Vacancy Announcement RAD-08-ECON-02

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OCC FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITY FOR FINANCIAL ECONOMIST
ANNOUNCEMENT #: RAD-08-ECON-02


    General Information

    The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has fellowship opportunities for Economists. The mission of the OCC, a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, is to charter, regulate, and supervise national banks to ensure a safe, sound and competitive banking system that supports the citizens, communities and economy of the United States.

    Economist fellowships are currently available in the Risk Analysis Division (RAD), in the Financial Access and Compliance Division at OCC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. RAD provides expertise in the quantitative modeling of financial risk and compliance risk, and the policies associated with those risks. We are looking for economists to conduct on-site and off-site bank-specific analyses of risk measurement systems and quantitative valuation and decision models in the relevant business context.

    Band and Salary Range*

    NB-V $67,235 to $125,091 per year
    NB-VI $88,931 to $165,432 per year

    The salary range above includes 13% geographic differential pay.

      Opening Date
      June 6, 2008

      Closing Date
      Open Until Filled*

      *Certificates of qualified candidates may be issued periodically during the open recruitment period.

      Type and Length of Appointments

      Fellowship positions are in the excepted service and appointments range between two and four years in duration.

      Relocation

      Relocation expenses may be paid by the OCC in accordance with OCC’s relocation policy.

      Benefits

      The OCC provides the following benefits:

        · 401(k) Program
        · Thrift Savings Program
        · Free Dental and Vision Insurance
        · Free Long-Term Disability
        · Work Life Programs
        · Free Business Travel Insurance
        · Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program
        · Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program
        · OCC Group Life Insurance Program
        · OCC Domestic Partner Program

      Major Duties

      As a Financial Economist in the Financial Access and Compliance Division, you will conduct on-site and off-site bank-specific analyses of risk measurement systems and quantitative valuation and decision models in the relevant business context. You will be responsible for developing analytical models related to these topics as part of the development of bank-specific supervisory strategies. You will:

      · Participate on OCC examination teams and build statistical models that contribute to the evaluation of a bank’s compliance with the fair lending laws.
        · Contribute technical expertise to examination teams that are evaluating bank credit scoring systems for compliance with Regulation B and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

        · Initiate research projects to facilitate the development and understanding of new techniques for risk measurement and credit scoring.

        · Provide analysis and advice on risk-measurement issues to OCC policy makers, by researching and drafting memoranda and position papers in areas of recognized expertise and/or responding to general or specific questions posed by the policy makers.

        · Develop and demonstrate expertise in the research into questions of importance to the Division by assisting with projects, analyses, and reports that deliver such expertise to support bank examinations and supervision.

        · Contribute to the division’s participation in OCC group projects and task forces analyzing major issues affecting the banking industry, and the OCC, and recommending policy choices.

        Adaptability and teamwork are critical. The work location for RAD employees is in Washington, D.C. However, economists often work directly with bank examiners during examinations, requiring travel to bank locations.

        Qualification Requirements

        Courses equivalent to a minimum of a major in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting or calculus OR a combination of education and qualifying experience equivalent to a major in economics

        AND

        Position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower pay band,
        NB-IV when applying for the NB-V and NB-V when applying for the NB-VI.

        Examples of specialized experience include: (1) Individual Master’s- or Ph.D.- level economic research assignments requiring planning; data collection, analysis and evaluation; conclusions and report preparation; and presentation of results to diverse audiences. (2) Construction of econometric I statistical models, requiring the evaluation and interpretation of model results, (3) Teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economic subjects, or (4) Experience conducting advanced research in an academic or other setting, e.g., (i) personal research that produced evidence of results, (ii) a graduate thesis in economics, or (iii) service as a consultant or advisor on technical econometric or statistical problems. Experience in related fields that did not involve the use and understanding of econometric and statistical principles and theories may not be considered as qualifying experience for these positions.

        SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR:

        In addition to the above qualification requirements, candidates must possess the following Selective Placement Factor(s) to be considered qualified for the position. Applicants must describe how they meet this requirement in their application.

        · Demonstrated knowledge of economic principles and theories, statistical, technical, and research methodologies used to provide advanced, expert economic and statistical analysis to support the agency's fair lending examinations.
          · Demonstrated expertise in conducting independent and innovative research on topics in empirical microeconomics, using advanced econometrics techniques.

          KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
            1. Knowledge of applied microeconomics, obtained through completed coursework and independent research.
              2. Knowledge of and experience in econometric modeling, specifically in the area of limited dependent variable analysis.

              3. Knowledge of and experience in using SAS or other statistical programming languages.

              4. Demonstrated ability to conduct economic and statistical analysis using large data sets.

              5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences. Strong interpersonal skills are required.

              Conditions of Appointment

              Fellows may be required to sever all ties with their current employers before accepting an appointment. They will be subject to the conflict-of-interest laws applicable to Federal employees and must agree in writing to adhere to the “Regulation Regarding the Conduct of Members and Employees of the Department of the Treasury.” This does not prohibit the return to your former employer.

                Fellows will not be assigned to enforcement investigations or to work on individual cases or matters in which he or she was previously associated.

                Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

                As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

                If not a US citizen, fellows must have proof of authorization to work in the US as permanent residents or with a pending application to become a permanent resident and accompanying Employment Authorization Document.

                Application Submissions

                Applications must be received by Human Resources Operations by the closing date of this announcement. Interested candidates wishing to receive consideration for this program should submit the following:

                · Resume, OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or other written application format of your choice. The OF-612 is available on the Office of Personnel Management’s electronic forms website at www.opm.gov/forms/. Be sure to provide all of the information requested below:
                  - Social Security Number and Country of Citizenship
                  - Education (Please attach college transcripts)
                  - Work experience including dates of employment, employer’s name, address and phone number
                  - Salary history
                  - Other relevant qualifications

                · Two letters of recommendation from persons not related must be submitted on your behalf attesting to your professional skills and qualifications.

                · Narrative statement addressing the selective placement factor and evaluation criteria.

                · Applicants claiming veteran preference or eligibility for Veterans Readjustment Appointment must submit a copy of their DD-214 and, if disabled, an SF-15 with a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

                You have three methods for submitting your applications:
                  1) Email to IEAJobs@occ.treas.gov OR;
                  2) Fax to (301) 433-9645 OR;
                  3) Mail to the following address listed below:
                    Comptroller of the Currency
                    Human Resources Service Center
                    Mail Stop 4-17
                    Attn: Tracey McIlwain, RAD-08-ECON-02
                    Washington, D.C. 20219

                The OCC highly recommends that applicants submit their documents via fax or e-mail. Due to mail screening, it may take up to two weeks for the OCC to receive any mailed documents.

                For more information, you may contact Tracey McIlwain on (202) 874-4915 or you may submit questions to careers@occ.treas.gov.


                All qualified applicants will receive appropriate consideration without regard to non-merit factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, politics, disability, or sexual orientation that do not relate to successful performance of the duties of this position.


              OCC is an equal opportunity employer and provides
              reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.




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