Lead Economist, MC-110-3b/3a

Summary

This position is in the Economic Analysis Division, Department of Policy and Evaluation (DPE), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). MCC uses a pay-band system to compensate employees. This position is pay band 3b/3a which is generally equal to GS-14/15. Veterans preference does not apply when selecting individuals under Direct-Hire Authority (DHA). Any qualified applicant may be selected without regard to competitive rating and ranking and veterans' preference procedures.

Duties

Leads the cost benefit analysis (CBA) of MCC investments. Conducts research on potential benefit streams and applies economic expertise to ensure industry leading cost benefit analysis. Works closely with colleagues across the agency during project development and provides input into program design processes to enhance the cost-effectiveness and targeting of investment proposals under consideration. Works closely with country directors and sector leads to maintaining a current profile of the economics of ongoing projects, including the maintenance of current CBA models, and provides timely analysis of the economic implications of possible changes in project design. Leads growth diagnostic (constraints analysis) research for MCC programs under development. Ensures all contributors to the analysis are applying up to date and appropriate economic analysis techniques consistent with the latest in academic literature. Leads and/or supports sector diagnostic studies (i.e. root cause analysis) for potential areas of MCC investment, applying sector knowledge and economic logic. Leads beneficiary analysis that builds on the CBA to identify beneficiaries. Contributes to the preparation of and participates in program performance reporting and management reviews. Attends and contributes to meetings with country teams, host country stakeholders, US government officials, and other partners in host countries. Performs related duties as assigned. Qualifications

Selective Placement Factor (Screen out): Experience leading research or studies associated with the cost benefit analysis (CBA) of investments. (If you do not meet this factor, your application will be screened out and you will not receive further consideration). Selective Placement Factor (Screen out): Experience leading or conducting growth diagnostic (constraints analysis) research in developing countries. (If you do not meet this factor, your application will be screened out and you will not receive further consideration) To qualify for pay band 3B applicants must also meet the following: Qualifying experience for Pay Band 3B includes one year of specialized experience (comparable to the Pay Band 4A or GS-13 or equivalent non-federal experience), which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, examples of specialized experience are: conducting research or studies associated with the cost benefit analysis (CBA) of investments; applying economic theory, principles, methods, and techniques used in the conduct of cost benefit analysis in lower and lower-middle income country contexts; leading or conducting growth diagnostic (constraints analysis) research; conduct research for sector diagnostic studies (i.e. root cause analysis) or beneficiary analysis; and communicating orally and in writing to develop comprehensive reports and to present and explain complex economic findings and recommendations. Note: This experience MUST be well documented within your resume or application. To qualify for pay band 3A applicants must also meet the following: Qualifying experience for Pay Band 3A includes one year of specialized experience (comparable to the Pay Band 3B or GS-14 or equivalent non-federal experience), which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, examples of specialized experience are: leading research or studies associated with the cost benefit analysis (CBA) of investments; applying economic theory, principles, methods, and techniques used in the conduct of cost benefit analysis in lower and lower-middle income country contexts; leading growth diagnostic (constraints analysis) research; conduct research for sector diagnostic studies (i.e. root cause analysis) or beneficiary analysis; and communicating orally and in writing to develop comprehensive reports and to present and explain complex economic findings and recommendations. Note: This experience MUST be well documented within your resume or application. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit may be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. To receive credit you must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer. It is important that your resume fully reflects all of your directly-related work experience. Salary offers include three key factors: The selectee's directly related experience at the same level as the position. The selectee's overall experience in a particular area. The salaries of employees in similar positions and with similar levels of experience. MCC also takes the selectee's skill set into account. Applicants should note that salary offers seldom fall near the upper end of the salary range listed in the vacancy announcement. Salary may be set from the minimum to the midpoint of the salary range of the pay band. In some instances, based on a selectee's extensive experience directly related to the position, salary may be set at or above the mid-point up to the maximum salary for that pay band. See information on MCC base pay ranges and salary structure (https://www.mcc.gov/careers/compensation/).

Education

In addition to meeting the qualification requirements, This position has a minimum education requirement. You must have a degree in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR A combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. How You Will Be Evaluated

A review of your application and supporting documents will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for the position and to ensure that you have been placed in the appropriate quality category. The HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities related to the position such as: Oral Communication Technical Competence Writing Based on the information you provided in your application package, you will be placed in one of three quality categories - Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Those applicants who are determined to be best qualified will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and may be called for an interview. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience your category can and will be adjusted to more reflect your abilities, and you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Applicants must include their own documented examples of the required experience in their resume. Applicants who copy the duties section of this announcement into their resume as their current experience will be disqualified. Other Information

This position will be filled under Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) - Veterans preference does not apply when selecting individuals under DHA. Any qualified applicant may be selected without regard to competitive rating and ranking and veterans' preference procedures. If you are eligible for CTAPICTAP, you must provide proof of eligibility, (a recent Standard Form 50 (SF-50),a separation notice) and a copy of your latest performance appraisal including your official rating. If you are eligible for CTAP/ICTAP, you may apply for a vacancy at or below the grade level you are separated from that does not have greater promotion potential than your last position. You can apply for jobs at higher grades or with greater promotion potential, but you will not receive selection priority for those jobs. You must provide proof of eligibility (promotion potential) for the higher grade( SF-50). (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.PDF #13. Can I get priority for higher-graded positions?) If you are not a current federal employee this position may authorize a one time Recruitment bonus to be paid over a specified period. Selected individual will be required to a sign service agreement prior to receiving any bonus payments. If you are a current federal employee this position may authorize a one time Relocation bonus to be paid over a specified period. Selected individual will be required to a sign service agreement prior to receiving any bonus payments. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. Selectee may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower level, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Please note that qualification claims will be subject to verification. Your pay will be set within the range specified in this vacancy announcement and will be based on your qualifications, education, experience, training, and availability of funds. If the position is advertised with promotion potential, the selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition. Selection at a lower pay band level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level, nor is the promise of promotion implied. DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Applicants must include their own documented examples of the required experience in their resume. Applicants who copy the duties section of this announcement into their resume as their current experience will be disqualified. Selectee may be required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form (OGE 450). You must be able to obtain and maintain a Government contractor issued travel card to be used for official business. Selectee may be required to complete a probationary/trial period.