PROGRAM ANALYST

Conditions of Employment continued... Position is designated special-sensitive and incumbent must be able to obtain and retain a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) based on a Tier 5 investigation. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program.

Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, Management and Program Analysis Series 0343 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of and an appropriate mix of education and progressively responsible work experience in the areas of national security policy, issues and decision-making processes, national defense strategy, national security, intelligence, program analysis methodology and an appreciation of how these are accomplished within the individual military departments and other DoD agencies.

Demonstrated awareness of program management processes, analytical abilities and technical aptitude as well as the ability to participate in groups comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds in highly productive channels. Knowledge of the U.S. intelligence community to ensure that policies coordinated are effective. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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: Knowledge of the policies, principles, concepts, guidance, procedures, techniques, and methodologies pertaining to development, staffing, review and approval of DoD policies.

Knowledge of the mission, roles, functions, organizational structures, policy issues and operation of DOD and Military Department organizations to provide pre-decisional analysis, advice and recommendations to senior-level decision- makers. Knowledge of DoD programs, organizations and activities to assess the political and institutional environment in which decisions are made and implemented.

Skill in dealing with senior-level decision-makers and their immediate staffs, and in interacting with other specialists and experts in the same or related fields. Skill in communicating highly complex technical material or highly complex issues that may have controversial findings, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and accurately, so as to facilitate the ability to formulate a decision.

Skill in leading small, expert groups to generate ideas and analyze data in support of highly complex DoD initiatives.

Ability to work effectively under the pressure of tight time frames and rigid deadlines; Ability to exercise judgment in all phases of analysis, ranging from identifying the most important issues when dealing with voluminous amounts of information to ensure thorough exploration of a policy issue, to evaluating evidence and developing feasible options or alternative proposals and anticipating policy consequences. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Participates in special, confidential studies and projects of high priority on designated policy issues as directed by the Director, ASO and Chief, Policy Strategy & Actions Division, and accomplishes day-to-day staff functions for the development and coordination of policy positions and recommendations.

Provides technical advice and staff support to the Chief, Policy, Strategy & Actions division, Director, ASO, and other senior DoD leaders on highly complex policy matters related to national security activities. Directly assists the Chief, Policy, Strategy & Actions Division to identify, coordinate and develop policy issues within OSD, the Joint Staff, the Military Departments, and other DoD agencies.

Develops and maintains effective working relationships with policy representatives from other OSD organizations and the Military Departments.