Attorney Advisor (Legal/Policy Advisor)

Summary

This position is in the Office of the Bureau Chief (OBC), Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID. THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.

Duties

Incumbent serves as Legal and Policy Advisor to the Bureau Chief and other Bureau managers. The incumbent is responsible for the proper interpretation of the Communications Act, the Commission's Rules, and all Commission policy; provides expert advice to the Office of the Bureau Chief on legal issues affecting broad policy matters, particularly with respect to spectrum policy; evaluates current and potential policy issues; and initiates original research and investigative analysis. The incumbent of this position advises senior Bureau management in the creation and implementation of wireless communications matters, which could include spectrum policy, wireless licensing, wireless transactions, and wireless infrastructure. The incumbent uses extensive knowledge of wireless communications law to promote the use of spectrum and other resources for the deployment of wireless services and technologies across the country. The incumbent represents WTB in its interactions with other Bureaus and Offices, other Federal agencies, and non-government stakeholders. The incumbent assists in the provision of technical assistance to Congress regarding legislation related to the use of radio spectrum and the provision of wireless services and technologies.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements and the specialized experience requirements outlined below. In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements AND the Specialized Experience. A. Education You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions. Education requirements include: a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M. NOTE-If you do not provide a transcript at the time of application, a transcript will be required to be provided at the time of selection. AND B. Specialized Experience For the GS-15: Applicants must have four years of professional law experience, one year of which must be specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following: Experience independently developing complex communications policies and communicating technical communications policy matters to senior manage Experience independently conducting complex legal research and preparing complex legal documents Experience independently developing complex research strategies for complex legal issues and making recommendations to senior leadership Experience independently writing documents to include briefs, issue papers, and report summaries with analyses and recommendations Experience independently making oral presentations, communicating research results, as well as negotiating complex legal matters on behalf of an organization PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Refer to Educational requirements outlined within the "Qualifications" section.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Optional Four Essay Questions At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions. 1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position. Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words, and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question. All candidates will be considered without regard to political or religious affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, or any other non-merit factor. THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position. Applicants who do not submit a supporting resume will be rated ineligible. There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including: 1. the core questions 2. supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, bar membership); and 3. your resume. Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions provide supplemental documents and submit resume. For more information, please click on Rating Process SME REVIEW Subject matter experts will review your application to determine if you meet the following required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's). If you are deemed to be qualified by the Subject Matter Experts, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for hiring consideration. Alternatively, if your application is not deemed as qualified by the Subject Matter Experts, your application will not be referred to the hiring manager for hiring consideration. Skill analyzing and resolving legal issues. Skill communicating orally and in writing to develop legal documentation. Ability to interpret laws and policies. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Merit Hiring Plan Resume Requirements In compliance with Executive Order 14170, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service resumes must not be longer than two pages in length. The resume must address minimum qualifications and other requirements listed in the job announcement. Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below: Contact Information Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number. Relevant Work Experience Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions) Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022) The number of hours you worked per week Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement. Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration. The FCC is providing the following applicant resume resources: Applicant Guidance on the Two-Page Resume Limit USAjobs-How to Write a Federal Resume Your application MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement. You must submit a resume at the time of application. Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for the vacancy. Current Federal employees must also submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the applicant will be rated as ineligible. This position may require the submission of supplemental documents before selection. Law academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Proof of current, active bar membership. Writing sample demonstrating the ability to analyze complex legal and/or policy issues. Professional references. Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload supporting application documentation. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. Supplemental Documents Required: Current Federal employees should submit a copy of an SF-50 documenting one year of time in grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted to verify time in grade, the application will be rated as ineligible. Transcripts Bar Membership If transcripts and proof of bar membership are not provided at the time of application, this documentation must be provided at the time of selection. Veterans must submit a legible Member 4 copy of the DD-214 which reflects the manner of discharge. Please refer to OPM's VetGuide for further information about veterans' preference via the following link: VetGuide

How to Apply

To apply to this announcement go to the website: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?a=FC00&k=Federal%20Communications%20Commission As outlined in the "Required Documents Details" section of the announcement, resumes must meet be no longer than two pages in length and must meet the resume formatting requirements. Your application, including resume, all supplemental documents, registration information and answers to job specific questions must be received no later than midnight U.S. Eastern time of the closing date. For more information on applying federal jobs, please check this webpage: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/process If applying online poses a hardship, you may contact either the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement or you may contact the Apply Government Solutions help desk (prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement) via e-mail at fedhirehelp@applygovernment.com or you may reach them directly at 866-656-6831. The Apply Government Solutions Help Desk is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm EST. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission's automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date. NOTE: To be considered for an announced vacancy in the area of consideration within which the employee is eligible to compete, the employee must apply online using the Commission's automated recruitment system. Employees must submit all necessary application materials identified in the announcement by the specified closing date.

What to Expect Next

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications to determine your ranking. The best-qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.

Additional Information

EEO Policy Statement Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement Veterans Information Legal and Regulatory Guidance Other: - Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for 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 in 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. If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job. - If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year. - In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family. If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements and the specialized experience requirements outlined below. In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements AND the Specialized Experience. A. Education You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions. Education requirements include: a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M. NOTE-If you do not provide a transcript at the time of application, a transcript will be required to be provided at the time of selection. AND B. Specialized Experience For the GS-15: Applicants must have four years of professional law experience, one year of which must be specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following: Experience independently developing complex communications policies and communicating technical communications policy matters to senior manage Experience independently conducting complex legal research and preparing complex legal documents Experience independently developing complex research strategies for complex legal issues and making recommendations to senior leadership Experience independently writing documents to include briefs, issue papers, and report summaries with analyses and recommendations Experience independently making oral presentations, communicating research results, as well as negotiating complex legal matters on behalf of an organization PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.