Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

Working closely with the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel for External and Legislative Affairs will guide the agency's responses to oversight requests while navigating the agency's legal duties and its strategic goals and objectives. The position requires a capable legal strategist with exceptional judgment, preferably with past experience with congressional oversight, legislative affairs, and GAO.

As Associate General Counsel for External and Legislative Affairs, you will:

• Serve as a key member of the General Counsel's senior management team and interact directly with high-level officials in connection with congressional and GAO requests;
• Spearhead the agency's responses to formal and informal congressional and GAO requests by preparing or reviewing correspondence, negotiating compliance with demands for documentary material, and providing advice on any complex legal issues that may arise;
• Conduct or assist with briefings of congressional staff, and prepare or assist in the preparation of testimony for congressional hearings;
• Closely monitor and advise senior agency officials of developments in Congress and associated oversight requests;
• Work with the agency's Office of Congressional Relations and Office of Public Affairs to develop communication plans in connection with congressional oversight; and
• Assist with other aspects of OGC's work, including by rendering advice on questions of law or policy and assisting with pending litigation, especially in cases that overlap with the subject of an oversight request.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
• This position is subject to a background investigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
• Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory - US, PR, DC.
• The position may be subject to completion of a two-year trial period. Trial periods are an extension of the hiring process.
• This position is not in the bargaining unit.
• If selected for this position, the agency will evaluate your fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest before extending your appointment beyond the two-year trial period
• Financial Disclosure may be required.
• You may be subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have attained the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school and be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. Applicants must demonstrate excellent writing skills and be able to work effectively with other people, exercise sound judgment, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency.

Additional Requirements

GS-15 Positions
For attorney appointments: active member of the bar in good standing and 60 months of legal experience after graduation from law school.

Note: Legal and nonlegal experience gained in the Federal Government before completing law school does not satisfy post law school experience.

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.

You will be evaluated based on the overall strength of your credentials as demonstrated by your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and experience. The most qualified candidates will be selected for interviews, which will also be considered in making the final decision.

Application of Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Federal Trade Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you are encouraged to include that information in your cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214 or other substantiating documents) to your submission.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter- REQUIRED
• Writing Sample- REQUIRED
• Graduate Transcript(s), if the position has an education requirement - REQUIRED
• Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF- 15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
• Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)

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