The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is seeking Research Economists to conduct regulatory analysis and lead the Commission’s economic analysis in support of rulemaking, policy development, and oversight. The OCE provides expert economic advice to the Commission, with a primary focus on regulatory impact analysis, market impact assessment, and evaluation of regulatory alternatives; to foster market transparency by disseminating its research to market participants and the general public.
Summary
The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is seeking Research Economists to conduct regulatory analysis and lead the Commission’s economic analysis in support of rulemaking, policy development, and oversight. The OCE provides expert economic advice to the Commission, with a primary focus on regulatory impact analysis, market impact assessment, and evaluation of regulatory alternatives; to foster market transparency by disseminating its research to market participants and the general public.
This vacancy is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions.
Formulate and conduct economic research and expert analyses for the CFTC as it relates to the Commission's policy development.
Provide expert advice on matters considered by the Commission and the operating divisions. Serve as a consultant and advisor to senior Commission policymakers on policy issues and proposed legislation.
Examine the impact of proposed policies on the structure and performance of futures, options, swaps, and other derivative markets. Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the function, utilization, or regulation of derivatives markets. The products of such studies provide guidance throughout the CFTC in such activities as developing and revising regulations, evaluating exchange rules, developing trade reporting requirements, and taking regulatory actions.
Conduct research on the history of derivatives markets and their regulation. Study the historical performance of futures and swaps contracts, with the objective of increasing the Commission's understanding of which contract features contribute to a contract's commercial success or failure.
Analyze the economic costs and benefits of proposed regulatory actions on the futures and swaps markets, cash commodity markets, and the U.S. economy, based on the result of analysis and research and development of proposed regulatory policies for consideration by CFTC.
Analyze the structure of the various futures, swaps, and other derivatives markets and the composition and nature of market participation.
Identify and define the nature and scope of issues and problems; gather, develop, weigh and/or validate data; balance a wide variety of requirements and concerns such as financial, historical, technical, political, public interest and broad direct and indirect impacts; develop and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various alternatives; prepare documents, present findings and conclusions; recommend and advise on policies and strategies in assigned areas and identifies areas where additional study and analysis is needed.
Educate other staff members and the public on the economics of futures, derivatives, and cash markets. This may involve teaching classes for CFTC employees or preparing brochures and documents for the Office of Public Affairs.
May be required to serve one-year probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You will be evaluated based on your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:
Economic Research - Knowledge of and experience researching financial and economic theories, microeconomics principles, and advanced statistical and quantitative techniques which are used to formulate quantitative and qualitative assessments.
Financial Analysis - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, derivatives pricing, and modeling to interpret quantitative and qualitative data; includes evaluating key financial indicators, trends, and historical data.
Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates and produces complex economic and statistical information in a clear and organized manner.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet both the basic requirement and specialized experience for the positions.
Basic Requirement
Applicants must possess one of the following:
A) Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)
–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. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)
In addition to the basic requirements for this position:
To qualify for the CT-14 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-13 level). Specialized experience includes but is not limited to:
Experience performing quantitative and qualitative studies of financial markets.
Experience performing economic research and analysis related to the regulation of derivatives markets.
Experience translating complex economic and data‑driven information into clear, policy‑relevant, guidance to support senior‑level decision‑making.
Education
Please refer to the OPM Economist Series 0110 qualifications standard for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position.
To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 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://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
This position is in the Bargaining Unit.
Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Probationary Period:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
Your performance and conduct;
The needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.
The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.
The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.
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.
This vacancy is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply and all applicants who meet the specialized experience will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. This vacancy requires a job-related assessment tool, Work Sample Tests (Writing Sample), to be submitted with your application. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) will independently review your resume and writing sample to assess how well your experience demonstrates the required competencies for this position listed in the "Requirements" section of this announcement.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures.
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.
You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max);
Writing Sample;
Performance appraisal (optional);
Transcripts (an unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy with the date the degree was awarded is required prior to firm offer letter being extended)
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
CTAP/ICTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
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.
RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max);
Writing Sample;
Performance appraisal (optional);
Transcripts (an unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy with the date the degree was awarded is required prior to firm offer letter being extended)
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
CTAP/ICTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
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.
RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
