USA Staffing

Position Title: CONGRESSIONAL STRATEGIST AND RESEARCH SPECIALIST
Agency: Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Announcement Number: JCS-22-11551171-DE Opens in new window
Open Period: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 to Tuesday, July 12, 2022

For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of at least 10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10 point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of 30% or more (CPS)

2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
• your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.

A. Yes

B. No

3. Eligible: I am a military spouse who has relocated or will relocate within 30 days with my active duty sponsor on a permanent change of station (PCS) move to a new active duty assignment. I am exercising my preference eligibility to positions within the local commuting area of the new duty station. I certify that I have not accepted nor declined a permanent, continuing Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the local commuting area of the new duty location.

NOTE 1: Military spouses are eligible for one noncompetitive appointment using their preference eligibility for the duration of the active duty sponsor's relocation to the new permanent duty station, as long as the military spouse has not declined or accepted a permanent, continuing Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the geographical area of the PCS orders. If you certify that you have not used your preference at your sponsor's new duty location and it is discovered to be untrue, you may be subject to loss of MSP and possible disciplinary action.

NOTE 2: MSPs using eligibility EO 13473 cannot be appointed until they have relocated with the military sponsor to the new duty station.

Supporting Documentation: You must provide a signed Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/sites/default/files/2021-04/PPP_SELFCERTIFICATIONCHECKLIST_1119.pdf
PCS orders/verification of duty location assignment, a copy of marriage certificate or license and documents as listed on the Military Spouse PPP Self-certification Checklist. .

Are you a Priority Placement Program DoD Military Spouse Preference Eligible?

A. Yes

B. No

1. From the descriptions below, select the letter that BEST describes your highest-level of experience for the Congressional Strategist and Research Specialist. To be creditable, specialized experience must be at the next lower grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Read all of the statements below completely before making your selection.

A. I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade-level (GS-11) in the federal service which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position. Creditable specialized experience includes: Performing congressional and legislative research and analysis on Congressional hearings, meetings, and briefings to identify issues that impact policy and procedures; Preparing and presenting briefing papers, position papers, face charts, congressional quotes, executive summaries to produce executive level products and meet suspense dates; Utilizing computer system operations, electronic database and web-based research to navigate legislative based sources to obtain archived material.

B. I do not possess the required experience to qualify for this position.

2. Please select the statements that best describe your experience researching, creating, and editing documents to ensure documents are clear, concise and conform to established policies and procedures.

A. I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.

B. This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and (or) others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

C. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.

D. I have completed formal education or training in performing this task but have not yet performed this task on the job.

E. I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

3. From the following, please select the parties you have built and maintained relationships regarding determining the best methods for moving forward on issues (select all that apply)

A. Congressional staff

B. The Joint Staff

C. Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)

D. Interagency personnel

E. Senior legislative officials in the White House

F. Legislative Affairs (LA).

G. Combatant Commanders

H. Services

I. None of the above (if selected, this should be your only response).

4. Please select the statements that best describe your experience developing new or revises existing guidance to ensure efficiency of operating policies/procedures for the organization, and providing guidance relating to congressional liaison programs, policies, to senior staff.

A. I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.

B. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager, or senior employee.

C. This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and (or) others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

D. I have completed formal education or training in performing this task but have not yet performed this task on the job.

E. I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

5. I have recognized the urgency of assignments in order to initiate the necessary action required to complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner.

A. Yes

B. No

6. From the following responses, please select the statement that best describes your experience working with the Office of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Legislative Affairs (OCJCS/LA):

A. Performed congressional and legislative research and analysis for the OCJCS/LA for Congressional hearings, meetings, and briefings and media commentary and congressional reaction.

B. Interpret guidelines to the OCJCS/LA needs and developed approaches to difficult problems not covered by guidelines.

C. Understanding of the OCJCS/LA pertinent agency/activity program goals and objectives.

D. Knowledge of the mission, organization, and work processes of programs through the Joint Staff to conduct studies, analyze findings, and make recommendations on congressional engagement strategy.

E. None of the above (if selected, this should be your only response).

7. From the following responses, please select the statements that best describe your experience with researching techniques (select all that apply):

A. Researched techniques and processes in order to conduct research and gather information, perform assessments and make recommendations.

B. Utilize analytical and evaluative methods and techniques in order to analyze changes in program plans and their effect on program milestones.

C. Conducted projects and studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work operations in the assigned program setting.

D. Uses qualitative and quantitative techniques in order to research and analyze sensitive issues and special assignments pertaining to the Joint Forces.

E. Applied communication techniques to prepare project papers, staff reports and deliver briefings to managers regarding legislative strategy.

F. None of the above (if selected, this should be your only response).

8. Do you have demonstrated ability to assess Congressional processes used to enact legislation, the structure of congressional committees, and various requirements of each committee to respond to inquiries and provide advice to senior officials?

A. No

B. Yes

9. From the following responses, please select the statements that best describe your experience maintaining support documentation and information for Legislative Affairs. (select all that apply):

A. Monitors Congressional interest trackers.

B. Updates Congressional biographical data,.

C. Maintains congressional calendars and events,

D. Manage chamber and committee voting and legislation debate schedules.

E. Oversee bill information and contact information.

F. None of the above (if selected, this should be your only response).

10. I have served as the point of contact for assisting and coordinating with ranking military personnel, the general public, legislative aides to members of Congress, and representatives from other federal agencies.

A. Yes

B. No

11. From the following responses, please select the statement that best describes your experience monitoring, assessing, and providing updates on the annual Defense Appropriations bill, and other defense related legislation.

A. I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.

B. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.

C. I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.

D. I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

E. This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and (or) others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

12. I have documented experience providing updates on congressional interest and activities related to national security and geo-political issues, related to the non-defense foreign relations and intelligence oversight committees.

A. Yes

B. No

13. From the following list of communication skills, please identify those that you have routinely and successfully applied. (Select all that apply)

A. Facilitate the amicable resolution of competing or conflicting interests among parties whose cooperation is needed to meet an objective.

B. Interact effectively in situations where frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events arise that cause major shifts in priorities, timetables, or work assignments.

C. Provide direction, guidance, or instruction to staff.

D. Persuade and/or inspire others to adopt new methods, procedures, or techniques to improve operations.

E. Develop trusting, productive working relationships with subordinates, colleagues, and supervisors to achieve goals.

F. Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements.

G. Implements and/or utilizes strategic plans on a daily basis.

H. None of the above

14. Please select the response that best describes your experience to clearly and concisely articulate project goals, objectives, and technical plans to a diverse audience to represent an organization on these presentations.

A. This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task and (or) others have consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

B. I have performed this task on the job under close supervision by a supervisor, manager, or senior employee to ensure compliance with correct procedures.

C. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job, independently and usually without review by supervisor, manager or senior employee.

D. I have not had experience, education, or training in performing this task.

E. I have completed formal education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed this task on the job.

15. I have documented experience communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical personnel and high-level decision makers.

A. True

B. False

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