Research Economist

Summary

The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is seeking a Research Economist to conduct regulatory analysis and lead the Commission's economic analysis in support of rulemaking, policy development, and oversight. The OCE provides expert economic advice to the Commission, with a primary focus on regulatory impact analysis, market impact assessment, and evaluation of regulatory alternatives; to foster market transparency by disseminating its research to market participants and the general public.

Duties

If selected for this position you will; Have responsibility for economic programs which gather, analyze, interpret, and publish the vast array of economic information, or which administer regulation of the commodity futures, associated options, and swaps marketplaces. Assume responsibility for economic research of great significance, and difficulty. Furnish economic advice and counsel on important Commission programs. Spearhead interagency projects or conduct presentations for officials outside the agency on key programs within their area of specialization. As a recognized expert in the economic and statistical analysis of futures, swaps, and other derivatives markets, the incumbent is expected to be sought out to serve on panels and to present and review papers at professional meetings and conferences, and to contribute to the literature in the field. Conduct complex specialized economic research, self-initiated or as requested by the Chief Economist, regarding the commodity and futures markets utilizing econometric tools. Provide expert guidance to the Deputy Chief Economist and Commission staff based on research results. Conceive, formulate, and conduct or direct in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies of derivative markets. Such studies require a high degree of originality and creativity in the extension of existing methodology and in the creation of new approaches. The products of such studies provide guidance throughout CFTC in such activities as developing and revising CFTC regulations, assessing the cost and benefits of regulations, evaluating exchange rules, developing trade reporting requirements, and taking legal and regulatory actions.

Requirements

You will be evaluated based on your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas: Economic Research - Knowledge of economic theory, methodologies, statistical procedures sufficient to design, coordinate and execute difficult and all-encompassing economic analyses which have a critical impact on major financial institutions or national economic interest. Financial Analysis - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, derivatives pricing, and modeling to direct in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies of derivatives markets. Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates and produces complex economic and statistical information in a clear and organized manner.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet both the basic requirement and specialized experience for the positions. Basic Requirement Applicants must possess one of the following: A) Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. (Transcripts MUST be submitted) –OR B) Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (Transcripts MUST be submitted) In addition to the basic requirements for this position: To qualify for the CT-15 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-14 level). Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: Experience designing, coordinating, and directing quantitative and qualitative studies of financial markets. Experience conducting complex economic research and analysis related to the regulation of derivatives markets. Experience translating complex economic and data‐driven information into clear, policy‐relevant, guidance to support senior‐level decision‐making.

Education

Please refer to the OPM Economist Series 0110 qualifications standard for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

How you will be evaluated

This vacancy is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply and all applicants who meet the specialized experience will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. This vacancy requires a job-related assessment tool, Work Sample Tests (Writing Sample), to be submitted with your application. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) will independently review your resume and writing sample to assess how well your experience demonstrates the required competencies for this position listed in the "Requirements" section of this announcement. Veteran's Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required documents

You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes: Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max); Writing Sample (two pages max); Performance appraisal (optional); Transcripts (an unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy with the date the degree was awarded is required prior to firm offer letter being extended) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp. CTAP/ICTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.

How to apply

RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit. YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at [email protected] or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Other information

This position is in the Bargaining Unit. Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid. Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; The needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement. The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information. The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.

What to expect next

For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.