The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites qualified individuals to apply to its prestigious Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) expected to begin in March 2025. The VA SESCDP develops 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
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites qualified individuals to apply to its prestigious Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) expected to begin in March 2025. The VA SESCDP develops 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.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent - Selectees who are currently serving on a career or career-type appointment will retain the grade, pay and status of your current position while completing the program. You will remain employees of your current organization.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Senior Executive
Promotion potential
00 - None. Selectees will retain the grade, pay and status of your current position while completing the program.
This announcement open to all groups of qualified individuals within the Federal civil service. The "civil service" consists of all persons who currently occupy positions in the executive (includes excepted service), judicial, and legislative branches, except positions in the uniformed services (the armed forces, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
The VA SESCDP is designed to build a pipeline of future senior executives who are certified by the Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) by demonstrating proficiency in the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ). The SESCDP is a rigorous program, and the curriculum must be completed while balancing current day-to-day job responsibilities. Participation in this 12 to 24-month program will require travel away from the candidates position of record for formal SESCDP activities. Specifically, the program is designed to achieve the following goals:
Identify individuals who have demonstrated strong potential for executive leadership and who possess the attributes necessary for becoming skillful and competent VA Senior Executives.
Provide formal interagency training and development opportunities designed to enhance and augment candidates' executive leadership skills, competencies and characteristics.
Develop, strengthen and broaden the candidates' knowledge and understanding regarding the mission, structure, organizational issues and operation of VA, thereby fostering executive mobility with VA and government-wide mobility to achieve continuous organizational renewal.
Prepare candidates for certification of their executive qualifications by an OPM-administered QRB, for initial noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
This is a 12 to 24-month, part-time developmental program. Candidates selected to the program will remain in their full-time position of record while completing program requirements.
Office of Personnel Management Certification: Upon determination of the participants successful completion of all program requirements, the participant, in collaboration with the SESCDP Program Manager, prepares all required documentation and submits the completed package to the Corporate Senior Executive Management Office (CSEMO) for review and final ERB determination. The ERB makes the final determination if the participant has demonstrated that the participant is prepared to serve as a member of the SES or if more development is needed. Once the ERB determines that a participant has successfully completed the program, the package will be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) for certification of their Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ} statements. If the ERB determines that more development is needed, the candidate will be provided specific recommendations for additional training or developmental assignments necessary to successfully complete the VA SESCDP.
Participants 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 noncompetitive appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES}.
Program participation does not guarantee placement in an SES position. The VA SESCDP does not facilitate finding an SES position for graduates.
One year of supervisory experience at the GS-14 level or above is required by the closing date of the announcement.
Selectees who are currently serving on a career or career-type appointment will retain the grade, pay and status of your current position while completing the program. Selectees will remain employees of your current organization.
All program and travel costs will be the responsibility of the candidate's Administration, Agency, or Staff Office. The tuition costs (approximately $50,000) must be communicated by the candidate to his/her leadership prior to application submission.
Non-VA Selectees will be required to complete an Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the home agency and VA that addresses travel and miscellaneous expenses associated with participation in the VA SESCDP.
Selectees for the program will be required to sign a Continued Service Agreement (CSA). The CSA states that the employee will stay with the VA or other Agency of the Federal Government for three years after completing the SESCDP program.
Participants are not precluded from pursuing promotion or reassignment opportunities within the Federal government during the program.
Employees who voluntarily leave Federal civil service before completing the terms of the agreement will be required to repay the cost of training and related travel expenses, excluding salary or other compensation.
Participants are expected to accept temporary developmental assignments which may involve organizational, functional and/or geographic mobility and should anticipate assignments/training may require extended travel.
Participants may be subject to public financial disclosure reporting requirements when detailed to SES positions.
Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must have strong executive potential to qualify them for their initial career appointment into the SES. Generally, this experience would be obtained at the GS-14 or GS-15 or equivalent level in the Federal service. This experience must include servicing as head of a major organization or program involving work in planning and directing specialized programs. This work must specify a level of marked difficulty, responsibility, and national significance, while maintaining accountability and exercising independent reliable judgment. Candidates should be able to demonstrate in their application package significant achievements, increasing levels of responsibility as managers and a solid record of successful professional performance.
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. An individual's total experience, education and volunteer work experience must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the program.
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ): All candidates must submit a written narrative in response to the following ECQs and include your name on each page. Each ECQ should contain at least two examples describing your experiences and accomplishments/results. Your narratives must address each ECQ separately and demonstrate the underlying competencies in the narrative. Examples should be clear, concise and emphasize your level of responsibilities; the scope and complexity of the programs, activities or services you managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed; and the results of your actions. You should use action-oriented leadership words to describe your experience and accomplishments and quantify your experience wherever possible to demonstrate your accomplishments (e.g., number of employees supervised, size of budget managed, amount of money saved, etc.). Applicants should use the Challenge, Context, Action and Results (CCAR) model below when responding to each ECQ
Challenge. Describe a specific problem or goal.
Context. Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale, etc.).
Action. Discuss the specific action you took to address a challenge.
Result. Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Your narrative response should not exceed 10 pages, be typed in 12-point font with one-inch margins. It is recommended that you include 2 recent (not older than 10 years) examples per ECQ and draft your ECQs in a Word document before uploading into the system to ensure these guidelines are met. Information that exceeds these guidelines will not be reviewed. Detailed information on each ECQ, the underlying and fundamental competencies, sample narratives and a tips sheet for writing effective ECQs are available in the "Guide To Senior Executive Service Qualifications" GUIDE (opm.gov) at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/.
ECQ 1 - Leading Change: The ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
Competencies: Creativity and Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, and Vision
ECQ 2 - Leading People: The ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others and Team Building
ECQ 3 - Results Driven: The ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving and Technical Credibility
ECQ 4 - Business Acumen: The ability to manage human, financial and information resources strategically.
Underlying Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management and Technology Management
ECQ 5 - Building Coalitions: The ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Underlying Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy and Influencing/Negotiation
Additional information on the ECQs is available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/#url=Overview.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
A SESCDP PROGRAM CURRICULUM:
Orientation Session: After candidates are notified of their selection, the VA SESCDP begins with a mandatory half--day mandatory orientation session. Each participant is provided with program requirements, policies, and expectations for the program.
360-Degree Assessment: Each participant completes a 360-degree assessment exercise for 5-days, which is designed to determine those competencies which will be developed or reinforced during the program.
Executive Development Plan (EDP): An EDP is prepared by each participant, together with the immediate supervisor and the mentor. The EDP is used to identify, track and document completion of competency-based needs of the participant. It is approved by the VA Executive Resources Board (ERB), and the participant will update or revise, as needed, throughout the program.
Mentoring Partnership: Through their experience, proven capabilities, and management perspective, SES mentors will assist participants in further clarifying their developmental objectives and in identifying developmental assignments and activities. Typically, participants will meet monthly with their mentor to review progress on their EDP, but also to talk through situations related to their EDPs.
Interagency Learning: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requires at least 80-hours of formal interagency training that addresses the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and their application to SES positions government-wide. The training experience includes interaction with a broad range of senior managers and executives outside the participants organization or agency to foster a broader perspective. Primary learning is designed to be in-person; however, virtual learning may be required at times.
VA Emerging Executive Training and ECQ, Resume and Interview Skills Workshop: VA SESCDP includes two additional training/workshop sessions: 1) ECQ, resume, and interview skills workshops, and 2) a five-day VA-led Emerging Executive training. This final training session of the program will provide VA Department level training on key executive skills topics, will integrate the development training received to date, and will assist candidates in preparing their final ECQ narratives.
Executive-Level Developmental Assignments: One of the SESCDP requirements listed in 5 CFR 412.302(c)(3) is a developmental assignment totaling at least four (4) months of full-time service outside the participants position of record. This assignment must be at least ninety (90) continuous days in a position other than, and substantially different from, the participants position of record. The purpose of the assignment is to broaden the participants experience and increase the knowledge of the overall function of the agency so the participant is prepared for a variety of SES positions. The assignment(s) includes executive-level responsibilities and differ from the participants current and past assignments. The assignment(s) will challenge each participant with respect to leadership competencies and the ECQs.
Progress Review: Progress in meeting EDP requirements is closely monitored by the SESCDP Program Manager, mentor and the ERB. Each participants progress is evaluated periodically to assure timely completion of program activities.
Candidates cannot waive a program requirement and may be removed from the program for failure to complete all requirements within 24 months of selection.
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.
VA will evaluate applicants against the five (5) ECQs developed by OPM to assess your leadership abilities and the quality and extent of the applicant's total accomplishments, experience, potential and capacity to master the five ECQs. Your evaluation will be based on the information you provide. We may also verify performance, suitability and security information from supervisory assessments and reference checks and take that information into account in making selections.
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.
The following documents are REQUIRED. If you do not submit all of the documents listed below, you will not be considered.
Your Resume (not to exceed 5 pages) - it must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualifications requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement. Insufficient information will result in a not qualified rating.
A narrative statement (not to exceed 10 pages) addressing each of the Executive Core Qualification (ECQ). Each ECQ must be addressed separately.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting your current Federal status, tenure and grade.
Please note that all required documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on the closing date of this announcement. Application materials received after the closing date will not be considered for the program.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/17/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12387484.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DAS Human Resources Management - 1007
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
The candidate selection process will have multiple steps:
CSEMO reviews candidate applications for completeness, basic qualifications, and eligibility and develops a list of minimally qualified applicants.
Administrative Review Board (ARB) rating panels will rate and rank all minimally qualified applicants.
Applicants referred by the ARB will participate in structured interviews to determine the best-qualified candidates for referral to the Executive Resources Board (ERB) SESCDP Subcommittee.
Best Qualified Applicants are forwarded to the ERB SESCDP Subcommittee for final review and recommendation to the ERB.
The ERB will make final recommendations to the VA Secretary from the candidates referred by the ERB SESCDP Subcommittee for selection into the program.
The Secretary or designee approves final candidate selections.
Candidates will be notified of their status following the completion of each step of the selection process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are REQUIRED. If you do not submit all of the documents listed below, you will not be considered.
Your Resume (not to exceed 5 pages) - it must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the qualifications requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement. Insufficient information will result in a not qualified rating.
A narrative statement (not to exceed 10 pages) addressing each of the Executive Core Qualification (ECQ). Each ECQ must be addressed separately.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting your current Federal status, tenure and grade.
Please note that all required documents must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on the closing date of this announcement. Application materials received after the closing date will not be considered for the program.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/17/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12387484.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DAS Human Resources Management - 1007
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
The candidate selection process will have multiple steps:
CSEMO reviews candidate applications for completeness, basic qualifications, and eligibility and develops a list of minimally qualified applicants.
Administrative Review Board (ARB) rating panels will rate and rank all minimally qualified applicants.
Applicants referred by the ARB will participate in structured interviews to determine the best-qualified candidates for referral to the Executive Resources Board (ERB) SESCDP Subcommittee.
Best Qualified Applicants are forwarded to the ERB SESCDP Subcommittee for final review and recommendation to the ERB.
The ERB will make final recommendations to the VA Secretary from the candidates referred by the ERB SESCDP Subcommittee for selection into the program.
The Secretary or designee approves final candidate selections.
Candidates will be notified of their status following the completion of each step of the selection process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
