Comments:

If you do not provide written answers to the quality ranking factors, your application will be incomplete and you will not receive consideration.

Announcement No.:

09-MP-04

Pay Plan - Series Grade:

GS-0201-13

Position:

Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits and Information Systems)

Department:

Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Management

Opening Date:

November 13, 2008

Closing Date:

December 1, 2008

Salary:

$82,961 to $107,854

GS-13

Location:

Washington DC

Type of Appointment:

Full Time / Permanent / Competitive Service Employees

Supervisory Position:

No

Duties:

The incumbent serves as the Retirement and Benefits Officer for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and also acts in the capacity of senior specialist in the design, implementation, maintenance, and/or operation of the agency automated HR information system(s).  The position provides advisory services to managers and employees in a variety of human resources program areas in support of the OPIC Human Resources Management Program.  Addresses and resolves complex human resources issues and provides proactive customer services, operational support, and problem resolution.  Provides expert advice related to leave administration and administers the agency retirement and benefits programs.  Serves as the Information Systems/ Personnel Processing Program Chief, overseeing and/or personally performing the full range of substantive personnel processing support for the agency and serving as the primary agency source of technical expertise for the automated HR Information Systems.  Resolves difficult cases or complex problems in areas of assigned responsibility.  Researches laws, rules, regulations, and precedents and assesses the impact of several approaches and methods of resolution.  Explains the broader implications of specific problems and situations.  Advice and guidance demonstrates an understanding of organizational mission, business needs and cost in taking a particular course of action.  Formulates options and recommendations for resolving problems and presents them to management.

How to Apply:

Please carefully read this entire announcement.  To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete application to the Human Resources Management (HRM) office by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date.  Postmark dates will not be considered and material received after the closing date and time will not be considered.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Complete applicants must be received as of the closing date of this announcement or your application will not be considered. A complete application package includes:

1. OF-612, "Optional Application for Federal Employment" OR any other written format you choose.  Whatever format you use must contain all the information outlined in the OF-612.
2. Please address each Quality Rating Factors separately in written statements.  Be sure to include clear, concise examples of education, experience, and training or self-development activities when addressing the Quality Ranking Factors.
3. For current or former Federal Employees, please submit a copy of your last SF-50.
4. For current or former active duty military member, please submit a copy of your DD214 and if applicable, a copy of your SF15 and DVA Letter with your application.
5. If applying for a position with educational requirements such as an accountant or attorney, please provide a copy of your official transcripts.

Please either mail, fax, or e-mail your application to one of the following:

MAIL TO:
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Human Resources Management
1100 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20527

FAX TO: 202-408-9853

E-MAIL TO: Jobs@OPIC.gov

Qualification Requirements:

Applicants must have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade-level in the Federal service or public sector.  Specialized experience is experience that is directly related to the work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.  This specialized experience must include knowledge of Federal employee benefits and entitlements as well as personnel and payroll processing in an automated system. 

Qualification requirements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s “Qualification Standards Operating Manual.

Competitive examining authority has been delegated to OPIC by the US Office of Personnel Management. Once the application process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the qualification requirements.  Your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating and Selection Procedures.  Your application and supporting documentation will be reviewed and compared to your responses to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) to determine if you meet the qualification requirements for this job.  If you meet the qualification requirements for this job, your qualifications will be further reviewed by a Human Resources Specialist and a subject matter expert, OR a panel of subject-matter experts to asses the quality, depth, and complexity of your accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the critical experience requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.  You will then be placed in one of the two quality rating categories: 

Qualified Category-Meets the specialized experience outlined in the qualifications requirements section of the vacancy announcement.

• Preference eligibles will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality rating category.
• Qualified preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 30-percent or more (CPS) and those with a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10-percent but less than 30 percent (CP) will be placed at the top of the highest quality category (except for the scientific  or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).
• Names will be referred in veteran’s preference order and non-preference eligibles will be referred in alphabetical order thereafter.

APPLICANTS WHO QUALIFY UNDER SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES INCLUDE:

• A preference eligible or a veteran who has substantially completed at least 3 years of continuous active military service and was separated from the military under honorable conditions (VEOA)
• 30% Disabled Veteran
• Veterans' Recruitment Authority (VRA)
• Employment Program for People with Disabilities (Schedule A)
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) eligibles

You must individually address each Quality Ranking Factor in writing separately from your resume and with no more than two pages per factor.  You are encouraged to describe your training and experience along with examples that addresses each factor.  If you do not provide written answers to the following questions, your application will be incomplete and you will not receive consideration.

1. Describe your comprehensive knowledge and skill in applying, retirement, benefits entitlements, health, and life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan laws, regulations and procedures within the Federal Sector.
2. Describe your ability to communicate tactfully, persuasively, and effectively both orally an in writing with people at various levels throughout the organization while building sound customer relationships.
3. Describe your ability to analyze programmatic issues or concerns and to develop, recommend effective solutions. 
4. Describe your knowledge of personnel processing systems such as the Federal Personnel Processing System, National Business Center or any equivalent system.  Please provide examples.

Other Information:

Career Transition Assistance Programs:

If applicable: In addition to the required documents listed in the “How to Apply” section of this job announcement, Federal employees seeking ICTAP/CTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP/CTAP.  This includes copies of:  (1) RIF separation notice, OWCP or Federal disability retirement termination notice, etc; (2) current (or last) performance rating of record of at least fully successful or equivalent; (3) position description cover sheet for position from which separated or official document showing full performance level, and (4) latest Notice of Personnel Action, SF 50.  Failure to provide proof of ICTAP/CTAP eligibility will impact your consideration for special selection priority for this position.

Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for the special priority selection.  In order to be determined as a “well qualified” applicant, you must possess the specialized experience (see the “Qualification Requirements”), the Selective Placement Factor (if applicable), and the Quality Ranking Factors for this position and be in the "well qualified group" in the category rating process.

Veterans' Preference:

 A 5-point preference is granted to veterans who entered military service prior to October 14, 1976, or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal.  However, you may be entitled to 10-point veterans' preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a 100% disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran. If you are claiming 10-point veteran preference, you will need to submit an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, plus proof required by that form prior to appointment to a position.

For more information on veterans' preference, please see the Vet Guide.

You may also access the Department of Labor's Expert Advisor system to answer your questions on eligibility for preference.

Applicants with Disabilities:

OPIC provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.  You may call the information number below and you will be put in contact with the staffing specialist for this vacancy announcement.

For mailed forms or further information, call:  (202) 336-8542.

OPIC vacancy announcements and program information is available on www.opic.gov.

General Information:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disabilities, political affiliations or any other non-merit factor.

If selected, you will be required to complete a Declaration of Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.  The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information on your application.  If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be fined or jailed.

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, will be required to complete a pre-employment certification statement for selective service registration prior to appointment.  Failure to comply may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after employment.

If this is a Supervisory position, candidates will be subject to a Supervisory Probationary Period of one year.

Any candidate selected under competitive examining procedures must complete a one-year probationary period.

Former Federal Employees who return to work for the government after receiving Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VSIP) are normally required to repay an amount equal to the VSIP amount received, including Federal taxes that are withheld. This requirement remains in effect for five years after separation.

The OPIC provides an attractive total compensation package that includes salaries under its own pay scale that are competitive with other Federal financial regulators, as well as other benefits, such as comprehensive dental coverage and flexible spending accounts. We offer a variety of employee benefit options and a family-friendly work environment. Benefits available at the OPIC include:

You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.