The General Counsel position is in the Senior Executive Service (SES), a small elite group of top government leaders. The Inspector General (IG) reports to and operates under the general supervision of the Secretary of Defense. The DoD IG has responsibility to detect and deter fraud, waste, and abuse, and promote the economy and efficiency of DoD Programs and operations, in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978, P.L. 95-452, as amended.
Summary
The General Counsel position is in the Senior Executive Service (SES), a small elite group of top government leaders. The Inspector General (IG) reports to and operates under the general supervision of the Secretary of Defense. The DoD IG has responsibility to detect and deter fraud, waste, and abuse, and promote the economy and efficiency of DoD Programs and operations, in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978, P.L. 95-452, as amended.
Serves as the principal legal advisor to the IG and provides guidance and direction regarding OIG legal matters.
Renders definitive legal opinions on policy matters concerning the OIG that require the IG's personal attention. A substantial number of these opinions are on matters of the greatest significance.
Participates in major planning and policy deliberations at top levels within the OIG. Calls attention to legal requirements that must be met or that would limit or prohibit a proposed action.
Assists in preparing the IG and other senior officials to testify before Congressional committees.
Renders advice and legal opinions on matters that have an impact on virtually all substantive and operational programs of the Department of Defense.
As the Designated Ethics Official (DAEO), the incumbent executes the OIG Ethics Program, ensuring accurate reporting of financial interests by suspense dates established in law, rule or regulation.
Supervises the OIG's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act Office and serves as the OIG FOIA Appellate Authority.
Position has been designated as Special Sensitive; incumbent is required to be eligible (and maintain eligibility) for a Top Secret with Special Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
Selected candidate will be subject to a one-year probationary period in the Senior Executive Service unless required probationary period has been served. Selectee may also be subject to a records review prior to being appointed to this position.
Applicants selected are required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. Incumbent is subject to random drug testing for the duration of service with the DoD OIG.
Selectee will be required to complete and submit an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, prior to entering the position and annually thereafter.
Incumbent may be required to travel both in the Continental United States, as well as overseas locations.
All newly appointed career SES leaders must sign the Mobility Agreement which is required as a condition of employment.
The incumbent must adhere to the DoD Standards of Conduct.
This position has been evaluated to be a Tier A position under the DoD OIG SES Personnel Management and Compensation System.
Qualifications
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Technical Qualifications (TQs) or the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):
Management experience in leading and motivating a highly trained professional legal staff.
Diversified experience dealing with highly complex issues within a number of the subject areas relevant to the OIG, which include: appropriations and fiscal law; procurement/contract law; constitutional law; criminal law; and administrative law.
Comprehensive knowledge of DoD and/or government organization and operations and familiarity with the OIG mission and responsibilities.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQ):
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Education
Must meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree (L.L.B or J.D.). Licensed as an attorney, in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Accreditation: Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/ and U.S. Department of Education websites at http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Additional information
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
PCS/Relocation expenses, if authorized, will be in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations.
Veterans' preference does not apply to the SES.
Military retirees seeking to enter civil service in the Department of Defense now require a waiver if they are within 180 days following their official date of retirement (5 United States Code 3326.).
Filling of this position is not subject to the provisions of the DOD Priority Placement Program (PPP).
All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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. Learn 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.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of their experience, training, and/or education indicated on their resume and responses to the technical and executive qualifications listed above. Resumes will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel, and best qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. The Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the approving authority.
In addition to meeting basic qualification requirements, applicants must have substantive experience which provides knowledge of the principles of organization, management and administration; and substantive specialized experience in a type of work or combination of functions directly related to this position.
Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil
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.
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. Learn 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.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to SES must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. When uploading your Resume, select the supporting document type "Resume".
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire (part of the online application).
3. Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
4. Current or former SES Career employees, appointed under Title 5 U.S.C. 3393, must include a copy of their SF50 that indicates their SES Career appointment under Title 5 (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
5. Current or former Federal employee must provide a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service. DOD employees can access their SF-50 at: My Biz
*You are highly encouraged to upload/save all your documents in your USAJOBS resume builder account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. You only have to upload/save documents once and you can to apply to jobs quickly at the click of a button.
*For instructions on how to upload/save documents please review this link: How do I upload/save documents?
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
**It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents, whether uploaded or faxed, are received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant. Missing application information will not be requested.**
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on02/02/2026~ , or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
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 provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete
DoD OIG - OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US
Next steps
Our evaluation will be based on the information you provide. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers. You will be notified of the outcome after final approval of the selectee.
You will receive emails at various points in the evaluation process to notify you of: 1) receipt of your application; 2) after evaluation by a panel of subject matter experts, whether or not your are referred to the selection official for consideration and possible interview; and 3) the final disposition of your application when recruitment is complete.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position
Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361. False Statements: Misrepresentation of your experience or education or otherwise providing false or fraudulent information may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to SES must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. When uploading your Resume, select the supporting document type "Resume".
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire (part of the online application).
3. Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must include a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
4. Current or former SES Career employees, appointed under Title 5 U.S.C. 3393, must include a copy of their SF50 that indicates their SES Career appointment under Title 5 (Failure to submit will eliminate you from further consideration).
5. Current or former Federal employee must provide a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which indicates Federal status, grade, tenure, and type of service. DOD employees can access their SF-50 at: My Biz
*You are highly encouraged to upload/save all your documents in your USAJOBS resume builder account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. You only have to upload/save documents once and you can to apply to jobs quickly at the click of a button.
*For instructions on how to upload/save documents please review this link: How do I upload/save documents?
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
**It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents, whether uploaded or faxed, are received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant. Missing application information will not be requested.**
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on02/02/2026~ , or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
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 provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete
DoD OIG - OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US
Next steps
Our evaluation will be based on the information you provide. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers. You will be notified of the outcome after final approval of the selectee.
You will receive emails at various points in the evaluation process to notify you of: 1) receipt of your application; 2) after evaluation by a panel of subject matter experts, whether or not your are referred to the selection official for consideration and possible interview; and 3) the final disposition of your application when recruitment is complete.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position
Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361. False Statements: Misrepresentation of your experience or education or otherwise providing false or fraudulent information may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
