- Position Title
- Deputy Director Policy & Plans
- Agency
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
- Announcement Number
- ST-12702226-25-GAJ Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, March 3, 2025 to Friday, March 7, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
- Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
-
- Position title;
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
- Agency; and,
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
3.
You are eligible for this hiring category if you are currently employed on a permanent appointment in the competitive service with a federal agency.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*We will be reviewing your last or most recent SF-50 to determine 'Time-in-grade requirements' are met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*We will be reviewing your last or most recent SF-50 to determine 'Time-in-grade requirements' are met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented.
4.
Executive Order (E.O.) 12721
Eligibility: You are eligible for this hiring category if you were the spouse, domestic partner, or unmarried child under the age of 23, accompanying sponsor, officially assigned to an overseas area, appointed to an appropriated fund position using an overseas local hire appointment authority; Completed at least 52 weeks of creditable service (26 weeks if the sponsor's tour was curtailed), which may have been under more than one appointment and need not be continuous; Received a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; And are applying within 3 years of returning to that U.S. from the overseas tour of duty.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit the following documents in order to substantiate your qualifications and your appointment eligibility under this authority: A resume, First and last SF-50s for every qualifying position; Most recent signed performance review; And Permanent Change of Station orders returning sponsor to the United States.
Eligibility: You are eligible for this hiring category if you were the spouse, domestic partner, or unmarried child under the age of 23, accompanying sponsor, officially assigned to an overseas area, appointed to an appropriated fund position using an overseas local hire appointment authority; Completed at least 52 weeks of creditable service (26 weeks if the sponsor's tour was curtailed), which may have been under more than one appointment and need not be continuous; Received a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; And are applying within 3 years of returning to that U.S. from the overseas tour of duty.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit the following documents in order to substantiate your qualifications and your appointment eligibility under this authority: A resume, First and last SF-50s for every qualifying position; Most recent signed performance review; And Permanent Change of Station orders returning sponsor to the United States.
- An individual must have been a family member at the time s/he met the overseas service requirement but does not need to be a family member at the time of non-competitive appointment in the United States.
- Any law, Executive Order, or regulation that disqualifies an applicant for appointment in the competitive service also disqualifies the applicant for appointment under E.O. 12721.
- An individual is eligible for temporary, term, or career-conditional appointment(s) under E.O. 12721 for a period of 3 years following the date of return from the overseas to the United States to resume residence.
- For more information visit the Department of State website: http://E.O. 12721
5.
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 above the grade level of the vacancy or has greater promotion potential than the grade level of the vacancy
• 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, copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), and most recent performance appraisal showing a rating of record that is at least fully successful or equivalent. For more information, review https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/
If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
• your grade is equivalent to or above the grade level of the vacancy or has greater promotion potential than the grade level of the vacancy
• 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, copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), and most recent performance appraisal showing a rating of record that is at least fully successful or equivalent. For more information, review https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/
6.
You are eligible for this hiring category, if you are:
- A current non-appropriated fund (NAF); OR
- Other Interchange Agreement eligible employee; AND
- served continuously for at least one year under a permanent appointment; OR
- Former Interchange Agreement eligible (e.g., NAF) employee who served under an appointment described above, and was involuntarily separated within the past year without personal cause (i.e., not because of unacceptable conduct or performance).
7.
Are you eligible under this authority for appointment?
• Current or former Land Management Agency employee (i.e. the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture; the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of the Interior; the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior; the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior; the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior; or the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior); and
• Who currently are or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies.
Current land management agency appointees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years, and
must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a total period of more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years,
must have performed at an acceptable level throughout the service period(s),
must apply for a position covered by these provisions within 2 years after their most recent date of separation, and
must have been separated, with respect to their most recent separation, for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable proof of your appointment eligibility by submitting a copy of your most recent SF-50 (block 24 must be a "0" or "3" AND block 34 must be a"1"), Notification of Personnel Action, documenting your Land Management eligibility for a competitive service appointment AND performance rating showing you have performed at an acceptable level.
• Current or former Land Management Agency employee (i.e. the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture; the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of the Interior; the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior; the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior; the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior; or the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior); and
• Who currently are or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies.
Current land management agency appointees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years, and
must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a total period of more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years,
must have performed at an acceptable level throughout the service period(s),
must apply for a position covered by these provisions within 2 years after their most recent date of separation, and
must have been separated, with respect to their most recent separation, for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable proof of your appointment eligibility by submitting a copy of your most recent SF-50 (block 24 must be a "0" or "3" AND block 34 must be a"1"), Notification of Personnel Action, documenting your Land Management eligibility for a competitive service appointment AND performance rating showing you have performed at an acceptable level.
8.
You are eligible for this hiring category if you:
**For appointments made on or after August 13, 2023, the following additional criteria must be met for eligibility for appointment: (A) The member of the armed forces must have received orders authorizing a permanent change of station. (B) The spouse must have married the member of the armed forces on, or prior to, the date of such orders authorizing the permanent change of station. (C) The spouse must have relocated or is relocating with the member of the armed forces to the new duty station specified in the documentation ordering the permanent change of station.
- Are a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty,
- Are a spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty; OR
- Are the un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty.
- verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); and,
- Documentation verifying active duty status; or
- verification of the member's 100 percent disability; or
- verification of the member's death while on active duty.
**For appointments made on or after August 13, 2023, the following additional criteria must be met for eligibility for appointment: (A) The member of the armed forces must have received orders authorizing a permanent change of station. (B) The spouse must have married the member of the armed forces on, or prior to, the date of such orders authorizing the permanent change of station. (C) The spouse must have relocated or is relocating with the member of the armed forces to the new duty station specified in the documentation ordering the permanent change of station.
9.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Military Reserve (MR) & National Guard (NG) Preference Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement (PPP Disability)
I am a Military Reserve or National Guard Technician who will be or has been involuntarily medically retired due to a service-connected medical disability that disqualifies me from military membership or from holding my required military grade, and have applied for or am receiving a disability retirement annuity.
I am exercising my preference eligibility to DoD positions within my local commuting area.
I understand that the positions for which I am applying must be at the same grade or equivalent level, tenure, and work schedule as the position held currently or upon separation.
NOTE 1: If you indicate 'yes' to this question, you must submit a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation, such as the notification letter you received that states you are no longer eligible for Reserve membership due to a service-connected disability.
NOTE 2: By using this eligibility, you certify that you have not obtained permanent Federal employment, nor have you accepted or declined a PPP job offer.
I am a Military Reserve or National Guard Technician who will be or has been involuntarily medically retired due to a service-connected medical disability that disqualifies me from military membership or from holding my required military grade, and have applied for or am receiving a disability retirement annuity.
I am exercising my preference eligibility to DoD positions within my local commuting area.
I understand that the positions for which I am applying must be at the same grade or equivalent level, tenure, and work schedule as the position held currently or upon separation.
NOTE 1: If you indicate 'yes' to this question, you must submit a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation, such as the notification letter you received that states you are no longer eligible for Reserve membership due to a service-connected disability.
NOTE 2: By using this eligibility, you certify that you have not obtained permanent Federal employment, nor have you accepted or declined a PPP job offer.
10.
You are eligible for this hiring category if you are a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who has permanent change of station (PCS) orders (not for training).
Documents required to be submitted with Application for Military Spouse Preference Eligible:
(NOTE: DoD agencies may require additional documentation. Please refer to the announcement to ensure that all required documentation is submitted with your application. It is highly recommended that you save all these documents to your USAJOBS account in order to facilitate applying to multiple positions.)
Military Spouses with prior Federal work experience:
- Limited to the geographic area as specified in the PCS orders. This includes the surrounding area which people reasonably can be expected to travel daily to and from work.
- Must relocate with the service member to be eligible.
- Must be currently located in the commuting area to be authorized preference.
Documents required to be submitted with Application for Military Spouse Preference Eligible:
(NOTE: DoD agencies may require additional documentation. Please refer to the announcement to ensure that all required documentation is submitted with your application. It is highly recommended that you save all these documents to your USAJOBS account in order to facilitate applying to multiple positions.)
Military Spouses with prior Federal work experience:
- Narrative resume
- PCS orders
- Marriage certificate or license
- SF-50s, if applicable (e.g., LWOP, highest grade held, overseas appointments, etc.)
- Documentation of performance rating of record (dated within the last 12 months), if applicable
- Signed self-certification checklist
- Veteran's preference documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA letter, Statement of Service), if applicable
- Transcripts, if applicable
- Narrative resume
- PCS orders
- Marriage certificate or license
- Signed self-certification checklist
- Veterans' preference documentation (e.g. DD 214, VA letter, Statement of Service), if applicable
- Transcripts, if applicable
11.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible:
I am currently on retained grade based on receiving a written RIF notification letter of a change to lower grade, or a notification letter of a classification downgrade
dated within the last 2 years. I am exercising my preference eligibility to DoD positions at my retained grade, within my local commuting area.
NOTE 1: If you indicate "yes" for this statement, you must submit a copy of the "Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist" and copies of the appropriate
documentation, such as a RIF change-to-lower-grade notice, and an SF-50 reflecting your RIF change to lower grade.
NOTE 2: By using this eligibility, you certify that you have not accepted or declined a job offer for permanent Federal employment at your retained grade, nor have you accepted or declined a PPP job offer.
I am currently on retained grade based on receiving a written RIF notification letter of a change to lower grade, or a notification letter of a classification downgrade
dated within the last 2 years. I am exercising my preference eligibility to DoD positions at my retained grade, within my local commuting area.
NOTE 1: If you indicate "yes" for this statement, you must submit a copy of the "Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist" and copies of the appropriate
documentation, such as a RIF change-to-lower-grade notice, and an SF-50 reflecting your RIF change to lower grade.
NOTE 2: By using this eligibility, you certify that you have not accepted or declined a job offer for permanent Federal employment at your retained grade, nor have you accepted or declined a PPP job offer.
12.
PPP DoD Mil Reserve (MR) & Nat"l Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Tech Rec Dis Retirement (PPP Disability)
I am an MR or NG Reserve Technician who will lose or has lost my military membership through no fault of my own after completing at least 15 years of technician service and a minimum of 20 years of service creditable for non-regular retirement. I am exercising my preference eligibility to DoD positions within my local commuting area in accordance with Section 3329(b) of Title 5 U.S.C. This preference eligibility is valid for 1 year after separation.
NOTE 1: If you indicate 'yes' to this question, you must submit a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation, such as the notification letter you received showing you are no longer eligible for military or NG {through no fault of your own) and that you have completed a least 15 years of technician service and a minimum of 20 years of service creditable for non-regular retirement.
NOTE 2: By using this eligibility, you certify that you have not obtained permanent Federal employment, nor have you accepted or declined a PPP job offer.
I am an MR or NG Reserve Technician who will lose or has lost my military membership through no fault of my own after completing at least 15 years of technician service and a minimum of 20 years of service creditable for non-regular retirement. I am exercising my preference eligibility to DoD positions within my local commuting area in accordance with Section 3329(b) of Title 5 U.S.C. This preference eligibility is valid for 1 year after separation.
NOTE 1: If you indicate 'yes' to this question, you must submit a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation, such as the notification letter you received showing you are no longer eligible for military or NG {through no fault of your own) and that you have completed a least 15 years of technician service and a minimum of 20 years of service creditable for non-regular retirement.
NOTE 2: By using this eligibility, you certify that you have not obtained permanent Federal employment, nor have you accepted or declined a PPP job offer.
13.
Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
NOTE: If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
14.
I am eligible for Special Appointing Authority if:
You are required to submit proof of your eligibility. Examples of special appointment authority include appointment of people from Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, General Accounting Office, Panama Canal Commission, Peace Corps, Postal Career Service/Postal Rate Commission, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), VISTA/ACTION Volunteers, 30% Disabled Veteran, Schedule A 5 CFR 213.3102 (u), Person with disability, etc. You are required to provide acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of proof of employment, from the appropriate agency, on official letterhead, with your complete application.
You are required to submit proof of your eligibility. Examples of special appointment authority include appointment of people from Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, General Accounting Office, Panama Canal Commission, Peace Corps, Postal Career Service/Postal Rate Commission, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), VISTA/ACTION Volunteers, 30% Disabled Veteran, Schedule A 5 CFR 213.3102 (u), Person with disability, etc. You are required to provide acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of proof of employment, from the appropriate agency, on official letterhead, with your complete application.
15.
Are you a veteran whose discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• a preference eligible veteran
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If currently on active duty and within 120 days of separation, in lieu of a DD-214, submit certification from your military personnel office verifying retirement/separation date and type/character of discharge.
Note: Current or former Federal employees (i.e., an individual who within the previous 52 weeks held a GS position under nontemporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch) applying under VEOA eligibility will be subject to time-in-grade restrictions IAW 5 CFR 300.604. If applying to a GS position in the competitive service, you are required to provide a SF-50 or SF-50s that show that you have held the next lower grade level of the position to which you are applying for at least one year OR held the same or higher grade level.
For more information, review https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• a preference eligible veteran
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If currently on active duty and within 120 days of separation, in lieu of a DD-214, submit certification from your military personnel office verifying retirement/separation date and type/character of discharge.
Note: Current or former Federal employees (i.e., an individual who within the previous 52 weeks held a GS position under nontemporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch) applying under VEOA eligibility will be subject to time-in-grade restrictions IAW 5 CFR 300.604. If applying to a GS position in the competitive service, you are required to provide a SF-50 or SF-50s that show that you have held the next lower grade level of the position to which you are applying for at least one year OR held the same or higher grade level.
For more information, review https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
Assessment 1
Thank you for applying to the Policy and Plans Director position, GS-0301-14, with Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
1.
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Director of Policy and Plans at the GS-14 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
This position has Conditions of Employment that must be obtained prior to your start date and maintained for the duration of this employment
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
2.
This position requires you to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Are you willing to meet the security clearance requirements?
3.
This position requires you to pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter. Are you willing to meet the drug testing requirements?
4.
This position may require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft, incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government passport and be willing to travel internationally. Are you willing to meet the travel requirements?
5.
This position requires you to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Are you willing to meet the non-disclosure requirement?
For each task question, choose the level description that best describes your experience and/or training. Your responses must be fully supported within the text of your resume. Failure to properly identify your experience may result in the lowering of your overall score and/or your disqualification for this position.
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below.
6.
Establishes and/or leads teams to carry out complex projects or programs.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
7.
Identifies and pursues individual/team developmental opportunities.
8.
Provides staff with direction and advice regarding procedures and guidelines to ensure mission success.
9.
Directs assignments to encourage employee development and cross-functional growth to meet organizational needs.
10.
Provides overall guidance to employees to empower them to find creative solutions to complex issues.
11.
Ensures linkages between agency-level strategic planning and program policy and legislation.
12.
Conducts analysis of operating programs, policies and performance measures to meet or support existing strategic and performance goals.
13.
Analyzes programs to identify potential problem areas, conflicting program requirements, and needed program revision.
14.
Develops operating policies and standards to optimize the quality and effectiveness of services.
15.
Develops new and revised quantitative performance measures that gauge and report progress for the agency's programs.
16.
Applies an ability to relate intelligence needs and the basic workings and mutual interests of the intelligence community.
17.
Provides reports such as briefings or other background information papers to senior staff, concerned citizens and family members.
18.
Organizes work to set priorities according to organizational goals and objectives.
19.
Identifies need for change in organizational priorities and action plans for implementation.
20.
Approaches a complex task or problem by breaking it down into parts and considers each part in detail.
21.
Considers the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success when making a decision.
22.
Makes informed, timely and effective decisions, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information, and consulting with others when appropriate.
23.
Represents the organization in various forums such as working groups, conferences, and/or seminars.
24.
Influences others to accept opinions and take actions to meet fundamental goals.
25.
Clearly conveys information making adjustments based on the audience.
26.
Represents organization on panels and committees, and maintains liaison with intelligence professionals to provide or obtain information.
27.
Reviews data for compliance with quality standards to meet organizational goals.
28.
Performs follow-up to ensure quality of work products and/or actions are completed.
29.
Improves collaborative work efforts ensuring stakeholders' concerns and objectives are taken into account.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
30.
Your ratings in this questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents you submitted. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. By agreeing to the statement below, you are confirming that you: 1) understand this warning; 2) have reviewed your responses to this questionnaire for accuracy; and 3) have verified that your responses accurately describe your current level of experience and capability as reflected in your resume. Do you certify the accuracy of your responses?