Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - This is a full-time position. Work schedules, including telework, are at the discretion of the supervisor, consistent with agency policy and reentry planning.
This position is for a senior-level advisor to the General Counsel and offers significant responsibility and opportunities for an experienced and talented attorney to work on cutting-edge legal and policy issues of national importance. Working on the General Counsel’s immediate staff, the Special counsel provides support for the Office's legal review of Commission actions. Incumbent also handles special initiatives and projects assigned to the Office of General Counsel, deals with highly complex and controversial matters, advises the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels on legal and policy options, and works closely with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels in formulating agency policy, taking into account Congressional concerns, perspectives of other Government agencies, the interests of the public and the regulated industries, and the philosophy/views of the Commission and the General Counsel and recognizing that the issues may have Commission-wide impact.
MAJOR DUTIES
Independently and thoroughly researches all facets of an issue, including developing documentation, legal analysis, and other information to ensure the existence of a coherent policy consistent with the overall goals of the Commission. This function requires expert knowledge of communications law and policy.
Incumbent serves as a principal Office representative and independently develops legal and policy options on matters of critical importance, including cases of first impression, and is charged with the responsibility of assuring that these options are fully brought to bear on the work of the Commission.`
Independently monitors program and policy initiatives of other Bureaus/Offices and other agencies (e.g., NTIA, Department of Justice) active in the communications field. Possible duplicative, inconsistent, or conflicting efforts are independently identified, and, in coordination with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsels, incumbent represents the General Counsel/FCC in resolving problems, or incumbent independently takes the initiative to achieve early resolution of problems by the General Counsel, thus lessening the potential for intra- and inter-agency conflicts.
Independently drafts, reviews, edits, and produces briefs, memoranda, Commission orders, policy statements, special reports, etc. on domestic and/or international topics, with particular sensitivity to serious and highly complex legal issues, the Commission's philosophy and goals, and the interests/concerns of Congress, other agencies, the public, and regulated industries.
Bar Membership Documentation Required Upon Selection.
Education-Transcripts Required Upon Selection.
US Citizenship.
Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Financial disclosure statement may be required upon assuming the position.
Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
Current/former federal employees must provide SF-50 to verify grade, status
Please note your resume must thoroughly support your responses to the vacancy questions. Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications of the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.
ALL CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.
Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements AND the Specialized Experience.
A. Education
You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions. Education requirements include: a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M.
NOTE-If you do not provide a transcript at the time of application, a transcript will be required to be provided at the time of selection.
AND
B. Specialized Experience
GS-14
Applicant must possess at least three years of professional law experience. Applicants for the GS-14 grade level must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-13 grade level in the Federal service.
Examples of specialized experience include: Experience analyzing, developing, and implementing legal and policy options on complex matters such as broadband, universal service, wireless, wireline, media or other areas of communications or administrative law; experience thoroughly researching all facets of an issue, including developing documentation, legal analysis, and other information to ensure the existence of a coherent policy consistent with the overall goals of the Commission; experience developing legal and policy options; experience drafting, reviewing, editing, and producing memoranda, Commission orders, policy statements, special reports, etc.; and experience monitoring program and policy initiatives of government agencies (e.g., FCC Bureaus/Offices and other agencies (e.g., NTIA, Department of Justice) active in the communications field).
GS-15
Applicant must possess at least four years of professional law experience and at least one year of that experience must be specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Service.
For this position, specialized experience includes the following: Experience analyzing, developing, and implementing legal and policy options on complex matters such as broadband, universal service, wireless, wireline, media or other areas of communications or administrative law; experience researching, interpreting and applying novel federal statutes and regulations; skill in analyzing complex legal and technical issues; experience providing expert guidance to managers on matters which controversial, establish new policy, alter long-standing policy, and/or have agency or organization wide impact; skill in written communication in order to develop complex and comprehensive legal documents; experience responding to complex questions which involve interpretations by the courts, agencies, and other legal authority; experience recommending policies and implementing new or amended laws or legislation; experience drafting and reviewing proposed orders, settlements, consent decrees, legal pleadings, and/or similar documents; and the ability to communicate and interact with individuals at varying levels of authority both orally and in writing.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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
Refer to Educational requirements outlined within the "Qualifications" section.
Other: - Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.
- If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year.
- In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family. If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.
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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting
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.
All candidates will be considered without regard to political or religious affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, or any other non-merit factor. THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position. Applicants who do not submit a supporting resume will be rated ineligible.
There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including:
1. the core questions 2. supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, bar membership); and 4. your resume.
Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions provide supplemental documents and submit resume. For more information, please click on Rating Process
You will be evaluated for this position on the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics (KSAOs):
1. Ability to serve as Special Counsel and legal advisor to senior leaders including providing support for special initiatives and projects assigned
2. Ability to deal with highly complex and controversial policy issues, advises senior legal counsel and leadership on legal policy options
3. Ability to thoroughly research all facets of an issue, including developing documentation, legal analysis, and other information to ensure the existence of a coherent policy consistent with the overall goals of an organization.
4. Ability to serve as a principal office representative and independently develops legal and policy options on matters of critical importance
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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Long-Term Care Insurance Holidays and Leave Retirement Thrift Savings Plan Transit Benefit Alternative Work Schedule Telecommuting
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.
Your application MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement.
You must submit a resume at the time of application. Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for the vacancy. Current Federal employees must also submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the applicant will be rated as ineligible.
ALL CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.
This position may require the submission of supplemental documents before selection.
Law academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable).
Proof of current, active bar membership.
Writing sample demonstrating the ability to analyze complex legal and/or policy issues.
Professional references.
Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload supporting application documentation. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
Supplemental Documents Required:
Current Federal employees should submit a copy of their most recent annual performance appraisal and an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the application will be rated as ineligible.
Transcripts
Bar Membership
If transcripts and proof of bar membership are not provided at the time of application, this documentation must be provided at the time of selection.
Veterans must submit a legible Member 4 copy of the DD-214 which reflects the manner of discharge. Please refer to OPM's VetGuide for further information about veterans' preference via the following link: VetGuide
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.
Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Main_Page.
If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.
Qualified applicants may be further reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Experts.
NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking. The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your application MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement.
You must submit a resume at the time of application. Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for the vacancy. Current Federal employees must also submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the applicant will be rated as ineligible.
ALL CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.
This position may require the submission of supplemental documents before selection.
Law academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable).
Proof of current, active bar membership.
Writing sample demonstrating the ability to analyze complex legal and/or policy issues.
Professional references.
Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload supporting application documentation. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
Supplemental Documents Required:
Current Federal employees should submit a copy of their most recent annual performance appraisal and an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the application will be rated as ineligible.
Transcripts
Bar Membership
If transcripts and proof of bar membership are not provided at the time of application, this documentation must be provided at the time of selection.
Veterans must submit a legible Member 4 copy of the DD-214 which reflects the manner of discharge. Please refer to OPM's VetGuide for further information about veterans' preference via the following link: VetGuide
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.
Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Main_Page.
If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Monster Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST.
Qualified applicants may be further reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Experts.
NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission’s automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.
Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20554
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking. The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
