Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DCOR-25-06-DH Department Federal Housing Finance Agency
Salary $109,487.00 to $245,969.00 Grade 12 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/3/2025 Close Date 1/13/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

Join us as a Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist in the Office of Financial Technology (OFT), Division of Conservatorship Oversight & Readiness (DCOR). In this role, you will identify, analyze, and report on mortgage-related innovations, general trends, and emerging risks in the use of financial technology. Help us drive innovation and ensure stability in the evolving financial landscape.

Duties

Position Overview

The Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist supports the Agency's efforts to understand technology-driven developments in housing finance and the associated risks, and to facilitate the development of responsible innovation in FHFA's regulated entities, which include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

In this position, the employee will engage in external outreach with market participants, including industry firms, non-profits, trade associations, consumer advocacy organizations and academia to support responsible innovation in mortgage finance and on ongoing dialogue on opportunities and barriers to innovation in the mortgage ecosystem.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

The Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist duties listed below are at the EL-14 grade level. Depending on the grade level at which you are selected, you will perform these tasks with varying levels of complexity, and supervision:

  • In coordination with applicable FHFA offices and consistent with established delegations of authority and agency protocols, perform research and analysis to support the formulation and development of agency policies and procedures regarding Fintech and equitable and affordable housing finance mechanisms.
  • Review and monitor key Fintech and emerging technology activities across both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • Identify key Fintech issues and emerging trends in Fintech across the single-family, multifamily, and retained portfolio segments.
  • Analyze significant issues and emerging risks in credit, counterparty, operational, model and market risk related to adoption and use of Fintech. These issues may vary across a wide spectrum and may be very technical.
  • Review, assess, and analyze a myriad of Fintech related information; attend key Fintech meetings; and conduct research and reviews.
  • Update and prepare timely and accurate reports for senior agency executives.
  • Collaborate with key internal stakeholders in sharing information and in developing work products that may include analysis memos, presentations, and reports.
  • Lead analysis, presentations, and related FHFA work products, including Fintech-related thought leadership and high-quality presentations to senior FHFA leadership.
  • Research emerging issues to develop and track key indicators and related metrics.
  • Prepare final reports and support and/or lead discussions within the Agency and/or key external stakeholders.
  • Lead and attend internal and external Fintech related meetings.
  • Represent FHFA in evaluating and communicating Fintech and related issues within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and other external entities as needed.
  • Lead other special assignments that may be highly technical, complex, and with topics across a broad range of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac usage and adoption of Fintech and emerging technologies. These issues may be urgent and/or of a sensitive nature.
  • Provide advice and analysis to senior FHFA executives across a wide range of risk issues within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
  • This position may be required to complete a financial disclosure report.
  • FHFA participates in e-Verify. All new hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
  • This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit. The union that represents employees in this position is the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 343.
  • This is NOT a remote position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the Washington, DC duty location.

Qualifications

You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum Qualification EL-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-12 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-11 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with one or more of the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:
  1. Knowledge of new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, robotic process automation, use of alternative data, blockchain and distributed ledger, and digital assets, and how those technologies impact mortgage processes and FHFAs regulated entities.
  2. Ability to contribute to analytical assignments or policy initiatives with guidance from senior staff.
  3. Skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field.
  4. Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with high personal accountability and to foster collaboration among staff in different offices and divisions and at different levels to fulfill the objectives of an agency or organization.
  5. Ability to communicate and present complex and substantive issues in a clear, convincing, and effective manner both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people inside and outside of an agency or organization.

Minimum Qualification EL-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-13 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-12 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with one or more of the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:
  1. Comprehensive knowledge of new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, robotic process automation, use of alternative data, blockchain and distributed ledger, and digital assets, and how those technologies impact mortgage processes and FHFAs regulated entities.
  2. Ability to independently develop and implement analytical assignments or policy initiatives with a focus on complex problem-solving.
  3. Applying mastery of a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field.
  4. Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with high personal accountability and to foster collaboration among staff in different offices and divisions and at different levels to fulfill the objectives of an agency or organization.
  5. Ability to communicate and present complex and substantive issues in a clear, convincing, and effective manner both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people inside and outside of an agency or organization.

Minimum Qualification EL-14: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-14 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-13 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with one or more of the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:
  1. Working with new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, robotic process automation, use of alternative data, blockchain and distributed ledger, and digital assets, and how those technologies impact mortgage processes and FHFAs regulated entities.
  2. Leading the planning, development, and execution of broad and extensive analytical assignments or policy initiatives, providing strategic insights and direction.
  3. Applying mastery of a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field.
  4. Working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with high personal accountability and to foster collaboration among staff in different offices and divisions and at different levels to fulfill the objectives of an agency or organization. and
  5. Communicating and presenting complex and substantive issues in a clear, convincing, and effective manner both orally and in writing, with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.


Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

An Overview of FHFA's Benefits for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year.

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.

FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill vacancies.

This position may be required to complete a financial disclosure report.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 years of age or over), genetic information, parental status, marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION:FHFA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the Agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify FHFA. The Agency's decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.

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.

This position is being filled through Federal Housing Finance Agency's hiring authority granted by the Housing Economic Recovery Act (HERA). All applicants meeting the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. Candidates with Veteran's preference, who meet the specialized experience and education requirements for this vacancy, will be given priority consideration over non-preference candidates.


We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process. To preview the assessment questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12657779


All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.

In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to fairchanceactcomplaints@fhfa.gov or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law.

Required Documents

FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:

1. Your Resume: If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorial video on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQ on the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.

  • Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name of each employer.
  • For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
  • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
2. Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)

3. Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc.).

4. Other Supporting Documents:
  • Cover letter, optional
  • SF-50, optional

Important Notes:
  • Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
  • Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
  • Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
  • Do not submit encrypted documents.
  • Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USA Jobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF, or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USA Jobs preview feature.
  • If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/13/2025 to receive consideration.

  • 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 resume 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 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: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Devin Hinkle at devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3777 to obtain an alternative application.

Agency contact information

Devin Hinkle
Address
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After receiving all application packages, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in their resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the application deadline. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.

***There is currently one vacancy available. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the opening date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s).

FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for FHFA to share your application with others in FHFA for similar positions.


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


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