This position is in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). The OGC provides legal advice to the Inspector General, senior staff, and others in OIG on the full range of activities within OIG, including inspections, investigations and audits. OGC is responsible for managing OIG's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act programs. The Counsel to the Inspector General reports to the Inspector General and is independent from the State Department's Legal Adviser and USAGM's General Counsel.
Summary
This position is in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). The OGC provides legal advice to the Inspector General, senior staff, and others in OIG on the full range of activities within OIG, including inspections, investigations and audits. OGC is responsible for managing OIG's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act programs. The Counsel to the Inspector General reports to the Inspector General and is independent from the State Department's Legal Adviser and USAGM's General Counsel.
This position serves as an Attorney-Advisor (General) and provides analysis, research, and guidance to ensure that the OIG has considered the legislative and regulatory requirements and implications applicable to the various activities.
The duties of the Attorney Advisor GS-0905-15:
Handles all aspects of personnel and employment law matters.
Analyzes and provides cogent and concise verbal and written legal counsel, advice, recommendations, and reviews on a variety of issues of law relevant to (1) general Office of Inspector General operations (e.g., HR, IT, Procurement, Appropriations, Ethics, Financial Disclosure, and other areas) and (2) to particular Office of Inspector General work products such as reports of audits, investigations, inspections, special projects and evaluations.
Reviews Office of Inspector General audit, evaluation, investigation, inspection and other review reports for legal sufficiency, which includes ensuring that any sensitive information is properly marked and withheld in accordance with the law.
Handles litigation; drafts and reviews agreements, subpoenas; provides legal support to criminal and civil investigations, and conducts ethics, independence, and financial disclosure reviews.
Advises on, reviews, and responds to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requests, appeals, and litigation.
Must be a U.S. Citizen. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
You may be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
All employees will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://sss.gov./Home/Registration).
Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
You are required to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer.
You will be required to complete a Declaration of Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal Employment, at the time requested by agency.
Bar Membership: You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Statement of Employment and Financial Interest required prior to appointment.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Must be a graduate of a law school possessing the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.)
Bar Membership: Attorney positions require current active bar membership. Admission to the bar of any State, territory, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, or Federal Court is acceptable. Active bar membership is verified prior to appointment. Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney.
All applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting both proof of professional law degree and proof of bar membership within US jurisdiction. Please see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement for additional information.
Applicants must have specialized experience with at least one year equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal Service, which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
Experience independently handling all aspects of employment law matters.
Expertise in a broad range of federal practice legal disciplines, including fiscal/procurement laws, ethics, federal grants or assistance, administrative law, personnel law, criminal law and procedures, and privacy law.
Expertise in handling sensitive or highly visible/high level official matters.
Expertise in providing clear and concise verbal and written legal guidance, including persuasive memoranda, advisory opinions, and other legal documents.
Experience independently handling various aspects of litigation.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-15 position.
Education
A LL.B or J.D. is a requirement for this position. If you do not submit sufficient academic documentation necessary to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete, and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: NACES - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Additional information
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service.
Merit promotion procedures do not apply.
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.
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.
Work Life Programs & Benefits - The Office of Inspector General offers many WorkLife programs such Fit Time, Alternative Work Schedules, Situational Telework, Transit Subsidy, Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment programs, Paid Parental Leave, Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, as well as Vision and Dental 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 job is being filled under a Schedule A hiring authority 5 C.F.R. ยง 213.3102 and is excepted from the competitive civil service. You will be evaluated and deemed either eligible or ineligible based on the relevance and quality of your experience and education, bar membership, and desired qualifications described above. These positions are not covered by the usual civil service hiring procedures. There is no numerical rating system through which to apply veterans' preference. All eligible applicants will be further evaluated by subject-matter experts.
Your resume will be referred to the selecting official if you have submitted a complete application package to include resume, bar membership details, and any applicable transcripts. This does not mean you are considered qualified for the position. A qualification analysis will be conducted to ensure the selectee meets all requirements, including education and minimum qualifications listed on the vacancy announcement. A complete application package is required to be considered qualified and eligible for selection. Please review the "Requirements" section of the vacancy announcement to understand the list of required documents for a complete application package. Additional information including a writing sample may be requested later in the recruitment process.
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.
Work Life Programs & Benefits - The Office of Inspector General offers many WorkLife programs such Fit Time, Alternative Work Schedules, Situational Telework, Transit Subsidy, Tuition Assistance, Student Loan Repayment programs, Paid Parental Leave, Health Benefits, Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, as well as Vision and Dental 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.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted by 11:59 Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date 05/26/2026of this announcement. Note: This announcement may be extended at any time without notice and does not indicate/imply a determination on applications has been made.
1. Resume - All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.
2. Transcripts - you must submit a copy of your college and law transcript(s) from an accredited college and law school with your application. If selected, an official/sealed college/law transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
3. Proof of bar membership - you must submit proof of bar membership from any state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with your application.
4. Current Federal employees - Most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees.
5. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy or as an Attorney Appointment within the Excepted Service. While there is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service, the Department of State considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor in the hiring process. If claiming veteran's preference, you must indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume. Any supporting documentation received from veterans will be retained to document veteran's status if selected.
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15andall required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
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.
USA Jobs offers a Help Page with information to assist you USA Jobs Help Center with a variety of topics.
Prepare your application in USAJOBS
To start your application, click Apply and we'll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents. During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date 05/26/2026 of this announcement to complete the application process. STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questionnaire. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
US Department of State - Office of Inspector General
N/A
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Next steps
For the selected candidates who receive a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation that generally takes an average of at least two to six months.
If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted by 11:59 Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date 05/26/2026of this announcement. Note: This announcement may be extended at any time without notice and does not indicate/imply a determination on applications has been made.
1. Resume - All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.
2. Transcripts - you must submit a copy of your college and law transcript(s) from an accredited college and law school with your application. If selected, an official/sealed college/law transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
3. Proof of bar membership - you must submit proof of bar membership from any state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with your application.
4. Current Federal employees - Most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade held. It is recommended you provide a SF-50 within the last 52 weeks before the closing date of this JOA for current federal employees.
5. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy or as an Attorney Appointment within the Excepted Service. While there is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service, the Department of State considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor in the hiring process. If claiming veteran's preference, you must indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume. Any supporting documentation received from veterans will be retained to document veteran's status if selected.
To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15andall required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
For all preference claims:
DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
If you are currently on active duty and applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must provide a certification on letterhead from your military branch which contains your military service dates, expected date of discharge or release, and the character of service to show that your military service was performed under honorable conditions. The expected date of discharge or release must be no later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration for this vacancy announcement.
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.
USA Jobs offers a Help Page with information to assist you USA Jobs Help Center with a variety of topics.
Prepare your application in USAJOBS
To start your application, click Apply and we'll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents. During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date 05/26/2026 of this announcement to complete the application process. STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS. STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume. STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questionnaire. STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
US Department of State - Office of Inspector General
N/A
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Next steps
For the selected candidates who receive a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability review and/or security background investigation that generally takes an average of at least two to six months.
If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
