The incumbent will serve as a Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist within the Office of Financial Technology (OFT), reporting directly to the Supervisory Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist. In this role, the employee leverages their expertise in policy and the mortgage finance industry to advise OFT on financial technology (fintech) and innovation projects.
Summary
The incumbent will serve as a Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist within the Office of Financial Technology (OFT), reporting directly to the Supervisory Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist. In this role, the employee leverages their expertise in policy and the mortgage finance industry to advise OFT on financial technology (fintech) and innovation projects.
The Division of Conservatorship Oversight and Readiness, Office of Financial Technology
The Division of Conservatorship Oversight and Readiness (DCOR) is responsible for leading and coordinating activities of the Conservatorship of the Enterprises (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). The Office of Financial Technology (OFT) is an office in DCOR that is responsible for leading FHFA's efforts to understand and analyze technology-driven developments in the housing finance sector. OFT is a centralized office and serves as a resource for the Agency on mortgage-related innovations, general trends, and emerging risks in the use of financial technology.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist duties listed below are at the full performance level of the position (EL-13). Depending on the grade level selected, the incumbent will perform the following duties with varying levels of supervision and difficulty:
The incumbent will serve on a team of staff that perform analyses of emerging technologies and oversees efforts related to the use of fintech and innovation at the Regulated Entities (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks). The incumbent will complete in the Conservator Scorecard objectives related to fintech and innovation, including providing recommended objectives and monitoring of Enterprise performance during the performance cycle. The incumbent will collaborate with external organizations, including domestic and international regulators, focused on the analysis of financial issues related to fintech innovation in the mortgage finance sector. The role will aid in the technological advice and guidance on a wide variety of fintech tools and techniques, and analysis related to these innovations to the Supervisory Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist and other FHFA senior leadership. The incumbent stays current on fintech events and developments in the U.S. mortgage market.
In coordination with applicable FHFA offices and consistent with established delegations of authority and agency protocols, completes inputs for the formulation, development, coordination, and implementation of agency activities regarding mortgage-related fintech and innovation projects.
The Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist will develop and prepare detailed data analysis and executive summaries to be shared with FHFA senior leadership.
Applies analytical and evaluative techniques to complete fintech research and analysis projects that aids in the ongoing evaluation and monitoring of mortgage finance industry, technology trends, fintech policies and innovation projects.
Serves as a thought leader on fintech trends and their applicability to mortgage finance and translates knowledge into actionable insights to the Office of Financial Technology and broadly to FHFA senior leadership and stakeholders.
The Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist completes analysis and recommendations for resolution on fintech issues that affect mortgage financial industry, fintech policies and innovation projects.
Facilitates and coordinates with applicable FHFA offices to support research and develop approaches to regulations that govern the development, adoption, and use of Fintech and innovation by the Regulated Entities.
Completes special reports and studies for the Supervisory Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist and other senior-level leadership as it relates to Fintech and innovation.
Completes assigned project management activities and initiatives of the office, advising Supervisory Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist or other FHFA senior leadership on findings, identifying problems and developing solutions.
Researches the necessary information and completes the briefing materials for the Supervisory Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist or other FHFA senior leadership.
Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles) and those eligible for other hiring authorities.
***SF 50's are now required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one showing your tenure and competitive status. You will not be considered without this.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
This is NOT a remote or virtual position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance to the Washington, DC duty location.
Bargaining Unit Status: Eligible
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist position, you must meet the minimum qualifications for the grade level to which you are applying. Note: Your resume must show or demonstrate how you meet the specialized experience requirements below, or you may not receive credit as qualified for this position.
Minimum Qualifications EL/GS-11: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the EL/GS-09 level or have completed graduate-level education directly related to the specific line of work associated with the position being filled; and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. If you are qualifying based on option "B" or "C" you must provide transcripts with your application. Failure to provide transcripts will remove you from consideration.
A. Experience: I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-09 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with most or all of the following: (1) knowledge of new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, robotic process automation, use of alternative data, blockchain and distributed ledger, and digital assets, and how those technologies impact mortgage processes and the Government Sponsored Entities (GSEs); (2) ability to carry out broad and extensive analytical assignments or policy initiatives in support of an agency or organization; (3) skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field to difficult and complex work assignments; AND (4) ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with high personal accountability and to foster collaboration among staff in different offices and divisions and at different levels in order to fulfill FHFA objectives.
-OR-
B. Education: Completion of three (3) full academic years of progressively higher graduate-level education or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
-OR-
C. Combination of education and experience as described above in options "A" and "B". Note: Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level. Two academic years of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours determined to represent two academic years of full-time study (i.e., 36 semester hours (or 54 quarter hours).
Minimum Qualifications EL/GS-12: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the EL/GS-11 level directly related to the specific line of work associated with the position being filled; and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully.
Examples of specialized experience include the following:
Knowledge of new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, robotic process automation, use of alternative data, blockchain and distributed ledger, and digital assets, and how those technologies impact mortgage processes and FHFA's regulated entities.
Ability to carry out broad and extensive analytical assignments or policy initiatives in support of FHFA.
Skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field to difficult and complex work assignments.
Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with high personal accountability and to foster collaboration among staff in different offices and divisions and at different levels in order to fulfill FHFA objectives.
Ability to communicate and present complex and substantive issues in a clear, convincing, and effective manner both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people inside and outside of FHFA.
Minimum Qualifications EL/GS-13: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the EL/GS-12 level directly related to the specific line of work associated with the position being filled; and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully.
Examples of specialized experience include the following:
Comprehensive knowledge of new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, robotic process automation, use of alternative data, blockchain and distributed ledger, and digital assets, and how those technologies impact mortgage processes and FHFA's regulated entities.
Ability to develop and carry out broad and extensive analytical assignments or policy initiatives in support of FHFA.
Skill in applying mastery of a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field to difficult and complex work assignments.
Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with high personal accountability and to foster collaboration among staff in different offices and divisions and at different levels in order to fulfill FHFA objectives.
Ability to communicate and present complex and substantive issues in a clear, convincing, and effective manner both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people inside and outside of FHFA.
Time-In-Grade: Current or Former Federal government employees who have held an EL/GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time-in-grade requirement. To be eligible for the:
EL-11 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-09 or higher in the Federal Service.
EL-12 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-11 or higher in the Federal Service.
EL-13 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-12 or higher in the Federal Service.
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
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. 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.
You will be rated based on your responses to the job specific competencies documented within the questionnaire and assigned a score ranging from 70 to 100 points. The top ten candidates, and those tied for the tenth spot, will be referred for selection. All qualified non-competitive applicants will be referred.
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.
FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:
1. Your Resume: If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorial video on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQ on the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
2. ***SF 50's are now required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one that shows your tenure and competitive status. You will not be considered without this. The SF 50 should show highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service.
3.Required, if applicable: An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for a position, official transcript will be required.)
4. Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
5. Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc).
6. Other Supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Important Notes:
Utilize the preview feature of USAJobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
Do not submit encrypted documents.
Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USAJobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF, or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USAJobs preview feature.
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
***SF 50's are now required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one that shows your tenure and competitive status. You will not be considered without this. The SF 50 should show highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/05/2023 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 update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). Once logged in, there you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. 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 Devin Hinkle at devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3777 to obtain an alternative application.
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
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 is currently one vacancy available for this announcement. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the closing date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s).
FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:
1. Your Resume: If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorial video on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQ on the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
2. ***SF 50's are now required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one that shows your tenure and competitive status. You will not be considered without this. The SF 50 should show highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service.
3.Required, if applicable: An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for a position, official transcript will be required.)
4. Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
5. Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc).
6. Other Supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Important Notes:
Utilize the preview feature of USAJobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
Do not submit encrypted documents.
Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USAJobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF, or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USAJobs preview feature.
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
***SF 50's are now required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one that shows your tenure and competitive status. You will not be considered without this. The SF 50 should show highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/05/2023 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 update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). Once logged in, there you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. 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 Devin Hinkle at devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3777 to obtain an alternative application.
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
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 is currently one vacancy available for this announcement. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the closing date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s).
FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
