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<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Duties</b></h2>
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The Area Counsel is responsible for the effective supervision, management, and performance of all tax law activities within assigned geographic and program areas in support of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Small Business/Self Employed (SB/SE) Division. The incumbent provides legal advice and assistance in determining strategies, plans, and designs for a comprehensive and customer-oriented tax administration program to meet the needs of individual and small business taxpayers and practitioners within the geographic area. Serves as a senior legal advisor and expert consultant to officials of the Office of Chief Counsel, IRS, Treasury, and other agencies and organizations on the legal issues, regulations, and needs relevant to serving all individuals filing schedules C, E, F, and/or form 2106, as well as corporations, S corporations, and partnerships with assets of less than $10 million. In
<br> addition, the incumbent is responsible for planning, directing, supervising, and coordinating policies and programs for the delivery of legal advice and development of strategies for general litigation, and for providing other support, as needed, to the IRS SB/SE Division, other IRS Divisions, Counsel offices, government agencies, and the public.
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<br> As an Area Counsel you will provide executive leadership to the Small Business/Self Employed practice groups within the geographic area through subordinate supervisory attorneys.
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<b>Major duties of the Area Counsel include:</b>
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<ul>
<li>Assures implementation of Division Counsel (SB/SE) business unit strategy and goals designed to enhance compliance with the tax laws.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Coordinates with the Division Counsel, Deputy Division Counsel, and other Area Counsel to assure nationwide consistency of approach to and resolution of cases at the practice group level. Resolves problems in the operations of field offices, elevating issues to the Division Counsel (SB/SE) and appropriate Associate Chief Counsel as necessary to assure IRS-wide consistency of resolution.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Implements Division Counsel (SB/SE) performance measures and program goals for providing legal services within the SB/SE organization and monitors Area accomplishments to assure continued focus on mission-directed activity. Sets Area business strategy and goals in alignment with overall organizational and research strategy and ensures that performance and program goals, strategies, and organizational policies are clearly communicated to employees.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Coordinates closely with appropriate IRS Director(s) and staff to ensure all legal</li>
</ul> services are provided in a timely and responsive manner. Implements and evaluates operational policies and procedures designed to improve the delivery of legal services within the geographic area. As necessary, develops and implements program modifications, alternative methods, and novel methodologies to enhance legal services provided to the IRS.
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<ul>
<li>Exercises ongoing responsibility for the overall management of geographically dispersed tax litigation groups in the Area. Through subordinate managers and attorneys, represents the government in the U.S. Tax Court and provides quality legal advice to SB/SE and Wage and Investment field personnel.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Reviews and exercises independent judgment with the respect to questions concerning litigation and/or settlement of issues and cases. In addition, promotes, cultivates, and evaluates legal service to IRS Service and Computing Centers Area-wide for both SB/SE and for the Wage and Investment functional program. </li>
</ul>
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<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Requirements</b></h2>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Conditions of Employment</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Refer to "Additional Information"</li>
<li>Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.</li>
<li>Must be a U.S. Citizen or National</li>
</ul>
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Qualifications</b></h3>
<div>
<p>To qualify for this position of Area Counsel you must meet the following requirements:</p>
<ul>
<li>Possess at least the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; AND</li>
<li>Applicants must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;</li>
<li>Desired Education/Experience: An LL.M. in Taxation is desired but not required. 7 years of professional legal tax experience is desired.</li>
</ul>
<p>As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level or its equivalent in Federal service. Applicants must possess the following technical and executive core qualifications:</p>
<p><b>A)</b> <b>Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs):</b><br> <br> Unless you are currently serving under a Career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, or eligible for reinstatement into the SES, you must address the ECQs. Applicants must provide a narrative statement (not to exceed a total of 10 pages) that clearly documents and demonstrates possession of the competencies in the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) as established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The following five ECQs provide the focus for certification of executive core qualifications for initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service.</p>
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<ul>
<li><b>Leading Change</b> <b>- </b>Ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Leading People</b> - Ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Results Driven</b> - Ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Business Acumen </b>- Ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Building Coalitions</b> - Ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.</li>
</ul>
</div>Additional information on ECQs is available at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/ . Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow the Challenge, Context, Action and Results model outlined in the guide. It is recommended that you draft your ECQs in a Word document and then upload into the system.
<p><b>B) Mandatory Technical Competencies (MTQs):</b><br> In addition to the Executive Core Qualifications, all candidates must show evidence of the following mandatory technical competencies in order to meet basic qualifications for this position. The narrative statements should demonstrate your specialized knowledge and technical competence. Please give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge and skills you possess. You should address each MTQ separately, with the total narrative not exceeding ten pages.<br> <br> <b>Mandatory</b></p>
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<ul>
<li>Demonstrated comprehensive, professional knowledge of and experience in applying tax laws affecting individuals filing schedules C, E, F and/or form 2106 as well as corporations, S corporations, and partnerships with assets less than $10 million, and strong direct or indirect experience with tax litigation and dispute resolution.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Demonstrated experience in managing all aspects of a law program that involves significant human and fiscal resources, including the ability to allocate, manage, and prioritize resources to achieve short and long-term goals (e.g., planning, directing, budgeting for, staffing, and evaluating such programs).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Demonstrated ability to review and evaluate programs for the purpose of assessing their effectiveness against overall organizational goals and objectives, and the ability to design and implement program improvements as necessary to increase efficiency and enhance organizational performance.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Demonstrated experience and the capacity for effective decision making and the ability to solve problems of very substantial impact, sensitivity, and complexity.</li>
</ul>
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<p><b>Desirable:</b></p>
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<ul>
<li>A thorough understanding of the operations and organization of the Internal Revenue Service and Office of Chief Counsel, and a solid understanding of the Department of the Treasury and its Office of General Counsel, are desirable.</li>
</ul>
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<p><b>(Note: Failure to address these factors will result in your application being disqualified.)</b> <i>Narrative responses to the Technical Qualifications and Desirable Qualifications should not be more than two pages for each. Please provide the Executive Core Qualifications, Technical Qualifications and Desirable Qualifications each on separate sheets of paper.</i><br> <br> 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.</p>
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Education</b></h3>
<p>For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.<br> <br> A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.<br> <br> <b>FOREIGN EDUCATION: </b>If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. </p>
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Additional information</b></h3>
<p></p>
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<ul>
<li>Relocation expenses will be paid for current eligible Federal Government Employees upon authorization. </li>
<li>This is a<b> n</b>on-bargainingunit position.</li>
<li>We offer opportunities for telework.</li>
<li>We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.</li>
<li>The salary range indicated in this announcement covers multiple locality areas. Your salary will be adjusted based on the post of duty for which you are selected.</li>
</ul>
<b>Conditions of Employment Continued: </b>
<ul>
<li>Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).</li>
<li>Must successfully complete a background investigation.</li>
<li>Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.</li>
<li>Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.</li>
<li>Public Trust (85PS) Background Investigation required</li>
<li>Obtain and use a government-issued charge card for business-related travel.</li>
<li>File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.</li>
<li>Undergo an income tax verification.</li>
<li>The employment of any candidate, including a current employee or a new hire, selected for this position may be conditional upon classification and/or audit of federal tax returns. This audit may include up to 2 years of returns.</li>
</ul>
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<p></p>
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<ul>
<li><p>Benefits</p>
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<p>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. </p>
<p></p>
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<p>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.</p>
</div>
</div></li>
</ul>
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<div>
<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>How You Will Be Evaluated</b></h2>
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<p>You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Applicants will be considered based on their overall background as it relates to the position to be filled. Interviews may be held at the option of the office. All application materials and interviews, if conducted, will be used in the final evaluation and selection process.<br> <br> Candidates found minimally qualified will be further evaluated by an Executive Resources Board based on the extent and quality of their experience as it relates to the Mandatory Technical Competencies and the Executive Core Qualifications needed for this position. Appropriate consideration will be given for job-related training, education, awards, publications, and supervisory appraisals of job performance. Interviews of applicants may be held at the option of the Board. Selected applicant will be subject to certification of their executive qualifications by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (unless previously certified). <b>(Note: Current</b> <b>and former SES members, and other candidates who have already been OPM/QRB-certified, are not required to address the executive core qualifications. They must, however, provide documentation of certification in the form of an SF-50 showing career SES status, or an OPM issued SES qualification certificate.)</b></p>
<p><b>Referral:</b> If you are among the top qualified candidates, you may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview, such as travel to and from the interview site.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p></p>
<div>
<ul>
<li><p>Benefits</p>
<div>
<p>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. </p>
<p></p>
<div>
<p>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.</p>
</div>
</div></li>
<li><p>Required Documents</p>
<div>
<p>As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.</p>
<p><b>A complete application includes 1. A resume, 2. Vacancy question responses, and 3. Submission of any required documents</b>. 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).<br> <br> <b>1. RESUME: </b>All applicants are required to submit a resume either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their own choosing. (Cover letters are optional.) To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. We suggest that you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please view resume tips. Resume should clearly state your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section.<br> <br> <b>2. VACANCY QUESTION RESPONSES:</b> Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy<br> <br> <b>3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:</b> In addition, applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation: </p>
<ul>
<li>Memorandum of Interest summarizing your interest in the position.</li>
<li>A narrative statement covering the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) - Required for competitive applicants - Address each of the five ECQs individually within a limit of ten pages total.</li>
<li>A narrative statement covering the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs) - Required for all applicants - Address each listed MTQ individually within a limit of ten pages total.</li>
<li><b>CHIEF COUNSEL EMPLOYEES ONLY: </b>A Supervisory Report (ERB Form 1-88, 4/11) regarding your suitability for the position as completed by your current or most recent supervisor. You are responsible for notifying your supervisor that this report must be received no later than five workdays after the closing date of this announcement.</li>
</ul>
<b>SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE (SES) NONCOMPETITIVE APPLICANTS:</b> If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, proof of SES noncompetitive eligibility must be submitted:
<ul>
<li>SF-50 showing your status as a current Career SES appointee, former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive who is/was employed in a Federal government agency that has an interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) allowing for movement between the agency's SES-equivalent personnel system and the SES; <i>OR</i></li>
<li>A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP). This applies only if your ECQs have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board through the SES CDP.</li>
<li><b>Note: </b>You are not required to submit a narrative statement addressing the ECQs, but are encouraged to do so.</li>
</ul>
<b>EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: </b>For positions with an education requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected and not already on file. See "Education" for more details.
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<b>PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION:</b> If selected, you will be required to submit an original Certificate of Good Standing from your State Bar if not already received by the agency.
</div></li>
<p></p>
<li><p>How to Apply</p> <p></p>
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<div>
<p>The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 04/13/2023 and/or cut-off dates in this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday). To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11875828</p>
<ul>
<li>To begin, click <b>Apply </b>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.</li>
<li>Follow the prompts to <b>select your resume and/or other supporting documents </b>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.</li>
<li>After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and <b>click to continue with the application process</b>.</li>
<li>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. <b>You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.</b></li>
<li>It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.</li>
<li>Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
</div>
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<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Agency contact information</b></h3>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Carrie Middleton </b></h3>
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<div>
<h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Phone</b></h5>
<p>202-317-6578 </p>
<h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Fax</b></h5>
<p>855-562-3827</p>
<h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Email</b></h5>
<p>ERBCC@irscounsel.treas.gov </p>
</div>
<div>
<h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Address</b></h5>
<p></p>
<div>
<i>Office of Chief Counsel, IRS</i>
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<i>Staffing and Classification Branch</i>
<br>
<i>1111 Constitution Ave, NW </i>
<br>
<i>Washington, DC 20224</i>
<br>
<i>US </i>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Next steps</b></h3>
<div>
<p>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/. </p>
</div>
</div></li>
<li><p>Fair and Transparent</p>
<div>
<p>The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. </p>
<ul>
<li>Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy </li>
<li>Reasonable accommodation policy </li>
<li>Financial suitability </li>
<li>Selective Service </li>
<li>New employee probationary period </li>
<li>Signature and false statements </li>
<li>Privacy Act </li>
<li>Social security number request </li>
</ul>
</div></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Required Documents</b></h2>
<div>
<p><b>A complete application includes 1. A resume, 2. Vacancy question responses, and 3. Submission of any required documents</b>. 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).<br> <br> <b>1. RESUME: </b>All applicants are required to submit a resume either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of their own choosing. (Cover letters are optional.) To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. We suggest that you preview the online questions, as you may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions. Please view resume tips. Resume should clearly state your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section.<br> <br> <b>2. VACANCY QUESTION RESPONSES:</b> Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy<br> <br> <b>3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:</b> In addition, applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation: </p>
<ul>
<li>Memorandum of Interest summarizing your interest in the position.</li>
<li>A narrative statement covering the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) - Required for competitive applicants - Address each of the five ECQs individually within a limit of ten pages total.</li>
<li>A narrative statement covering the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs) - Required for all applicants - Address each listed MTQ individually within a limit of ten pages total.</li>
<li><b>CHIEF COUNSEL EMPLOYEES ONLY: </b>A Supervisory Report (ERB Form 1-88, 4/11) regarding your suitability for the position as completed by your current or most recent supervisor. You are responsible for notifying your supervisor that this report must be received no later than five workdays after the closing date of this announcement.</li>
</ul>
<b>SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE (SES) NONCOMPETITIVE APPLICANTS:</b> If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, proof of SES noncompetitive eligibility must be submitted:
<ul>
<li>SF-50 showing your status as a current Career SES appointee, former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive who is/was employed in a Federal government agency that has an interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) allowing for movement between the agency's SES-equivalent personnel system and the SES; <i>OR</i></li>
<li>A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP). This applies only if your ECQs have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board through the SES CDP.</li>
<li><b>Note: </b>You are not required to submit a narrative statement addressing the ECQs, but are encouraged to do so.</li>
</ul>
<b>EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: </b>For positions with an education requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected and not already on file. See "Education" for more details.
<br>
<br>
<b>PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION:</b> If selected, you will be required to submit an original Certificate of Good Standing from your State Bar if not already received by the agency.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p></p>
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<div>
Help
<h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>This job is open to</b></h2>
<div></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div>
<h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Senior executives</b></h4>
<p>Those who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).</p>
</div></li>
<div></div>
<li>
<div>
<h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>The public</b></h4>
<p>U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.</p>
</div></li>
</ul>
<div>
<h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Clarification from the agency</b></h4>
<p>U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required.</p>
</div>
</div></div>