Program Analyst

Summary

This position is in the US Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary, Office of the Under Secretary for Policy. The position serves as a principal policy advisor to the Secretary and provides leadership in the development of policies for the Department, generating proposals and providing advice on optimizing organizational operations and aligning policy initiatives across all modes of transportation.

Duties

The Program Analyst: Provides advice on policy and program matters having national implications on agency regulations and legislation and is responsible for the execution of a broad and complex set of assignments as delegated by executive leadership and has been assigned authority to manage key positions within the immediate office of the Assistant Secretary to carry out and accomplish the mission. Manages administrative and program activities related to research program issues and makes strategic plans and decisions to improve programs by establishing criteria for program performance and works with Department managers and other Federal agencies in the implementation of managerial and administrative programs. Directs, coordinates and facilitates the implementation of managerial programs designed to optimize organizational operation such as the development of how managers within S3 execute organizational programs related to Departmental policy alignment requiring organizational approval. This responsibility requires the knowledge, development, and execution of key strategic initiatives. Provides long and short team strategic plans for future research investments to support administrative initiatives that improve the efficiency of managerial processes for the Assistant Secretary and partners within OST, the Department, Federal Sector, Industry, and vendors as required to improve organizational effectiveness. Leads, directs and coordinates special projects and initiatives on behalf of executive leadership frequently involving other executive officers and/or outside agencies to identify research gaps, synergies and potential research investment ensuring alignment with the Administration's research agenda and Departmental strategic goals. The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced strategic advisor and leader skilled in managing high-profile policy, administrative and organizational initiatives, with national impact. Functioning as a trusted confidant, this individual excels at establishing strategic direction, optimizing organizational operations and aligning policy initiatives with Administration's and Departmental goals. Requirements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may 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. 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: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. See Other information for additional instructions. Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include: Experience providing strategic advice and administrative management on Federal programs, policies, regulations and activities having National implications. Experience managing Presidential transition procedures and processes, and congressional hearing preparation procedures. Experience analyzing and evaluating proposals, position papers, progress reports and other actions documents submitted by program offices to executive level leadership, to ensure validity and adherence to established policy directives. 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: Strategic Thinking: Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization in a global economy. Examine policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities. Administration and Management: Knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production. Organizational Awareness: Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operate effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization. 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

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: Please be clear and specific when describing your experience, as HR evaluates applications strictly on the facts provided and will not make assumptions. To receive full credit, your narrative responses must be written in paragraph format and explicitly match your resume. Begin each response by listing the exact position title, organization, employment dates (MM/YYYY–MM/YYYY), full- or part-time status, average weekly hours, and federal series/grade (if applicable). Within the body of the paragraph, clearly describe your specific duties, actions taken, tools used, and measurable outcomes. HR will cross-check these details against your resume; if your resume does not fully support every claim and timeframe, the experience will not be considered for credit, which may result in an ineligible determination." Eligible Federal employees also seeking consideration for noncompetitive reassignment for this position, must indicate interest in the assessment. Noncompetitive federal candidates must have competitive status on a SF-50, meet minimum qualifications, have served at the same grade or higher, and held or exceeded the promotion potential of this position. All applicants: Your application will be reviewed in two phases determine how you move forward in the hiring process. Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed. Applicants passing “Phase I” will move on to the “Phase II” of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the KSAs/Competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). You may preview questions for this vacancy. Other Information

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations 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 the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions is similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate(s).