The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Inspector General (OIG), seeks an exceptional executive to serve as Counsel to the Inspector General. The incumbent provides strategic legal counsel to the Inspector General and senior leadership, leads the Counsel Division, oversees complex legal matters, and ensures effective legal support for the OIG's mission to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
Summary
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Inspector General (OIG), seeks an exceptional executive to serve as Counsel to the Inspector General. The incumbent provides strategic legal counsel to the Inspector General and senior leadership, leads the Counsel Division, oversees complex legal matters, and ensures effective legal support for the OIG's mission to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
The Counsel to the Inspector General will be responsible for:
Serving as the principal legal advisor to the Inspector General and executive leadership by providing authoritative legal counsel on matters involving the Inspector General Act, Federal appropriations law, administrative law, criminal law, civil litigation, employment law, employee relations, equal employment opportunity, ethics, procurement, information law, and other legal matters affecting the Office of Inspector General.
Providing executive leadership for the Counsel Division by establishing strategic priorities, directing legal operations, managing organizational performance, overseeing workforce planning, and ensuring the effective delivery of legal services that support the OIG's mission and long-term strategic objectives.
Advising the Inspector General and executive leadership on enterprise legal risk, organizational governance, internal controls, and significant legal issues affecting OIG operations. Anticipates emerging legal and operational risks and develops strategies that protect the independence, credibility, and effectiveness of the Office of Inspector General.
Directing the legal review of proposed legislation, regulations, executive orders, policies, and government-wide initiatives affecting the Inspector General community and the Small Business Administration.
Providing executive oversight of legal support for criminal, civil, and administrative investigations conducted by the OIG. Advises investigative personnel on complex legal matters involving search warrants, subpoenas, electronic surveillance, digital evidence, informants, whistleblower protections, data privacy, and emerging investigative technologies while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and constitutional requirements.
Providing executive oversight of all legal matters involving human capital management, employment law, and employee relations affecting the Office of Inspector General. Advises executive leadership on complex personnel matters, including disciplinary and adverse actions, performance-based actions, EEO matters, reasonable accommodations, disability and leave laws, executive employment issues, whistleblower protections, prohibited personnel practices, and compliance with Federal employment statutes and regulations. Coordinates, as appropriate, with oversight agencies to protect the legal interests of the OIG while ensuring fair and equitable treatment of employees.
Representing the Office of Inspector General in high-level interactions with the Department of Justice, Congress, the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management, Federal law enforcement agencies, and other governmental organizations on matters of significant legal or strategic importance.
Providing executive oversight of the OIG's administration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy Act, ethics program, records management, information governance, and related legal compliance programs. Ensure policies and practices promote transparency, accountability, protection of sensitive information, and compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
You must successfully complete a Top-Secret security clearance. Candidates who do not complete the required security clearance paperwork by the pre-determined due date, could be disqualified.
If you are selected, you must complete a one-year SES probationary period, if not previously completed.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)"
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 Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. 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 Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ 1 - Experience providing legal counsel in the areas of Federal criminal, civil and administrative law.
TQ 2 - Experience in reviewing proposed legislation, regulations, and policies to determine their impact on the economy and efficiency of Agency programs and operations.
TQ 3 - Demonstrated experience providing legal advice and guidance on complex employment law and employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary and adverse actions, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), reasonable accommodation, leave and disability laws, whistleblower protections, and Merit Systems Principles. Experience interpreting and applying Federal employment statutes, regulations, case law, and advising management on legally sound solutions that balance organizational objectives with employee rights.
TQ 4 - Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying the Privacy Act and other Federal laws, regulations, and policies governing the collection, use, protection, disclosure, and sharing of sensitive information. Experience providing legal advice on complex privacy issues, reviewing, and negotiating data sharing agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), Computer Matching Agreements, or similar interagency agreements to ensure legal compliance while supporting organizational objectives.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs:
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.
Current and active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and eligible to practice law.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, 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.
IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS THE TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED INELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION.
All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the OIG Human Resources Office.
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 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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.
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.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
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 the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
BAR LICENSE: Evidence showing membership in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement 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 and upload your résumé and/or other required 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.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
Once your application is submitted you will be sent an acknowledgement email stating that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. 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.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
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 the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
BAR LICENSE: Evidence showing membership in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement 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 and upload your résumé and/or other required 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.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
Once your application is submitted you will be sent an acknowledgement email stating that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. 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.
