DHS invites qualified individuals to apply to the prestigious Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program (CDP), expected to commence September 2021. The SES CDP is designed to develop individuals with proven leadership potential who wish to serve at the executive levels of government. Qualified individuals are those who have demonstrated through their performance and experience the potential to assume executive-level positions within the Federal Government.
Summary
DHS invites qualified individuals to apply to the prestigious Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program (CDP), expected to commence September 2021. The SES CDP is designed to develop individuals with proven leadership potential who wish to serve at the executive levels of government. Qualified individuals are those who have demonstrated through their performance and experience the potential to assume executive-level positions within the Federal Government.
The SESCDP provides a series of developmental experiences to prepare high-potential individuals for positions within the SES. These developmental experiences include formal classroom training and seminars, a four-month assignment outside of the participant's home organization/bureau, that focus on the competencies for successful SES-level performance, and working with an executive mentor. All program selectees will create an Executive Development Plan that will guide program development experiences. The SESCDP is a rigorous program, and the curriculum must be completed while balancing current day-to-day job assignments.
SES CDPPROGRAM CURRICULUM:
Duration: The program is an intensive leadership development program which lasts approximately 12-18 months.
Orientation Session: The SES CDP begins with a mandatory two-day orientation conducted in Washington, DC. The required orientation will occur in September 2021.
Mentor: DHS SES mentors assist participants in further clarifying their developmental objectives and in identifying developmental assignments and activities.
Executive Development Plan: The EDP is used to identify, track, and document completion of competency-based needs of the participants.
Interagency Learning: Formal interagency learning of 80+ hours, achieved through the American University's Key Executive Leadership Certificate Program (KELCP).
Developmental Assignments: Participants will complete a 120-day executive-level Developmental Assignment (DA) outside the candidate's Component (Agency) of record.
Qualifications Review Board (QRB) Certification: Candidates who successfully complete the program and receive certification of their executive core qualifications by an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) under the criterion of 5 U.S.C. 3393(c)(2)(B), will be eligible for initial noncompetitive appointment to the SES. Participation in the program does not guarantee placement in an SES position.
CANDIDATE STATUS WHILE IN THE PROGRAM:
Applicants selected to the program from within DHS will remain in their full-time position of record while completing program requirements. Candidates selected from outside DHS will also remain in their full- time position of record while completing program requirements, upon negotiation of a Memorandum of Agreement with the candidate's home agency and DHS.
One year supervisory experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent) or above
Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement 11:59pm EST. 02/19/2021
CONTINUED SERVICE AGREEMENT: Selectees for the program who are DHS employees will be required to sign a Continued Service Agreement (CSA) to safeguard the Government's training investment. The DHS agreement states the employee will stay with DHS or other Agency of the Federal Government for three years after completion of the DHS SES CDP academic/formal interagency training element of the program. Employees who voluntarily leave Federal civil service before completing the terms of the agreement may be required to repay the cost of training and related travel expenses, excluding salary or other compensation. This does not preclude an employee from pursuing promotion or reassignment opportunities within the Federal government during the program. Non-DHS Federal employees may also be required to sign a CSA through a Memorandum of Agreement between DHS and their home agency.
LAW ENFORCEMENT APPLICANTS: Applicants for target law enforcement positions must meet the requirements of the Lautenberg Amendment [Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(G)(9)]. Applicants for target SES law enforcement positions must also meet the requirements for placement in a position with secondary law enforcement coverage, as provided in 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) or in a Customs and Border Protection Officer position with enhanced retirement benefits.
MOBILITY REQUIREMENT: Willingness to move is a factor that DHS Components seek in their senior leaders due to the geographic dispersion of the DHS workforce. Therefore, applicants should anticipate Developmental Assignments (DA) and/or formal training programs that may require extended travel. Program selectees must uphold a commitment to availability for DAs outside of their home duty location. Note: Some DAs will require a Secret or higher security clearance. If candidates do not have the required level of clearance, he or she will not be eligible for that specific DA.
PROGRAM FUNDING: The cost of travel and additional expenses for training, developmental assignments, and other program requirements, will be funded by the participant's sponsoring DHS Component.
Qualifications
All qualified individuals within the civil service who have at least one full year of supervisory experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent) or above, and have demonstrated exceptional executive leadership potential are eligible to apply to the DHS SES CDP. Supervisory experience includes planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees.
PLEASE NOTE:To be considered minimally eligible for this program, applicants must meet the supervisory experience requirement above. Additionally, eligible applicants will be assessed through the following assessment phases:
Situational Judgment Test
Accomplishment Record
Structured Telephone Interview
Upon conclusion of each phase, applicants who meet the criteria will advance to the next phase, and those who do not will be notified by OPM that they will not be moving on to the next selection phase. See the How You Will be Evaluated and Additional Information sections for more details on each phase.
The Following Applicants will NOT be considered for the program:
Current or former Career SES members or equivalents including members of the Transportation Security Executive Service (TSES)
Former SES CDP graduates from any agency
Current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the Executive Branch
Employees who have had their Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) certified by OPM's Qualification Review Board (QRB)
Applicants will be asked to indicate their civil service appointment type when completing the Assessment Questionnaire. Civil service appointment type verification is indicated on the SF-50 in block 24.
Definitions:
Civil Service Appointment Type (Status):
Status Applicants are applicants serving under career or career-type appointments in the civil service. Status candidates are not entitled to veterans' preference.
Permanent - Career-Conditional Appointment, or Career Appointments
Block 24 on SF-50 lists tenure as "1" or "2"
Non-Status Applicants are applicants who occupy other than career or career-type appointments within the civil service
Temporary appointments, seasonal, term appointments, etc.
Block 24 on SF-50 lists tenure as "3" or "0"
Non-Status Applicants:
Applicants selected for the program that do not hold federal status must accept a full-time Schedule B appointment in order to participate in the SES CDP. The Schedule B appointment does not confer civil service status. These appointments may be located around the country. If an SES CDP participant serving on a Schedule B appointment discontinues participation in the program for any reason, his/her employment with DHS will terminate because the employment is authorized only for an executive development position established in connection with the SES CDP. Similarly, if a Schedule B participant graduates from the SES CDP, but does not obtain an SES position before the Schedule B appointment expires, his/her employment with DHS will terminate because a Schedule B appointment cannot exceed or be extended beyond three years.
TSA program selectees that do not hold Federal status must accept a temporary time limited appointment to TSA that is equivalent to the Schedule B appointing authority in other DHS components and with the same conditions that are identified above.
Occupational Categories
Applicants must select only one of the four occupational categories below to indicate which track they wish to be considered for this program. Applicants must meet the technical qualifications for the selected track for which they are seeking consideration. Applicants must indicate occupational category through the online Assessment Questionnaire and certify that answers are truthful and correct.
Core Occupations (CO) - Non-law enforcement positions which require skill in managing complex mission critical programs related to the core mission of the Department. Examples:
Intelligence
Cyber Security
International Affairs
Infrastructure Protection
Trade and Agriculture
Scientific Research and Services
Emergency Mitigation, Response, and Recovery
Transportation Security
Marine Safety and Security
Immigration Services and Operations
Support Occupations (SO) - Skill in managing complex administrative programs. Provides support to the core mission of the Department. Examples:
Management
Finance/Budget
Procurement/Acquisition
Administration/Facilities
Information Technology
Human Capital/Human Resources/Training
Diversity and Civil Rights
Congressional/Legislative/Public Affairs
Policy and Planning
Business Operations/Transformation
Security (Personnel, Information, and Physical)
Law Enforcement (LE) - Core mission positions covered for Law Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection. Skill in managing complex criminal investigation or law enforcement programs related to the core mission of the Department. Examples:
Federal Air Marshal
Protective Services and Operations
Investigations
Internal Affairs
Air and Marine Operations
Border Patrol Agent
Customs and Border Protection Officer
Detention and Removal
Attorney/Legal (AL) - Legal positions requiring skill in preparing cases for trial and/or the trial of cases before a court or an administrative body or persons having quasi-judicial power; rendering legal advice and services with respect to questions, regulations, practices, or other matters falling within the purview of the Federal Government. Examples:
Trial Attorneys
Attorney Trial-Examiner
Naturalization Examiner
Judicial Attorney
Legal Administration Attorney
Attorney Advisor
Legislative Attorney
Attorney-Editor
Trade-Mark Trial and Appeal Attorney
Education
To be considered for the Attorney/Legal track a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) is required, and applicant must be an active member in good standing of a State bar. Transcripts must be provided with your application.
Transcripts must be provided with your application if applying under Attorney-Legal track. Educational information should also be included on your resume, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Additional information
Additional instructions for the Situational Judgment Test (SJT): Upon submitting your responses to the online Assessment Questionnaire, applicants who meet all the conditions of employment criteria and provide all required documentation outlined in this Job Opportunity Announcement, will receive an email invitation with a link to complete the SJT sent from email address usastaffingoffice@opm.gov within 4 weeks after the close date of this announcement, 02/19/2021. Individuals who accidently delete the invitation to the SJT or otherwise need the information re-sent should contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov to request the invitation be re-sent.
Reasonable Accommodations for the SJT:
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the Situational Judgment Test must be received before the Job Opportunity Announcement closes, 02/19/2021 to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation and have 48 hours from the time the invitation is sent to complete the Situational Judgment Test.
Accomplishment Record (AR): Applicants must submit an online written Accomplishment Record (AR) through this announcement, describing their accomplishments against three competencies. When addressing competencies, applicants should include one or two notable examples using the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) model:
Challenge: Describe a specific problem or goal.
Context: Talk about the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to tackle a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
Action: Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
Result: Give specific examples of the results of your actions. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Each AR narrative must include start and end dates (e.g. June 2009 to November 2009) of the time period during which the activities were performed. Accomplishments from work performed in the community, academia, or any other context can be included.
The narrative text box within the Assessment Questionnaire will only accept 3000 characters to include spaces for each competency. Applicants are recommended to write their ARs in a Word document first, then copy and paste them into the online Assessment Questionnaire.
After each narrative, include the name, daytime telephone number, and email address of an individual for each competency who can verify the information you provide. Applicants who do not provide this verification information for each competency will be removed from consideration.
Additional instructions on writing ARs are provided within the Assessment Questionnaire.
Applicants can make updates to their assessment questionnaire responses until the announcement closes. All updated responses will need to be re-submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET, 02/19/2021.
DHS may review an applicant's publicly available social media presence during the hiring process.
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.
Applicants must demonstrate competence and potential for development in the five SES Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), which are the leadership criteria defined by OPM to certify candidates for SES positions. OPM's guide to the SES Qualifications http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/ provides detailed information on the ECQs.
The candidate selection process involves several phases:
Application Package and Minimum Qualifications Review
Once the announcement closes, applicant's submitted application packages (assessment questionnaire, resume and documentation) will undergo a review to determine minimum qualifications and occupational category eligibility.
Best Qualified applicants will move to the Situational Judgment Test (SJT) phase.
Situational Judgment Test (SJT)
Applicants who are qualified through the Minimum Qualifications review phase will receive an email with a link to complete an online Situational Judgment Test (SJT) within 4 weeks after the close date of this announcement, 02/19/2021.
Competencies addressed in the SJT are:
Entrepreneurship: Positions the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities; builds the organization by developing or improving products or services. Takes calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives.
Vision: Takes a long-term view and builds a shared vision with others; acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action.
ProblemSolving: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.
Best Qualified applicants will move to the Accomplishment Record (AR) phase.
Accomplishment Record Review (AR)
Applicants who reach this phase will have their Accomplishment Records rated and ranked by a review panel.
Accomplishment Records are submitted via the Assessment Questionnaire at the time of application.
Competencies addressed in the ARs are:
Financial Management: Understands the organization's financial processes. Prepares, justifies, and administers the program budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.
Developing Others: Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods.
Partnering: Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals
Best Qualified applicants will move on to the Structured Telephone Interview (STI) phase.
Structured Telephone Interview (STI)
Applicants who reach this phase will undergo a telephonic interview by a panel of DHS executives. The panel will rate and assess candidates using targeted questions.
Best qualified applicants will be placed on a final certificate for selection consideration by DHS Component hiring officials. At this stage, DHS Component hiring officials will conduct a reference check with the immediate supervisor of any individual, whom they select as a finalist into the program.
Selection
The DHS SES CDP Executive Review Board (ERB) will confirm and ratify final selections based on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and potential to master the five Executive Core Qualifications.
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.
1. Resume (limited to 5 pages): You must show in your resume evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability. Your resume should emphasize your level of responsibilities (including supervisory status, as applicable), the scope and complexity of programs managed, and your program accomplishments with the following information:
Full name (ON FIRST PAGE ONLY, DO NOT INCLUDE HEADERS OR FOOTERS THROUGHOUT YOUR RESUME)
Email address, and day and evening telephone numbers.
Job title (include series and grade if Federal job); Duties and accomplishments; Employer's name and address; Supervisor's name and phone number; Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year); Salary; Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishment
Information about paid and non-paid work experience related to supervisory experience
Do NOT include date of birth, social security number, or last four of your social security number
2. Situational Judgment Test: See How You Will be Evaluated and Additional Information above for description.
3. Accomplishment Record: See How You Will be Evaluated and Additional Information above for description.
4. SF-50: Both Status and Non-Status applicants are required to submit a copy of their Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which shows their series, grade, tenure (Box 24), and position occupied (Box 34). Failure to provide an SF-50 with boxes 24 and 34 complete will result in elimination from consideration.
5. Veterans' Preference Documents: Non-Status applicants who are applying for Veterans' Preference should claim preference on their application and also submit the appropriate Veterans' Preference Documentation to include a DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) and/or VA Letter indicating a service-connected disability rating. Applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete form SF-15 for 10-point Veteran Preference, plus provide supporting documentation as indicated by the SF-15 form. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.opm.gov/staffingPortal/Vetguide.asp.
Application of Veterans' Preference: For applicants applying as non-status applicants, category rating and selection procedures place those with veterans' preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the best qualified category.
6. Transcripts: Applicants applying to the Attorney/Legal category must submit copies of their Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent transcripts, and must provide proof of active membership in good standing of a State bar.
7. Recommendation Letter: (Recommended but not required): See specific requirements of the Recommendation Letter in the "How to Apply" section. Letters not meeting this requirement will not be considered.
Please note that all required documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date of this announcement: 02/19/2021. Application materials received after the closing date will not be considered for the program.
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.
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 begin, click the Apply button to create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire (NOTE: Applicants can make updates to their assessment questionnaire responses until the announcement closes. All updated responses will need to be re-submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET, 02/19/2021). https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11024629
Click Submit Application to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, documentation received and processed, and any notifications the agency sent related to this application. (Note: Uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process).
Return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Note: ONLY ONE APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED PER INDIVIDUAL; MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS WILL DISQUALIFY THE APPLICANT
Recommendation Letter Language
The SES CDP is intended to identify a high-performing, high-potential talent pipeline for DHS executive succession. While not required, applicants may choose to upload a letter of recommendation from a current senior executive to support their application. This letter may be considered by hiring officials only for those applicants who compete through all application stages and are referred to selecting officials on the final certificate of eligibles.
Letters must be from a current member of the federal Senior Executive Service (or retired/departed within one calendar year of the announcement closing date).
Applicants may submit only one letter. Please advise recommenders that they may be contacted for further information.
Letters must be on the official letterhead of the federal agency, or comparable organization, must be dated, and must be no more than 2 paragraphs in length.
The first paragraph must begin with the following statement: I am writing this letter as an endorsement for NAME's application to the DHS Senior Executive Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), as I have had the opportunity to (select one):
supervise their work formally or in a matrix capacity ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
observe them as a customer ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
observe them as a colleague ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
other (explain) ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
The letter must identify at least one of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) that the recommender determines to be a strength that supports their readiness for development to the executive level, and at least one of the ECQs that the recommender identifies as a gap in which they need greater development or exposure. For each, provide a brief explanation on specific experiences or observations that support both conclusions.
The final sentence of the letter must conclude with the following statement: I strongly and with no reservation endorse NAME's application and selection to the DHS SES CDP.
Letter signature must include full name, current or former title, telephone number and email address
Note: Recommenders are asked to refrain from comments or information that identifies applicant's race, color, gender, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, medical condition, or political affiliations, beliefs or activities.
Department Of Homeland Security Headquarters
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
Once applicants submit the initial application, applicants will receive an acknowledgement email from USAJOBS indicating application received status and will address the Situational Judgment Test. Once this announcement closes, applicants will receive an email from USAJOBS indicating announcement closure, with instructions and timeframe of next steps.
Upon conclusion of each selection phase, applicants will receive electronic notification of their status. Once program selections have been finalized, applicants on the Selection Certificate will receive an email from DHS indicating final status (selected-primary; selected-alternate; not selected).
Additional Information on Final Selections:
DHS Component hiring managers will review the certificate of eligibles and will determine their final selections based on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and potential to master the five Executive Core Qualifications.
Please Note:
DHS Components may choose to conduct an additional interview for some at this stage.
DHS Component hiring managers will conduct a reference check with the immediate supervisor of any individual whom they intend to select as a finalist into the program.
Final selectees will by notified by DHS and offered acceptance into the program. Along with the acceptance, finalist will submit a signed Supervisory Acknowledgement form for participation, along with a Continued Service Agreement.
5 CFR 412 requires all SES CDP candidates to pair with an executive mentor. Candidates selected for the program will be required to secure an executive mentor within 90 days of the orientation. Executive mentors assist candidates with maximizing their potential through offering career advice, help work through challenges, share insights into the work environment of a DHS executive, provide feedback, and introduce candidates to executive networking opportunities. The mentor selected by the candidate must be a member of the DHS Senior Executive Service or equivalent for a minimum of 12 months and be outside of the candidate's direct chain of command. Mentors must be approved by the candidate's sponsoring DHS Component Executive Review Board (ERB) and submitted to the SES CDP program management team. Candidates will receive further detailed instructions and information on this important element, upon selection into the program.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Resume (limited to 5 pages): You must show in your resume evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability. Your resume should emphasize your level of responsibilities (including supervisory status, as applicable), the scope and complexity of programs managed, and your program accomplishments with the following information:
Full name (ON FIRST PAGE ONLY, DO NOT INCLUDE HEADERS OR FOOTERS THROUGHOUT YOUR RESUME)
Email address, and day and evening telephone numbers.
Job title (include series and grade if Federal job); Duties and accomplishments; Employer's name and address; Supervisor's name and phone number; Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year); Salary; Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishment
Information about paid and non-paid work experience related to supervisory experience
Do NOT include date of birth, social security number, or last four of your social security number
2. Situational Judgment Test: See How You Will be Evaluated and Additional Information above for description.
3. Accomplishment Record: See How You Will be Evaluated and Additional Information above for description.
4. SF-50: Both Status and Non-Status applicants are required to submit a copy of their Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which shows their series, grade, tenure (Box 24), and position occupied (Box 34). Failure to provide an SF-50 with boxes 24 and 34 complete will result in elimination from consideration.
5. Veterans' Preference Documents: Non-Status applicants who are applying for Veterans' Preference should claim preference on their application and also submit the appropriate Veterans' Preference Documentation to include a DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) and/or VA Letter indicating a service-connected disability rating. Applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete form SF-15 for 10-point Veteran Preference, plus provide supporting documentation as indicated by the SF-15 form. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.opm.gov/staffingPortal/Vetguide.asp.
Application of Veterans' Preference: For applicants applying as non-status applicants, category rating and selection procedures place those with veterans' preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the best qualified category.
6. Transcripts: Applicants applying to the Attorney/Legal category must submit copies of their Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent transcripts, and must provide proof of active membership in good standing of a State bar.
7. Recommendation Letter: (Recommended but not required): See specific requirements of the Recommendation Letter in the "How to Apply" section. Letters not meeting this requirement will not be considered.
Please note that all required documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date of this announcement: 02/19/2021. Application materials received after the closing date will not be considered for the program.
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.
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 begin, click the Apply button to create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire (NOTE: Applicants can make updates to their assessment questionnaire responses until the announcement closes. All updated responses will need to be re-submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET, 02/19/2021). https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11024629
Click Submit Application to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, documentation received and processed, and any notifications the agency sent related to this application. (Note: Uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process).
Return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Note: ONLY ONE APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED PER INDIVIDUAL; MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS WILL DISQUALIFY THE APPLICANT
Recommendation Letter Language
The SES CDP is intended to identify a high-performing, high-potential talent pipeline for DHS executive succession. While not required, applicants may choose to upload a letter of recommendation from a current senior executive to support their application. This letter may be considered by hiring officials only for those applicants who compete through all application stages and are referred to selecting officials on the final certificate of eligibles.
Letters must be from a current member of the federal Senior Executive Service (or retired/departed within one calendar year of the announcement closing date).
Applicants may submit only one letter. Please advise recommenders that they may be contacted for further information.
Letters must be on the official letterhead of the federal agency, or comparable organization, must be dated, and must be no more than 2 paragraphs in length.
The first paragraph must begin with the following statement: I am writing this letter as an endorsement for NAME's application to the DHS Senior Executive Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), as I have had the opportunity to (select one):
supervise their work formally or in a matrix capacity ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
observe them as a customer ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
observe them as a colleague ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
other (explain) ... for the duration of (xx weeks/months/years).
The letter must identify at least one of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) that the recommender determines to be a strength that supports their readiness for development to the executive level, and at least one of the ECQs that the recommender identifies as a gap in which they need greater development or exposure. For each, provide a brief explanation on specific experiences or observations that support both conclusions.
The final sentence of the letter must conclude with the following statement: I strongly and with no reservation endorse NAME's application and selection to the DHS SES CDP.
Letter signature must include full name, current or former title, telephone number and email address
Note: Recommenders are asked to refrain from comments or information that identifies applicant's race, color, gender, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, medical condition, or political affiliations, beliefs or activities.
Department Of Homeland Security Headquarters
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
US
Next steps
Once applicants submit the initial application, applicants will receive an acknowledgement email from USAJOBS indicating application received status and will address the Situational Judgment Test. Once this announcement closes, applicants will receive an email from USAJOBS indicating announcement closure, with instructions and timeframe of next steps.
Upon conclusion of each selection phase, applicants will receive electronic notification of their status. Once program selections have been finalized, applicants on the Selection Certificate will receive an email from DHS indicating final status (selected-primary; selected-alternate; not selected).
Additional Information on Final Selections:
DHS Component hiring managers will review the certificate of eligibles and will determine their final selections based on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and potential to master the five Executive Core Qualifications.
Please Note:
DHS Components may choose to conduct an additional interview for some at this stage.
DHS Component hiring managers will conduct a reference check with the immediate supervisor of any individual whom they intend to select as a finalist into the program.
Final selectees will by notified by DHS and offered acceptance into the program. Along with the acceptance, finalist will submit a signed Supervisory Acknowledgement form for participation, along with a Continued Service Agreement.
5 CFR 412 requires all SES CDP candidates to pair with an executive mentor. Candidates selected for the program will be required to secure an executive mentor within 90 days of the orientation. Executive mentors assist candidates with maximizing their potential through offering career advice, help work through challenges, share insights into the work environment of a DHS executive, provide feedback, and introduce candidates to executive networking opportunities. The mentor selected by the candidate must be a member of the DHS Senior Executive Service or equivalent for a minimum of 12 months and be outside of the candidate's direct chain of command. Mentors must be approved by the candidate's sponsoring DHS Component Executive Review Board (ERB) and submitted to the SES CDP program management team. Candidates will receive further detailed instructions and information on this important element, upon selection into the program.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
