Deputy General Counsel (Fiscal) Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. SES-12599556-24-AS Department Office of the Secretary of Defense
Salary $180,359.00 to $221,900.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/7/2024 Close Date 11/29/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Summary

This position is located in the Office of General Counsel of the Department of Defense (DoD). The General Counsel, who is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the chief legal officer of the DoD and performs such functions as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe (10 U.S.C. §140). He/She is the principal legal authority within DoD and has responsibility for legal policy and determinations and the delivery of legal services within DoD and its components.

Duties

The incumbent serves as the Deputy General Counsel (Fiscal). As such, he or she is the principal assistant to the General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel with functional responsibility for legal advice and services in the broad area of federal appropriations law and Department of Defense financial management. The Deputy General Counsel (Fiscal) has primary responsibility to provide legal advice and services to the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) for fiscal matters, supervise and ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and responsiveness of legal advice and services provided, and support the General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel in matters within his or her functional areas of responsibility that require their attention.

Specific major duties and responsibilities of the incumbent include:

1. The Deputy General Counsel (Fiscal) provides legal advice and services to the Under
Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and his or her office and other Principal Staff Assistants within the Office of the Secretary of Defense on matters involving federal appropriations law and the Department's exercise of its comptrollership and financial management authorities and responsibilities and, in coordination with the General Counsel, Department of Defense, provides legal counsel to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense on such matters.

2. The Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) relies upon the Deputy General Counsel (Fiscal) for assistance in developing the Department's financial management policies and in executing the Department's budget.

3. Incumbent reviews directives, instructions, regulations, and all significant correspondence pertaining to his or her area of responsibility for legal sufficiency and ensures that such documents are revised as necessary.

4. Incumbent also reviews for legal compliance with federal appropriations law, all such papers referred to the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) for his or her approval or concurrence.

5. Incumbent furnishes legal advice and assistance on questions that arise during the formulation, presentation, and execution of the DoD portion of the President's annual budget submission, providing counsel to the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and key members of his or her staff.

6. The incumbent reviews for the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller):
(a) The DoD Legislative Program items having a fiscal impact to establish and present the views of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and provide the basis for integration of the Legislative Program within the budgetary plans and policies of the DoD.
(b). Emergency legislation having a fiscal impact.
(c) Bills introduced in Congress and referred to the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) for review and comment.

7. Incumbent is directly responsible for reviewing the legal sufficiency of DoD's financial
implementation of all statutes relating to the Department, as well as for the proper implementation of the general provisions of the annual DoD Appropriations Act.

8. In the course of day-to-day operations, incumbent renders advice and legal opinions on matters that impact virtually all substantive and operational programs of the Department of Defense.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
  • All newly appointed Career SES leaders must sign the Reassignment Rights Obligations Agreement as a condition of appointment into the SES.
  • You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed into this position. Designated and/or Random Drug Testing required.
  • In order to qualify for this position, you must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
  • Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 11/29/2024
  • The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
  • You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you have previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration).

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and other qualifications, if applicable, listed below.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. You must address each ECQ separately, not to exceed 10 pages. You are required to respond to all ECQs. If you fail to do so will result in a rating of 'ineligible.' When responding to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the ECQs. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts. You should limit your narrative to two pages per ECQ, and address each ECQ separately. OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at:
http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf

Applicants must utilize the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) Model when writing Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ). Use two examples of relevant experience for each ECQ being sure your experience matches the ECQ criteria.

Challenge - Describe a specific problem or goal.
Context - Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
Action - Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
Result - Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.

Each accomplishment should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities; the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services you managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed; and the results of your actions. You should use action oriented leadership words to describe your experience and accomplishments (e.g., Led the development and implementation of....) and quantify your experience wherever possible to demonstrate your accomplishments (e.g., number of employees supervised; size of budget managed; amount of money saved, etc.).

ECQ 1 - Leading Change: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, 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.

ECQ 2 - Leading People: 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.

ECQ 3 - Results Driven: 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.

ECQ 4 - Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

ECQ 5 - Building Coalitions: 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.

Applicants that are either Career SES members, or graduates of the Office of Personnel Management Certified Development Program are not required to address the ECQs.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. You must address each technical qualification separately. You are required to respond to all of the technical qualifications. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as ineligible. Please limit your written statements to no more than two pages per technical qualification.
  1. Comprehensive knowledge of and demonstrated experience in the following legal program and practice areas: federal appropriations law, including fiscal aspects of foreign assistance authorities such as the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act, as well as the constitutional and statutory provisions pertaining to the use of appropriated funds; Department of Defense financial management policies, regulations, and practices.
  2. Familiarity with the organization and mission of the Department of Defense and demonstrated ability to serve as a member of the Agency's executive leadership team and work effectively with a diverse, senior client base to ensure continued mission success.
  3. Experience managing attorneys and/or a multifaceted legal office. Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs or activities, problem-solving under challenging circumstances, and reconciling diverse views to accomplish program objectives.
  4. Demonstrated ability to summarize and communicate (orally and in writing) complex issues, relevant analysis, and legal options to senior Department leadership and staff at all levels.

Education

Candidates must meet the following education requirement for career series 0905:

Must be a graduate of law school. You must have a current license to practice law from at least one state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth or U.S. territory, and be able to demonstrate that in a least one state or jurisdiction in which you are licensed you are permitted to engage in the active practice of law. Active status must be maintained in at least one state or jurisdiction during the course of employment in the Office of the General Counsel and DLSA.

Applicants are not required to provide an official certificate demonstrating this active status, but must provide such a certificate to the selecting official if selected.

A certified copy of a law school transcript is required as proof that you meet the educational requirement for this position (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) and must be provided to the selecting official if selected.

In addition to the education requirement, the Deputy General Counsel (IA) also must possess professional experience in international law. An advanced degree in international law, or comparable experience, is highly desirable, as are significant experience and demonstrated skill in the negotiation, interpretation, and application of international agreements.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Veterans preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.

Applications MUST be submitted through USAJobs.

Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 11/29/2024

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.

Review our 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.

You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Your application will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel. Highly qualified candidates may undergo an interview and a reference check. The Office of the Secretary of Defense Executive Resources Board will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority. Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB), your ECQs must be certified by the OPM QRB before your appointment can occur.

Required Documents

1. Resume - In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications, not to exceed five pages. Applicants typically provide the following information:

  • Vacancy Announcement number SES-12599556-24-AS
  • Full name, email and mailing address, and day and evening telephone numbers
  • Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://http://www.edu.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
  • Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary
  • Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
  • Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 11/29/2024~
2. Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs): A narrative statement specifically addressing each mandatory technical qualification.Statements should not exceed two pages per MTQ.

3. Mandatory ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligibles, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #4.

4. Copy of the Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50): If you are a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit your last or most recent SF-50 showing grade and tenure. Current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50 showing their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.

5. College Transcripts: Must provide a copy of transcripts in your application package. 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 transcripts from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency. If selected, an official/sealed transcript may be required prior to appointment.

6. Demographics Information of Applicants: Click on the link to access the Demographics Information of Applicants
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/Applicant_data_OMB_July_2020.pdf

DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.

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

TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION THROUGH USAJOBS: In order to expedite the review of your application, you must submit a complete online application package to include the Resume, the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and the Executive Core Qualifications. To apply online, please select the 'Apply Online' button at the bottom of this announcement. Please note: your online resume may not be a complete application. Be sure to carefully read this announcement to see if additional information is required and how it should be submitted.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php? title=Alternate_Application_Information

Agency contact information

Senior Executive Services
Address
General Counsel of the Department of Defense
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. The Executive Evaluation Panel will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and will generate a certificate of best qualified candidates for the selecting official. The selecting official may interview the best qualified candidates before making a selection. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement.






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