Program Analyst

Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Current OIG employees eligible for consideration under Merit Promotion procedures, e.g. currently hold or have previously held a competitive service career or career conditional appointment.

Duties

EOIG services as a primary liaison to members of Congress and their staffs, the White House and Executive Branch, and to other Federal agencies and governmental entities that have roles in assuring national security. The office's staff responds to inquiries from Congress and the White House; dealing and communicating with the print and broadcast media; notifies Congress about OIG initiatives, policies, and programs; and keeps DHS and other governmental bodies informed concerning OIG matters that affect their operations and Department actions in jointly undertaken endeavors.

Being a Program Analyst makes you a valuable member of the Legislative Affairs Division (LAD). You will support positions within LAD that plan, initiate, and implement strategies for dealing and communicating with Congress in a manner which ensures a coherent, coordinated, and effective relationship. Typical assignments include:

• In support of and in consonance with, conducts research, gathers data and documentation, and prepares proposals to respond to Congressional requests and address Legislative Affairs programs and projects. Provides recommendations regarding matters which should be referred to DHS OIG executives. Prepares various types of correspondence, talking points, analysis, assessments, and spreadsheets that support all LAD Congressional programs and responsibilities. Participates with the other OIG staff in joint projects and responding to Congressional inquiries, and preparing for hearings, briefings, and other Congressional meetings that clearly state the OIG's position on legislative or regulatory proposals or DHS programs or operations. The incumbent develops possible and anticipated questions and answers for use during hearings; and prepares briefings materials that include written, statistical, and/or visual information. The incumbent is also responsible for responding to any follow-up questions or requests for additional information from congressional committees on behalf of the IG.
• Assists with comprehensive review and analysis of LAD programs and operations including data formatting, data analysis, comparative analysis and evaluation in relation to program goals and objectives.
• Utilizes computer knowledge in a variety of software applications and information sources in the development of spreadsheets and trackers for effective management response to external stakeholders and for review and analysis of legislation.
• Performs a wide variety of analytical studies and projects related to the execution of LAD operations and programs. Develops presentations and/or reports of resulting findings.
• Develops and/or identifies techniques or methods to gather data, research, and documentation for a variety of diverse and complex analysis and visualization projects and to support the development of responsive correspondence.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
• You will be required to undergo periodic drug testing
• Submission of Performance Appraisal is mandatory

Qualifications

To qualify at the GS-09 grade level, applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the federal service, which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the GS-09. Specialized experience at this level may include:

planning and conducting analytical projects in a team environment; researching issues, laws, regulations and policies; contributing to the collection of data for responsive materials through observations, engaging with subject matter experts, and data/file reviews; assisting in performing quantitative and qualitative analysis on program operations and/or procedures to identify trends, patterns or relationships; and helping to prepare written documents, such as correspondence, hearing testimony, or briefing materials.

OR

Applicants may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:

- Master's degree or equivalent, OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree

OR

Applicants may qualify with a combination of experience and education. Note that only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next

lower grade level can be combined with the appropriate level of experience to qualify applicants for positions at the GS-09 level.

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.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date 08/27/2024of this announcement.

Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade band in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date 08/27/2024of this announcement.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. 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.

Additional information

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

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.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation as a condition of placement into this position.

DHS 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.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date.

• 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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

• Managing and Organizing Information
• Oral Communication
• Planning and Evaluating
• Reasoning
• Teamwork
• Written Communication

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12512283.

• 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  1. Your resume NOTE: For what to include in the resume, click on the link.
  
  2. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12512283
  
  3. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
  
  4. You must submit your most recent FY23 performance appraisal and or incentive awards.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an alternate application process.
  
  Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59PM EST on 08/27/2024.
  
  It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Timothy Martin
  
  Phone
  
  202-427-5086
  
  Email
  
  Timothy.Martin@oig.dhs.gov
  
  Address
  
  Office of Inspector General
  
  245 Murray Lane SW
  
  Washington, DC 20528
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
  
  If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
  
  Interview (If applicable): Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.
  
  The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to oig.hroperations@oig.dhs.gov.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume NOTE: For what to include in the resume, click on the link.

2. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12512283

3. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.

4. You must submit your most recent FY23 performance appraisal and or incentive awards.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an alternate application process.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59PM EST on 08/27/2024.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

Agency contact information

Timothy Martin

Phone

202-427-5086

Email

Timothy.Martin@oig.dhs.gov

Address

Office of Inspector General

245 Murray Lane SW

Washington, DC 20528

US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."

If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

Interview (If applicable): Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to oig.hroperations@oig.dhs.gov.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request