FHFA's Division of Research and Statistics (DRS) focuses on research, analytics, and the warehousing of data related to the U.S. mortgage and housing markets, with the aim of supporting FHFA's mission. DRS staff members conduct work in areas including but not limited to economic research and modeling, policy evaluation, management and validation of economic data, and the development and delivery of FHFA's statistical and data products.
Summary
FHFA's Division of Research and Statistics (DRS) focuses on research, analytics, and the warehousing of data related to the U.S. mortgage and housing markets, with the aim of supporting FHFA's mission. DRS staff members conduct work in areas including but not limited to economic research and modeling, policy evaluation, management and validation of economic data, and the development and delivery of FHFA's statistical and data products.
The Senior Economist/Senior Statistician or Economist/Statistician in DRS uses their knowledge of modern economic concepts, along with skills in statistics and data science, to develop defensible models for supporting data-influenced decision-making within the agency and for public education. Possible examples of modeling projects include modeling of consumer behavior (e.g. credit risk, prepayments, defaults, severity of losses), impacts of macroeconomic events on mortgage and housing markets (e.g. COVID-19 impacts, natural disasters), and financial institution behavior. Economists/Statisticians also monitor the effectiveness and accuracy of existing models that are developed for repeated use and making enhancements to improve the performance of those models
. Major Duties and Responsibilities
Designs, develops, and enhances quantitative models used to understand and evaluate the behavior of mortgage market participants, including consumers and firms, and overall functioning of mortgage and housing markets. May develop competing or alternative models to test the robustness and validity of model performance. Develops models to proactively identify and quantify emerging risks in the mortgage market.
Utilizes knowledge of contemporary research methods, including but are not limited to, classical econometrics, machine learning, time-series analysis, computational statistics and/or finance (e.g., Value-at-Risk, stochastic processes and simulations, portfolio valuation), and financial metrics.
Provides technical and analytical support with respect to economic and financial models, particularly those used to measure, monitor, and evaluate consumer behavior as well as firm/industry risks (e.g., credit, operational).
Assists in the planning, design, development, and documentation of prototype risk evaluation and risk management models suggested by other FHFA analytic and research programs.
Conducts testing, monitoring, and refinement of risk models.
Provides technical advice and guidance to peers and subordinates and FHFA management on understanding the results of economic and statistical models.
Works closely with office directors and other staff to develop new regulations, orders, or policies that should be undertaken to respond to potential threats to the safety and soundness of the GSEs.
Conducts research and prepares formal written products to facilitate the development, understanding and analysis of techniques for valuation and risk measurement. Ensures models and results are fully documented and reproducible.
Represents FHFA in meetings with other government agencies, GSEs, and industry groups on the economic effect of the financial services industry and mortgage market policy issues.
Presents organized briefings on the results of complex economic and financial studies to senior agency officials.
Presents analytical findings to senior managers of the agency, regulated entities, peers, researchers, and the general public.
Note: This is an interdisciplinary position classifiable in any one of the following series:
Senior Economist, EL-0110
Senior Statistician (Economics), EL-1530
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
Qualifications
Education Requirements:
Economist, EL/GS-0110
Degree in 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 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OR
Statistician, EL/GS-1530:
Degree that included 15 semester hours in statistics (or mathematics and statistics, provided at least 6 semester hours in statistics), and 9 additional semester hours in one or more of the following: physical or biological sciences, medicine, education , or engineering; or in the social sciences including demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, psychology;
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. The experience should have included a full range of professional statistical work such as (a) sampling, (b) collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data, and (c) applying statistical techniques such as measurement of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, sampling error, simple and multiple correlation, analysis of variance, and tests of significance.
Candidates can qualify under either the Economist or Statistician job series.
In addition to the Basic Requirement listed above, you must meet the required specialized experience below.
Qualifying experience for the EL-14 level includes one year of specialized experience at the equivalent EL/GS-13 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of qualifying experience include the following:
Expertise in the principles and theories of economics or statistical methods and quantitative techniques, risk management, and/or related fields.
Experience in quantitative mathematics, statistics, finance, and/or econometrics, including the ability to conduct empirical research, utilize statistical software with large databases, and construct sophisticated financial and economic models.
Comprehensive skill in programming and statistical software packages such as Statistical Analysis System (SAS), STATA, Oracle, Structured Query Language (SQL), R, Python and Excel.
Experience translating financial and economic data into viable quantitative models for risk evaluation and policy development.
Qualifying experience for the EL-13 level includes one year of specialized experience at the equivalent EL/GS-12 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of qualifying experience include the following:
Application of the principles and theories of economics or statistical methods and quantitative techniques, risk management, and/or related fields.
Experience in quantitative mathematics, statistics, finance, and/or econometrics, including the ability to conduct empirical research, utilize statistical software with large databases, and construct sophisticated financial and economic models.
Experience in programming and statistical software packages such as Statistical Analysis System (SAS), STATA, Oracle, Structured Query Language (SQL), R, Python and Excel.
Qualifying experience for the EL-12 level includes one year of specialized experience at the equivalent EL/GS-11 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of qualifying experience:
Individual economic research projects requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation, including graduate theses.
Project leadership on quantitative research projects involving a staff of professional researchers, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information.
Teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in quantitative research methods (e.g., statistics, econometrics) and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics or statistics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical aspects of research projects.
OR
Doctoral degree in Economics or Statistics
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
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 years of age or over), genetic information, parental status, marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.
REASONABLE ACCOMODATION:
FHFA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the Agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify FHFA at (202) 649-3963. The Agency's decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is being filled through Federal Housing Finance Agency's hiring authority granted by the Housing Economic Recovery Act (HERA). All applicants meeting the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. Candidates with Veteran's preference, who meet the specialized experience and education requirements for this vacancy, will be given priority consideration over non-preference candidates.
All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
SF 50, optional
College Transcript(s), REQUIRED
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/19/2021 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Janice Obeido at janice.obeido@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3742 to obtain an alternative application.
Division of Research and Statistics
Constitution Center
400 7th Street
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in his/her resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best-qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
***There are currently several vacancies available.
Additional selections may be made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
SF 50, optional
College Transcript(s), REQUIRED
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/19/2021 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Janice Obeido at janice.obeido@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3742 to obtain an alternative application.
Division of Research and Statistics
Constitution Center
400 7th Street
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in his/her resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best-qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
***There are currently several vacancies available.
Additional selections may be made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
