Legal Careers
Chief, Foreign Investment Review Staff (FIRS)
Washington, DC 20530 - United States
FIRS serves as the Department's operational arm for reviewing certain transactions involving acquisitions of U.S. companies by foreign companies for national security concerns, and the Department's principal representative on an interagency group that provides opinions to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regarding the granting of particular licenses to foreign owned or controlled entities that pose potential national security risks.
NSD executes the Department's highest priority: to combat terrorism and other threats to national security. NSD consolidates the Department's primary national security elements within a single Division. This organizational structure ensures greater coordination and unity of purpose between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, on the one hand, and intelligence attorneys and the Intelligence Community, on the other, thus strengthening the effectiveness of the Department's national security efforts. The Division is led by an Assistant Attorney General.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The Chief is responsible for the function of, and the personnel assigned to, FIRS. This includes the supervision and review of attorneys (GS-15 level), para-professionals (GS-11 to GS-15 level), and clerical support staff to ensure that a uniformly high level of performance is reflected in the work of FIRS.
The Chief is the principal legal advisor responsible for providing expert advice and guidance to the NSD's senior leadership on reviews of foreign acquisitions of domestic entities that might affect national security; tracking and monitoring of transactions that have been approved and identifying unreported transactions that might merit review; responding to FCC requests for the Department's views relating to the national security implications of certain transactions relating to FCC licenses; and identifying policy and legal gaps that must be addressed to further national security.
The Chief directs and supervises the attorneys' review of transactions within FIRS's jurisdiction, participation in interagency negotiations related to those transactions, and legal/policy research in connection with matters falling within FIRS's responsibility.
The Chief maintains close and personal liaison relationships with the FBI and other agencies working on foreign investment related issues.
The Chief responds to inquiries from Congress and other agencies on national security matters within FIRS's purview.
The Chief consults with and advises the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, the Assistant Attorney General and the Deputy Assistant Attorney General of NSD and other government officials and departments on questions of law and policy relating to national security issues within FIRS's purview.
The Chief acquires and leverages needed fiscal and human resources to achieve results oriented outcomes. Develops budget enhancements that include both performance measures and outcomes that reflect FIRS's, Division's and Department's strategic goals and objectives.
The Chief ensures that resource enhancements necessary for proposed priorities are identified and justified. Uses efficient and cost-effective approaches to integrate technology into the workplace for improved program effectiveness.
The Chief promotes and supports the Division's equal employment policies and programs designed to enhance workforce diversity aims. Demonstrates a firm commitment to applying merit promotion principles in all aspects of hiring, selection, training and development and employee retention.
CONTROLS OVER WORK
The Chief works under the supervision and direction of the Deputy Assistant Attorney General. As a senior executive, exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment in determining how work will be accomplished within the broad framework of the goals, objectives, and strategic vision of FIRS and the National Security Division.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS
This position requires strong supervisory and leadership skills as well as experience and/or expertise in complex areas of national security law. The Chief is provided great flexibility in adapting processes and realigning resources to achieve program and Departmental goals. The Chief is in frequent contact with the Deputy Assistant Attorney General and, when necessary, the Assistant Attorney General and senior officials in the investigative agencies in developing overall and outcomes in areas within FIRS's purview. The Chief deals with the most sensitive and critical legal, policy, and management matters within the National Security Division.
Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
The selectee will undergo a suitability review conducted by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.
You must submit a resume and a separate narrative statement/response that addresses each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements related to this position as well as the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) related to all positions in the Senior Executive Service.
Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees who have had their Executive Core Qualifications approved by a Qualifications Review Board (QRB) at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are not required to address the ECQs, but must address all Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualifications.
OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pd.
Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements:
1. Detailed knowledge of national security statutes, legal authorities, policies and guidelines.
2. Ability to work with the intelligence community and other agencies on complex policy matters.
3. Demonstrated experience managing attorneys in a demanding work environment.
Candidates will be evaluated on the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements identified above based on their total background, i.e., education, training, self-development, awards, outside activities, performance appraisal, as well as work history. If candidates are found to possess all technical requirements, they will then be evaluated based on the Executive Core Qualifications as established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) outlined below.
Executive/Managerial Requirements:
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification encompasses the ability to develop and implement an organizational vision, which integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity.
• Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, Continual Learning, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Service Motivation, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to design and implement strategies, which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
• Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Cultural Awareness, Integrity/Honesty, Team Building
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of programs and policies.
• Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making.
• Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Technology Management, Human Resources Management
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
• Leadership Competencies: Influencing/Negotiating, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Political Savvy, Written Communication
Other Information: The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) of a selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employee (Title V) must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment.
In addition, individuals entering the SES career service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period. Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application.
If the selectee is not a current employee of the Offices, Boards, or Divisions of the U.S. Department of Justice, he/she will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.
The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities and will reasonably accommodate the needs of those persons. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced.
Security/Suitability Requirements: Initial appointment is conditional upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint and credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to the favorable suitability adjudication of a background investigation.
To receive consideration, applicants must submit:
1. A resume.
2. A separate statement addressing each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements.
3. A separate statement addressing each ECQ that describes your managerial experience. While individuals who are current or former career SES members (approved by OPM and have completed an initial probationary period) need not submit an Executive Core Qualifications statement, they are required to provide an SF-50 or SES certificate to demonstrate their current or prior service. Otherwise, the absence of ECQs will be identified as a failure to comply with the requirements of the vacancy. Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Please note that current or former career employees who have had their Executive Core Qualifications approved by a Qualifications Review Board (QRB) at OPM are not required to address the ECQs, but must address all Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualifications.
4. If you are a current or recent Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) and a performance appraisal issued within the past 12 months, or if none exists, please include a statement to that effect.
**To apply, please submit your application via e-mail at SES/SL.Applications@USDOJ.GOV or fax to (202) 514-0673.
Applications being mailed should be sent to*:
Department of Justice/Justice Management Division
145 N Street, NE, Room 9W.300
Attn: Linda Anderson
Human Resources/Executive Resources
Washington, DC 20530
* Please note that sending your application other than by email or fax may result in a delay in your package being received in JMD/HR prior to the deadline; therefore, you would not receive consideration. Please note that application materials mailed in franked government envelopes will not be considered for this position.
For additional information, please call:
CONTACT: Linda Anderson
CONTACT PHONE: 202-532-4589
E-MAIL: SES/SL.APPLICATIONS@USDOJ.GOV
FAX: 202-514-0673
All applications (including mailed applications) MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, January 25, 2016.
$121,956 to $183,300*
* * *
Department Policies
Equal Employment Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.
Reasonable Accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities: The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.
Suitability and Citizenship: It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
USAO Residency Requirement: Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
* * *
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.