USAJOBS Hiring for International Economist (Direct Hire Authority) at Washington, DC Full Time

Duties

This position will provide economic expertise in support of the Office of Economics. Expertise in examining the impact of tariffs, non-tariff barriers and trade facilitation on trade flows using general equilibrium, partial equilibrium, gravity, and other types of econometric models of advanced and emerging economies is desirable. We are looking for an individual with strong economic research and analytical skills who is comfortable working in a team environment and who has demonstrated exceptional written and oral communication skills. Key to the traits for success in this organization is an individual who develops networks and alliances and has demonstrated interpersonal skills that show understanding, courtesy, tact and empathy towards others.

At The Entry Level Of This Position, You Will

• Conduct analytical international trade research, preparing reports and preparing findings;
• Monitor new developing in economic modeling and trade policy and related economic trends in key international markets and the U.S. trade, investment, and service flows with these nations and regions;
• Provide critical analysis, you will identify factors that affect U.S. firms and/or products competitiveness in the international marketplace relative to foreign economies;
• Maintain a working relationship between small and large teams with staff both within and outside of your office and area of expertise.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are at the discretion of the supervisor, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen or national
• You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
• You may be required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement
• You must be able to pass a background investigation
• You are required to register for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/03/59
• We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement. Education may only be substituted in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook General Schedule Qualification Standards (opm.gov) . Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to be credited towards qualifications. Applicants must have the general and specialized experience outlined below which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Both specialized experience, and/or the substitution of education for experience, must have required an in-depth understanding of international economic principles and theories, such as the interplay of economic forces of goods and services across international borders, matters of trade policy, and product or industry competitiveness.

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

• Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.

OR

• Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to meeting the education requirement above. You must also meet the experience requirement below.

Specialized Experience Requirements

To qualify at the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as conducting data collection and analysis, or other substantive analysis which requires a thorough understanding of the economic issue under investigation; planning and execution of sequential work steps; and integration of research into an assigned study or work product.

To qualify at the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 defined as planning and carrying out projects to collect detailed economic data from primary sources; making recommendations for expanding, contracting, or initiating auxiliary studies; developing research plans and coordinating related activities; determining data sources, selecting and/or modifying techniques for data processing and analysis; defining problems during research, hypothesizing solutions, locating and collecting data, and drawing conclusions; and planning the method of presentation of findings.

To qualify at the GS-14 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-13 level defined as planning and carrying out an initial study that involves unprecedented data peculiarities or that requires novel analytical solutions; independently recognizing and evaluating significant and critical factors to solve complex problems and to draw rational inferences based on research findings; recommending the initiation, development or revision of projects or studies which fall within the framework of established agency programming and policy; and leading a number of diverse studies.

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.

Education

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of “Ineligible.”

If substituting education for specialized experience, you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of “Ineligible.”

Education May Be Substituted For Experience As Follows

At the GS-12 level: There is no substitution of education for experience at this level.

At the GS-13 level: There is no substitution of education for experience at this level.

At the GS-14 level: There is no substitution of education for experience at this level.

You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education’s website – US Department of Education. Another listing of services that an perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.

It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials: NACES | Credentials Evaluations Provided by NACES Members .

Additional Information

Surplus or Displaced Federal Employees: The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs are available to federal employees that qualify. Those eligible for these programs are granted special priority selection rights. To be considered, you must be deemed well-qualified by receiving a score of 85 or higher. If you are a federal employee claiming CTAP/ICTAP, you must provide the documents listed under the Required Documents section to verify your eligibility. Also, you must indicate in your application that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. For additional information regarding CTAP/ICTAP, please visit: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ .

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit https://www.sss.gov/.

Foreign Education Credential Interpretation: https://www.naces.org/members

DD-214: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

SF-15 (veterans claiming 10-point preference): https://www.gsa.gov/system/files/SF15-13.pdf

Special hiring authorities for veterans: https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/special-hiring-authorities/#content

Severely disabled persons program information: https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/individuals-with-disabilities/

Cover page to fax paper application – OPM Form 1203fx: Occupational Questionnaire – OPM Form 1203-FX

The Commission may offer recruitment incentives for this position.

This position is included in the bargaining unit, AFGE Local 2211.

This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C.

• 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Commission. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.

Assessment Question: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12221953

Vacancy ID number:12221953

Reasonable accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials, employment history, etc., will be verified as part of the security clearance process.