Program Analyst - DIRECT HIRE

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Due to the potential of a high volume of applicants, not all applicants may receive consideration. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Many', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

As a Program Analyst, you will:

• Be considered an expert on issues and tasks related to development and implementation of transit programs, including new programs resulting from legislation or those that require extensive external coordination with other federal programs. The work includes resolution of issues involving other federal agencies, grantees, regional offices, State or local authorities and/or headquarters personnel.
• Lead the development and provision of program guidance to FTA staff and grantees on competitive and formula grant programs as needed.
• Track the appropriations and obligations of congressional designated projects and activities and reports to Congress on unobligated balances. Approves discretionary projects for congressional notification and release prior to obligation.
• Research, prepare, and review written program guidance for major programs, which includes drafting and processing notices, orders, circulars, and other policy or guidance-related documents.
• Presents information about FTA programs and policies in meetings with internal/external stakeholders including elected officials, trade associations, professional organizations, grantees, and congressional staff.

The ideal candidate is a skilled subject matter expert in federal grant administration who excels at bridging complex policy with practical program execution. A problem-solver with a strong background in federal grant frameworks, statutory regulations, and oversight governing formula and discretionary funding programs. Experience in 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 transportation policy, programs or procedures is desirable. The position is an excellent opportunity to advance their career with the Federal Transit Administration, work with transportation officials and meet the challenges of advancing transit systems across the United States.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade that include:

• Knowledge of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 (Federal public transportation law) and related statutes, regulations, orders, circulars, notices, policies, procedures, past practices, and other Federal laws and regulations to grant development and implementation of formula and discretionary grant programs for urban areas.
• Experience evaluating program data and legislative requirements. 
• Experience gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing program information to deliver briefs, technical reports, and oral presentations for a variety of audiences.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:  3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.  You can also qualify based on a combination of higher-level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence.
2. Strategic Thinking (*) - Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization in a global economy. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
3. Manages and Organizes Information - Identifies a need; gathers, organizes, and maintains information; determines its importance and accuracy, and communicates it by a variety of methods.

To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 grade that include:

• Experience applying 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 (Federal public transportation law) and related statutes, regulations, orders, circulars, notices, policies, procedures, past practices, and other Federal laws and regulations to grant development and implementation of formula and discretionary grant programs for urban areas.
• Experience evaluating grant program data and legislative requirements to deliver actionable recommendations that enhance program operations.
• Experience developing policies, programs, and procedures and communicating that information to a variety of audiences including agency leadership, Congressional staff, and external stakeholders.

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Grants Management - Knowledge of requirements, practices, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements.
2. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
3. Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence.
4. Manages and Organizes Information - Identifies a need; gathers, organizes, and maintains information; determines its importance and accuracy, and communicates it by a variety of methods.

To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade that include:

• Experience applying 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 (Federal public transportation law) and related statutes, regulations, orders, circulars, notices, policies, procedures, past practices, and other Federal laws and regulations to grant development and implementation of formula and discretionary grant programs for urban areas.
• Experience in providing technical assistance in the implementation of grant programs and recommending changes to enhance program operations.
• Experience developing policies, programs, and procedures and communicating that information to a variety of audiences including agency leadership, Congressional staff, and external stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Grants Management - Knowledge of requirements, practices, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements.
2. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
3. Manages and Organizes Information - Identifies a need; gathers, organizes, and maintains information; determines its importance and accuracy, and communicates it by a variety of methods.
4. Grants Management Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence.

For all types of consideration, 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.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

For this announcement, applications will be reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the basic qualifications for this position. The applications of individuals who meet the basic qualifications will be assessed to validate that the applicant possesses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at the level of proficiency needed to perform the job successfully. Applicants who are found to possess the necessary KSAs to perform the job may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

To receive full credit during evaluation, your assessment responses must explicitly point back to your resume, as HR cannot make assumptions about your experience. You must write your narrative answers in full paragraph format, beginning each response with the exact position title, organization, employment dates (MM/YYYY–MM/YYYY), full-time/part-time, average hours worked per week, and federal series/grade (if applicable) as listed on your resume. Within the paragraph, clearly describe your specific individual duties, actions taken, tools used, and measurable outcomes to prove your level of expertise. HR will cross-check your narrative against your resume; if your resume does not fully support every detail and timeframe claimed in your written response, the claimed experience will be disallowed, which may result in an ineligible determination.

You will not be considered for the position if any part of the application or supporting documentation is incomplete.  Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or adverse action after hiring.  

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

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