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Financial Technology & Innovation Specialist

Federal Housing Finance Agency
Division of Conservatorship Oversight & Readiness (DCOR), Office of Financial Technology (OFT)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Join us as a Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist in the Office of Financial Technology (OFT), Division of Conservatorship Oversight & Readiness (DCOR). In this role, you will identify, analyze, and report on mortgage-related innovations, general trends, and emerging risks in the use of financial technology. Help us drive innovation and ensure stability in the evolving financial landscape.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open date: 01/03/2025
Closed date: 01/13/2025
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$109,487 - $245,969 per year
Pay scale & grade
EL 12 - 14
Promotion potential
14
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes - The union that represents employees in this position is the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 343.
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DCOR-25-06-DH
Control number
826644000

Duties

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Position Overview

The Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist supports the Agency's efforts to understand technology-driven developments in housing finance and the associated risks, and to facilitate the development of responsible innovation in FHFA's regulated entities, which include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

In this position, the employee will engage in external outreach with market participants, including industry firms, non-profits, trade associations, consumer advocacy organizations and academia to support responsible innovation in mortgage finance and on ongoing dialogue on opportunities and barriers to innovation in the mortgage ecosystem.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

The Financial Technology and Innovation Specialist duties listed below are at the EL-14 grade level. Depending on the grade level at which you are selected, you will perform these tasks with varying levels of complexity, and supervision:

  • In coordination with applicable FHFA offices and consistent with established delegations of authority and agency protocols, perform research and analysis to support the formulation and development of agency policies and procedures regarding Fintech and equitable and affordable housing finance mechanisms.
  • Review and monitor key Fintech and emerging technology activities across both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • Identify key Fintech issues and emerging trends in Fintech across the single-family, multifamily, and retained portfolio segments.
  • Analyze significant issues and emerging risks in credit, counterparty, operational, model and market risk related to adoption and use of Fintech. These issues may vary across a wide spectrum and may be very technical.
  • Review, assess, and analyze a myriad of Fintech related information; attend key Fintech meetings; and conduct research and reviews.
  • Update and prepare timely and accurate reports for senior agency executives.
  • Collaborate with key internal stakeholders in sharing information and in developing work products that may include analysis memos, presentations, and reports.
  • Lead analysis, presentations, and related FHFA work products, including Fintech-related thought leadership and high-quality presentations to senior FHFA leadership.
  • Research emerging issues to develop and track key indicators and related metrics.
  • Prepare final reports and support and/or lead discussions within the Agency and/or key external stakeholders.
  • Lead and attend internal and external Fintech related meetings.
  • Represent FHFA in evaluating and communicating Fintech and related issues within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and other external entities as needed.
  • Lead other special assignments that may be highly technical, complex, and with topics across a broad range of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac usage and adoption of Fintech and emerging technologies. These issues may be urgent and/or of a sensitive nature.
  • Provide advice and analysis to senior FHFA executives across a wide range of risk issues within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • 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
  • Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
  • 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:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum Qualification EL-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-12 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-11 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with one or more of the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:

  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 FHFAs regulated entities.
  2. Ability to contribute to analytical assignments or policy initiatives with guidance from senior staff.
  3. Skill in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field.
  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 to fulfill the objectives of an agency or organization.
  5. 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 an agency or organization.

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: I qualify for the EL/GS-13 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-12 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with one or more of the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:
  1. 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 FHFAs regulated entities.
  2. Ability to independently develop and implement analytical assignments or policy initiatives with a focus on complex problem-solving.
  3. Applying mastery of a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field.
  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 to fulfill the objectives of an agency or organization.
  5. 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 an agency or organization.

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: I qualify for the EL/GS-14 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-13 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with one or more of the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:
  1. Working with 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 FHFAs regulated entities.
  2. Leading the planning, development, and execution of broad and extensive analytical assignments or policy initiatives, providing strategic insights and direction.
  3. Applying mastery of a wide range of concepts, principles, practices, and procedures in the Fintech and Innovation field.
  4. Working 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 to fulfill the objectives of an agency or organization. and
  5. Communicating and presenting complex and substantive issues in a clear, convincing, and effective manner both orally and in writing, with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.


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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

An Overview of FHFA's Benefits for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year.

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.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.


We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process. To preview the assessment questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12657779


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.

Federal Housing Finance Agency

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.

FHFA's work environment fosters a diverse and inclusive culture where all employees are valued. We recognize the commitment of our workforce and model behaviors that demonstrate the Agency's values of Fairness, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect. Come join FHFA and help in achieving our mission!

Division of Conservatorship Oversight and Readiness (DCOR), Office of Financial Technology (OFT)


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.

Agency contact information

Devin Hinkle
Phone
(202) 649-3777
Email
devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov
Address
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219
US

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