The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) seeks junior and senior economists. Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. or research background or interests in manufactured homes, multifamily housing, or survey methodology. Current agency priorities include sustainable homeownership, mortgage credit access, and housing supply.
This announcement is opened until November 22, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to maximize their employment opportunities.
Summary
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) seeks junior and senior economists. Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. or research background or interests in manufactured homes, multifamily housing, or survey methodology. Current agency priorities include sustainable homeownership, mortgage credit access, and housing supply.
This announcement is opened until November 22, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to maximize their employment opportunities.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency's mission is to ensure that the regulated entities operate in a safe and sound manner so that they serve as a reliable source of liquidity and funding for housing finance and community investment. The Division of Research and Statistics (DRS) produces and disseminates high quality data, research, statistics, and analysis to internal and external stakeholders. DRS serves as a leading source of informative research, accessible data, and recognized expertise in housing finance. Our colleagues have broad backgrounds in banking, energy, environmental, finance, housing, industrial organization, labor, macroeconomics, mortgage markets, real estate, and urban economics.
A candidate should be highly motivated, exhibit sound empirical research skills, and be able to demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills. The person should be comfortable with cleaning, transforming, and analyzing large datasets while coding with statistical software. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in economics, finance, political science, public administration, computer science, statistics, or a related field by the start of employment. The preferred start period is summer 2025.
Responsibilities
Economists are expected to conduct applied research, participate in policy work, contribute to projects related to market monitoring for safety and soundness, contribute to the development of FHFA data and statistical products, present work for feedback at internal, academic, and industry conferences, and conduct original research for publication in academic and professional journals. The position would be appropriate for individuals who enjoy a combination of team-oriented work and independent research. Successful economists may utilize their specialized backgrounds to investigate policy-relevant questions about housing programs, house price indexes, financial institutions and markets, banking or macro stability, mortgage lending, secondary mortgage market operations, or to identify significant and emerging risks such as market, interest rate, operational, climate, or credit risks.
Major Duties
The Economist will perform the following duties:
Assists or independently initiates analysis and research that helps to identify risks and indicators of emerging problems and issues that may warrant closer attention. This responsibility requires maintaining familiarity with best practices and trends through continuous training inside and outside FHFA.
Leads or contributes to research for external publication, in the form of staff working papers, statistical blogs, presentations at conferences, and publication of research in peer reviewed journals. This responsibility requires an ability to communicate with a variety of audiences like peers and subordinate staff, senior managers, regulated entities, researchers, and the public.
Support the development of policies and regulations governing the regulated entities. Provides economic and financial analyses of ongoing and proposed programs, regulations, and legislation affecting the FHFA and regulated entities. This responsibility requires assisting with the preparation and presentation of results from economic and financial studies and/or monitoring reports to senior agency officials.
Conducts investigations and is responsible for aspects of small studies or assists with technical data or research within segments of major special studies on topics related to performance, risk measurement and management, and housing and financial markets. This responsibility requires continually developing and maintaining a working knowledge of relevant theories, empirical methods, policy analysis, and other topics with a bearing on economics, finance, banking, and housing or mortgage market issues.
Contributes to the development of FHFA statistical products. Applies knowledge of econometric principles to conduct data cleaning, imputation, weighting, and analysis to support the development of FHFA statistical products.
Assists in responding to internal and external inquiries for technical and analytical support. The incumbent supports the development and operation of economic programs and models by assisting in the development of information requests, and in the analyses of current data and programs.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Experience must be obtained within 30 days of the closing of the announcement.
Education obtained by June 2025 will be considered. Selectees will need to furnish final transcripts upon graduation.
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 position may be required to complete a financial disclosure report.
FHFA participates in e-Verify. All new hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit. The union that represents employees in this position is the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 343.
This is NOT a remote position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the Washington, DC duty location.
Qualifications
You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
A. Degree:economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.-OR-
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education
In addition to meeting the above basic education or education and experience requirements, applicants must also meet the following minimum qualifications for their desired grade level:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualification EL-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or directly related education as described below.
A. Degree: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in economics, finance, political science, public administration, computer science, statistics, or a closely related field.
-OR-
B. Experience: Demonstrated experience in applying advanced quantitative techniques and data analysis methods to economic research, including statistical modeling, econometric analysis, and the use of software such as R, Python, SAS, or Stata.
Minimum Qualification EL-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: Extensive experience in applying advanced quantitative techniques and data analysis methods to sophisticated economic research projects. This includes proficiency in statistical modeling, econometric analysis, and the adept use of advanced software tools such as R, Python, SAS, and Stata. Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex research studies, interpret results, and effectively communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Proven track record of providing actionable insights and recommendations that drive policy or business decisions.
Minimum Qualification EL-14: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: Expert-level experience in the application of advanced quantitative techniques and data analysis methods to comprehensive and high-impact economic research. This comprises deep expertise in statistical modeling, econometric analysis, and mastery of advanced analytical software, including R, Python, SAS, and Stata. Demonstrated capability to lead and oversee complex research initiatives, mentor junior analysts, innovate new analytical approaches, and synthesize and present complex data to stakeholders at all organizational levels. Recognized for driving significant contributions to policy development, economic forecasting, or strategic planning through rigorous and innovative research methodologies.
**Failure to provide your transcripts, when required, for any of the options above will remove you from the hiring process.**
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.
FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill vacancies.
This position may be required to complete a financial disclosure report.
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 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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This announcement is opened until November 22, 2024. The hiring manager will receive a list of qualified candidates every three-weeks until a selection is made, or the announcement closes. Applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to maximize their employment opportunities. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications October 2, 2024, with subsequent cutoff dates on 10/23/2024, and 11/13/2024.Eligible applications received after 11/13/24 will be referred after the close of the announcement. Final application disposition will be completed once the position has been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period.
This position is being filled through Federal Housing Finance Agency's hiring authority granted by the Housing Economic Recovery Act (HERA). All applicants meeting the basic qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. Candidates with Veteran's preference, who meet the specialized experience and education requirements for this vacancy, will be given priority consideration over non-preference candidates.
During the interview process, you might be asked to provide letters of reference. Please do not upload the letters to your application. Instead, your recommenders should email the letters directly to JobsforeconomistsDRS@fhfa.gov.
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.
In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to fairchanceactcomplaints@fhfa.gov or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law.
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 or CV: 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. If you use the CV (curriculum vitae) format please ensure they have the below requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name 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. Recent Job Market Paper: Attach a single paper that best supports your application as a writing example and research product that you would be willing to present to FHFA if you advance in the hiring process.
3. Cover letter: Explain how you are qualified and why you are interested in this position.
4.Transcripts:This position requires a minimum level of education or a combination of education and experience. Please submit your transcripts (official or unofficial) along with your application. Failure to provide transcripts, when required, will result in removal from the hiring process. Note: If you are selected for a position, an official transcript will be required before onboarding. Students graduating by June 2025 will need to provide transcripts upon graduation.
5. 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.)
6. 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.).
7. Other Supporting Documents:
SF-50, optional
Important Notes:
Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs 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 USA Jobs. 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 USA Jobs 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.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/22/2024 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: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
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 receiving all application packages, 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 their 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 60 days after the application deadline. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
***There are currently a few vacancies available. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the opening 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. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for FHFA to share your application with others in FHFA for similar positions.
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 or CV: 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. If you use the CV (curriculum vitae) format please ensure they have the below requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name 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. Recent Job Market Paper: Attach a single paper that best supports your application as a writing example and research product that you would be willing to present to FHFA if you advance in the hiring process.
3. Cover letter: Explain how you are qualified and why you are interested in this position.
4.Transcripts:This position requires a minimum level of education or a combination of education and experience. Please submit your transcripts (official or unofficial) along with your application. Failure to provide transcripts, when required, will result in removal from the hiring process. Note: If you are selected for a position, an official transcript will be required before onboarding. Students graduating by June 2025 will need to provide transcripts upon graduation.
5. 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.)
6. 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.).
7. Other Supporting Documents:
SF-50, optional
Important Notes:
Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs 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 USA Jobs. 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 USA Jobs 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.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/22/2024 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: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
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 receiving all application packages, 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 their 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 60 days after the application deadline. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
***There are currently a few vacancies available. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the opening 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. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for FHFA to share your application with others in FHFA for similar positions.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
