Job Title: Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant
Agency: Federal Housing Finance Agency
Sub Agency: FHFA
Job Announcement Number: FCIP-10-01


SALARY RANGE: 44,497.00 - 71,379.00 USD /year
OPEN PERIOD: Friday, April 09, 2010 to Friday, April 23, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: OF-1101-14/17
POSITION INFORMATION: Full TimeTerm, not to exceed 2 Years
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 17
DUTY LOCATIONS: 02 vacancies - Washington , DC
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: US citizens


JOB SUMMARY:


Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for Federal Housing Finance Agency applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on http://www.avuecentral.com/vacancy.html?ref=NYQLT.



KEY REQUIREMENTS:
See Other Information.





Back to top Duties
Additional Duty Location Info:


02 vacancies - Washington , DC




DUTIES:

If selected you will: Prepare periodic reports for internal distribution on economic and financial indicators. Prepare portions of memoranda, papers, presentations, and other documents prepared by Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR) staff. Assist senior staff in conducting research and policy analysis of the economics of housing and housing finance, including developments in the housing finance industry in general and at the Enterprises specifically. Assist senior OPAR staff in collecting and verifying the accuracy of economic and financial data. Maintain databases and compile statistical reports and data summaries, including graphics and tables that portray data, for use in policy analyses, research papers, briefings, and reports for senior staff.

Use spreadsheet and statistical software (e.g., Excel or SAS) to conduct statistical analyses. Conduct original research under the supervision of senior OPAR staff.





Back to top Qualifications and Evaluations
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of basic economics and/or statistics necessary to conduct quantitative and qualitative research.

Ability to research and analyze issues.

Ability to use computer spreadsheet software and statistical software packages (e.g., Excel, SAS) to conduct statistical analysis.

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and balance multiple project responsibilities.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifying experience for the OF-14 level includes one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 (or equivalent OF-12 or TS-5 level at FHFA). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position as described above, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include using software packages such as Excel, SQL and Sybase; performing research on statistical, financial and/or policy analysis projects; or conducting quantitative and qualitative research in support of analysis and policy development.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement may be met by successful completion of one full academic year of graduate level education or law school OR successfully meeting the requirements of the Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) provisions ( see http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp for requirements of SAA).

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements.



See Other Information for further requirements.


HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:


You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.



Back to top Benefits and Other Info


BENEFITS:
See Other Information.


OTHER INFORMATION:
Candidates selected from this vacancy announcement will be placed in the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP). The selected candidates will be placed in the excepted service for a period not to exceed two (2) years. This appointment may be converted to a permanent competitive service position upon successful completion of the 2-year FCIP. Federal Career Interns will be required to sign a statement of understanding of the program upon being appointed.

We strongly encourage you to apply using the on-line application process by clicking on the link 'Apply To This Vacancy' located at the top, middle, and bottom of the vacancy announcement page. You must contact the Human Resources Office (at least 5 business days prior to the close date) at (202) 408-2539 for alternative application procedures if you are not able to apply on-line.

There are currently two vacancies available. However, should additional vacancies become available within the next 3 months, applicants for this position will be considered, so more than two positions may be filled.

BASIS OF RATING: You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you report relative to this position which show the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed on this vacancy announcement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, status as a parent, sexual orientation, political affiliations, national origin, age, disability, or any other non-merit factor.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the employing agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

BENEFITS: FHFA offers a wide array of benefits:

1. FREE comprehensive dental coverage to employees and their family members. There is a $2,500 annual maximum per employee and a separate orthodontic benefit for dependent children to age 19. (Annual deductibles apply.)

2. FREE vision care coverage. This benefit covers the employee and all eligible dependents. (Co-pay applies.) Coverage includes reimbursement according to a fee schedule for eye examinations, frames and contact lenses once every 12 months.

3. 100% cost of your public transportation commuting expenses (e.g., vanpool, metro bus, metro train). The first $230 tax-free and $90 per month to cover the cost of parking at Metro operated lots.

4. Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) includes a flexible work schedule and a compressed work schedule.

5. The Wellness Program provides a taxable reimbursement each fiscal year for various health related expenses. The maximum reimbursement dollar amount is established at $600 for 2010.

6. A variety of Federal Employee Health Benefit plans to choose from which can be paid from pre-tax income. FHFA pays 90% of the bi-weekly premium.

7. Employees currently in the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) will remain in that system. All other employees will be assigned to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered program consisting of: Basic Benefit (a retirement pension) Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (see below).

8. The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and offers the same type of savings and tax benefits provided under 401(k) plans. As a FERS employee, you can contribute up to $16,500 per year. You will receive agency-matching contributions up to the first 5 percent. As a CSRS employee, you can contribute up to $16,500 per year. CSRS employees do not receive any agency contributions. Employees age 50 or older as of December 31, 2009, may contribute an additional $5,500 for catch-up contribution per year.

9. In addition to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), FHFA offers and additional 401(k) plan that is administered by T. Rowe Price. Employees covered under FERS contributing at least 3% to the TSP may participate in the agency 401(k) plan. All CSRS employees may participate. 401(k) plan participants may contribute up to 10% of their by weekly pay on a pre-tax basis, with agency matching contributions of up to 3 percent.

10. The Federal Employee Group Life Insurance offers numerous life insurance policy options covering employees and dependents.

11. The Federal leave program offers exceptional time-off benefits, including annual leave, sick leave, Family Friendly Leave, Family Medical Leave, and ten (10) paid holidays per year.

12. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free confidential counseling and referral services to you and your family members.

13. The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program provides long term care insurance to help pay for costs of care when you can no longer perform everyday tasks by yourself, or you have a severe cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's. You may visit the Long Term Care Partners website for more information: www.ltcfeds.com.

14. The Flexible Spending Account Program provides pre-tax, employee-funded accounts to pay for medical expenses that are tax deductible as well as dependent care costs.

15. Career development and enrichment training is available in job-related areas.

16. Other benefits include a nearby full service ATM, and eligibility to join the Treasury Credit Union; free use of an on-site gym and locker room with shower facilities.

Favorable adjudication of the appropriate level of background investigation is a condition of employment at FHFA.

FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of-interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests in Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 414-3099.

If selected, male applicants born after 12/31/59 must confirm their selective service registration status.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

ICTAP ELIGIBLES - Take Note! ICTAP eligibles may apply for special selection priority for this position. To be well qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, eligible displaced federal employees must receive a rating of 95 or more. Also, employees must request full consideration with a job application and include a copy of their specific RIF notice of separation and/or a copy of the SF-50 documenting the RIF separation.

New federal employees are required to fulfill a one-year probationary period.




Back to top How To Apply


HOW TO APPLY:
Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for Federal Housing Finance Agency applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on http://www.avuecentral.com/vacancy.html?ref=NYQLT.

If you are unable to apply online, you may contact the employing office for alternate application procedures. Please call Jerri Fitzpatrick at 2024082539 or email at jerri.fitzpatrick@fhfa.gov.


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
See Other Information.


AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Jerri Fitzpatrick
Phone: 2024082539
Email: jerri.fitzpatrick@fhfa.gov Agency Information:
Federal Housing Finance Agency
1700 G Street NW
3rd Floor
Washington, Dist of Columbia 20552
US



WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.