Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from current federal employees serving on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, persons eligible under special hiring authorities including Schedule A and VEOA, and CTAP/ICTAP eligible candidates in the local commuting area. This position is located in Washington, DC.

The Program Analyst (Evaluator) is responsible for the planning, coordinating, reporting, and performing all aspects of OIG evaluations of CFTC programs and operations in accordance with the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Blue Book standards. The incumbent will be assigned to the Office of Evaluations and report directly to the Assistant Inspector General for Evaluations. The incumbent conducts inspections and evaluations that ensure statutory and regulatory compliance and promote program improvement. Evaluations may be routine or complex. The primary responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the planning and execution of statutory management, operational, financial and information system evaluations and reviews in accordance with CIGIE Blue Book standards to safeguard the effectiveness and efficiency of all CFTC programs and operations.
• Prepares formal memorandums and report submissions for Congressional and other senior-level communications as the Semi-annual Report to Congress, Office of Management and Budget submissions, etc.
• Advises the Assistant Inspector General for Evaluations on alternate means to foster agency innovation that would improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the program administration and operation and support strategic planning through project development.
• Analyzes agency policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations; works with other divisions on complex projects; assists the division in preparing for peer review and support through leadership the peer review of other federal offices.
• Monitors OIG evaluations progress and plans accordingly as priorities shift.
• Ensures that evaluations are planned, conducted, completed, and reported in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and policies and priorities of the Assistant Inspector General for Evaluations and Inspector General; ensures compliance with professional standards including Quality Standards for Inspections and Evaluations issued by the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency, IG directives, policies and procedures, and CFTC requirements.
• Conducts follow-up related to the division’s evaluations and inspections; coordinating with stakeholders to resolve recommendations and collaborating to maintain positive, professional working relationships.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background/Security Investigation
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to time-in-grade requirements, if applicable

You will be rated based on the required documentation submitted with your application package to determine your ability to demonstrate the following competencies. Please read the required documents listed and "How You Will be Evaluated":

• Planning and Evaluating: - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates
  with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
• Problem Solving/Reasoning: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations. 
• Performance Measurement: - Knowledge of the principles and methods for evaluating program or organizational performance using financial and nonfinancial measures, including
  identification of evaluation factors (for example, workload, personnel requirements), metrics, and outcomes.
• Compliance Inspection: Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries, including application of compliance rules and criteria and ability to make appropriate decisions and issue citations, fines, or orders. 
• Interpersonal Skills/Communication (Oral/Written):  Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

Qualifications

To qualify for the CT-13:  you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the CT/GS-12 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Such experience includes:

Specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience serving as a Program Evaluator by evaluating and monitoring in accordance with CIGIE Blue Book standards the effectiveness and efficiency of OIG programs in compliance with agency policies and procedures and federal regulations;
• Experience in utilizing the applicable resources and systems to carry out the planning and execution of program evaluations and reviews;
• Advises senior leadership on the most productive approach to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and progress of program administration and operation; and
• Coordinates with senior leadership on policy issues and recommendations related to accounting, finance, resources, administrative, and agency internal controls.

Please note: A work sample is required at the time of application and will be used to evaluate your qualifications.  Failure to submit the work sample will rate the applicant ineligible for the position. Please submit responses to each of the following:

• In this new position at CFTC, what evaluation topic would you pitch to the AIGE as the most relevant and impactful? (250 words or less)
• Define customer service in the context of evaluations work. (250 words or less)

Selections may be made at the CT-13 with promotion potential at the CT-14.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required for this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated against the core competencies required for this role using the assessment method(s) listed below.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

This recruitment will utilize the following assessment tools: Structured Resume Review and Structured Interview/Work Sample.

When the application process is complete, we will review your resume, work sample, and other supporting documentation, to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement.

To qualify for this position, your resume and work sample must demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. For the first level of review, your resume is the key evaluate your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.  Your resume cannot exceed more than 2 pages.

Structured Resume Review: Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY your two (2) page resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume).

If you are found qualified, you may be referred to the Structured Interview process.

Structured Interview: During the structured interview panel, you will be rated on your resume and work sample submission submitted with your application.  You will be rated on the following competencies:

• Planning and Evaluating: - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates
  with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
• Problem Solving/Reasoning: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations. 
• Performance Measurement: - Knowledge of the principles and methods for evaluating program or organizational performance using financial and nonfinancial measures, including
  identification of evaluation factors (for example, workload, personnel requirements), metrics, and outcomes.
• Compliance Inspection: Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries, including application of compliance rules and criteria and ability to make appropriate decisions and issue citations, fines, or orders. 
• Interpersonal Skills/Communication (Oral/Written):  Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

All documents are required by the closing date of the Announcement.  Please read carefully to determine the required documents that are applicable to your eligibility.

• Resume showing all relevant and related experience (Required two pages max). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
• Cover letter (optional);
• Most recent performance appraisal (optional); 
• SF-50 showing you meet time in grade requirements (required if applicable depending on eligibility) 
• Work Sample: Required 
• Transcripts (unofficial final copy with date degree was awarded); unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy is required prior to firm offer letter being extended;
• Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
• If you wish to be considered under an applicable Veteran's authority such as VEOA, 30% or more disabled vet, etc., you must submit a copy of your Veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service), along with a VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable. If you are a current active-duty service member, please submit an official statement of service from your command;
• Other Special Hiring Authorities: If you are claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documents to receive consideration.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.  To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at:
http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP

Candidates MUST submit:
1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice;
2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating;
3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and
4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local
commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or
transfer of function outside the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.

The following links provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities:

1. VEOA

2. 30% or more disabled veteran

3. Individuals with disabilities

4. CTAP

5. ICTAP

6. Military Spouse

7. Special Authorities

8. Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA

9. Former Federal Employees

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