providing legal advice and counsel to senior officials of a Federal organization and representing an organization in discussions or negotiations with senior officials of other organizations.

4. Active membership in the bar of the court of a State, Territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. You must include a copy of current/active Bar Membership. This document MUST be submitted using the "Proof of Active Bar Membership" document type.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:

ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people;

ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades;

ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality;

ECQ 4: Leading People - Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable; and

ECQ 5: Achieving Results - Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (DQs):
1. Demonstrated experience providing expert legal advice and technical guidance on proposed legislation, regulations, and associated guidance, and on the implementation of new such legislation and regulations.

**Note for Current and/or Former Political Appointees: OPM must authorize any employment offers we make to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office within your application package.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Do not list a Social Security Number or Date of Birth on any attachment.

Once the application process is complete, a Human Resource Specialist will conduct a review of your resume and supporting documentation. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed.

You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your accomplishments and experience. Your application will be rated and ranked by an SES Rating Panel, comprised of at least three (3) SES members, internal or external to OIG using only the information submitted within the application package. Applicants determined to be Highly Qualified must demonstrate sufficient possession of the ECQs, and any MTQs and DQs. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration, including reference checks.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible).

If you are the recommended selectee, you must participate in a Structured Interview assessment based on the ECQs conducted by an OPM Qualifications Review Board prior to appointment, unless you are a current SES executive or have successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program.

Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified, and by the closing date of the announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

• Resume (2-page maximum) - All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
• Vacancy Assessment Questionnaire Responses - Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs/Application Manager when you apply to this vacancy.
• Proof of active Bar membership - Must be from a State, Territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This document MUST be submitted using the "Proof of active Bar membership" document type.
• Additional Required Documents - Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation, if applicable:
  • CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. You must meet all MTQs.
  • SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification. You must meet all MTQs.
  • CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to substantiate your minimum qualifications eligibility. The provided SF-50 must reflect your grade/step (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment), tenure, and type of service. Providing an SF-50 that does not contain the required information (such as an award SF-50), may result in an ineligible rating.
    • Failure to provide the proper documentation may result in the rating and ranking of your application under competitive procedures, which requires the inclusion of ECQ narratives within your 2-page resume.
• Strongly Recommended: Most recent performance evaluation
• If you are a current or former political appointee within the last five (5) years, including Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES, please submit documentation of your appointment, including a copy of your SF-50

• Applicants may also provide a narrative response (up to 200 words per question) on the following four (4) questions, which are not scored. Your responses can be submitted using the "Writing Sample" document type:
  • How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
  • In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
  • How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
  • How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the announcement (05/01/2026) will result in your removal from consideration for this position.

Next steps