Summary

This position is in the Office of Audits (AUD) which is part of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). AUD has the responsibility for planning, conducting, supervising, and coordinating audits and evaluations of key programs located domestically and overseas. Projects can be performed to determine compliance with applicable laws or economy and efficiency and/or achievement of programs.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Clarification from the agency

This position is an excepted service term appointment under 5 U.S.C. 3161. Service under this appointment authority does not give selectee noncompetitive conversion eligibility.

Duties

The incumbent will serve as the OCO Director. The incumbent is responsible for supervising an audit team. Duties include:

Leading oversight of all ongoing Overseas Contingency Operations (OCOs), developing and executing comprehensive global strategies to plan, conduct, and report on high-risk oversight activities.
Identifying risks, propose OCO oversight projects, and participate in joint strategic planning with other federal government oversight entities to ensure coordinated, whole-of-government oversight of national security programs.
Directing and supervising teams conducting audits and special oversight projects by assigning staff, evaluating work products, ensuring effective coverage of OCO activities, and coordinating reporting requirements.
Reviewing and providing comment on OIG audit, evaluation, and investigative reports related to OCO topics, applying advanced knowledge of national security, legislation, and oversight standards.
Researching, writing, and editing quarterly and special OCO reports to Congress; develop proposed legislative changes impacting OCO oversight; and advise OIG leadership and legislative affairs on policy implications.
Preparing the Inspector General for congressional testimony and external engagements related to OCO oversight and representing the OIG on interagency task forces and committees.
Providing technical and administrative leadership to staff-including those stationed overseas-by setting priorities, assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, mentoring employees, and promoting equal employment opportunity.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
You may be subject to random drug tests.
All employees will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
May be required to successfully complete a 2-year trial period.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration).
Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
You will 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.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement.

If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position.

All applicants MUST meet all of the basic qualification requirements described below for this position:

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

Experience in leading and coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams responsible for obtaining, analyzing, and summarizing data. This includes both internal coordination, as well as external coordination with other agencies.
Experience in effective written communications through clear, concise, and accurate reporting
appropriate for the type of audience that would use the report, as well as presenting results to senior officials.
Experience in providing leadership, management, guidance, and feedback to subordinate staff or team members that contribute to the successful completion of projects, such as balancing workloads and commitments, addressing employee complaints, and identifying employee professional needs, such as training, development, and work-life balance.

In addition, applicant's experience must also demonstrate that the candidate possesses the following qualities:

Ability to assign, review, and supervise the work of others.
Objectivity and fairness in judging people on their ability, and situations on the facts and circumstances.
Ability to adjust to change, work pressures, or difficult situations.
Willingness to consider new ideas or divergent points of view.

Education

There is no education requirement for this position.

Additional information

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service.

Merit promotion procedures do not apply.

If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to complete pre-employment requirements within established timeframes, or failing to meet any pre-employment requirements, including failure to timely schedule and report to any of the scheduled appointments.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
DOS/OIG uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA 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, based on your adjudication decision. 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 RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement: Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DOS/OIG to share your application with others in DOS/OIG for similar positions.

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.

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.

Work Life Programs & Benefits - The Office of Inspector General offers many WorkLife programs such Fit Time, Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Transit Subsidy, Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment programs, Paid Parental Leave, Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, as well as Vision and Dental benefits.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

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

This job is being filled under an Agency Unique Schedule A hiring authority 5 U.S.C 3161 § 213.3199 and is excepted from the competitive civil service.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and your responses on the application questionnaire.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Accountability
Customer Service
Decisiveness
Flexibility
Interpersonal Skills
Problem Solving
Resilience
Leadership
Writing
Planning and Evaluating
Project Management
Strategic Thinking
Communications and Media

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12925142.

Required Documents

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS. You MUST upload the applicable documents with your application package. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration. If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you will not be considered for this vacancy.

2. Other supporting documents:

Cover Letter, optional
Most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees. We will use the employment date and grade on your resume in conjunction with the provided SF-50 to help determine initial eligibility but may require additional information to confirm at the job offer stage if needed.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance appraisal.
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
Non-competitive hiring authority eligibility documentation, if applicable. For information related to Schedule A hiring authority for individuals with disabilities visit OPM's hiring information site.
Other noncompetitive or special appointing authorities (e.g., Peace Corps, VISTA, Public Land Corp, Military Spouse, VRA, 30% Disabled Veterans, Certain Former Overseas Employees, Foreign Service, etc.) must provide substantiating documentation as required. Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.

ARE YOU A VETERAN CLAIMING SOLE SURVIVORSHIP PREFERENCE OR 5-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
1. You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as type of discharge and character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.

2. You should also document your complete military service information in the Veterans Preference and Military Service Section of the assessment questionnaire (type of preference, dates of service, date of VA letter, character of service, disability claim and rank and date of retirement if retired).

ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
1. Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide legible copies of the following: Applicable supporting documents as noted on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 05/20/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Agency contact information

DOS OIG

Email: OIGHiring@stateoig.gov

Next steps

After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration for possible interviews in approximately two weeks after the announcement closes. After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation, which generally takes an average of at least two to six months. You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:

1. Upon receipt of your application: Application Received.
2. Upon minimum qualification determination and the certificate issued to selecting official: Notice of Results and Notice of Referral
3. After final selection is made: Outcome of your Referral.

Director of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) Job in Washington, DC