Strategic Planner for DHS, National Protection & Programs Directorate

National Protection and Programs Directorate

Job Announcement Number:FS-741346-RB-12
SALARY RANGE:
    $74,872.00 to $136,771.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:
    Tuesday, September 11, 2012 to Monday, September 24, 2012
SERIES & GRADE:
    GS-0301-12/14
POSITION INFORMATION:
    Full Time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
14
DUTY LOCATIONS:
    Few vacancies in the following location:
Arlington, VA United StatesView Map
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
    US Citizens and Status Candidates
JOB SUMMARY:

Secure the Homeland
Proud to Protect

Are you interested in a job where your primary purpose will be to develop, coordinate and manage the strategic planning processes and procedures in the execution of enabling support to border security, law enforcement, and national security goals? Then consider joining the Office of US-VISIT, National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Come work with the best to prevent and deter terrorist attacks, protect against and respond to potential threats, ensure safe and secure borders, welcome immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.  This mission of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is carried out every day by the dedicated men and women who answer the noble calling of public service with courage and enthusiasm.  With a diverse and critical mission, we lead the unified national effort to secure America.  In today's interconnected world, our country's security challenges are constantly evolving.  To meet these challenges, DHS fosters a culture that values and promotes diversity, teamwork, flexibility, and innovation.

In Headquarters, we coordinate, plan, and guide the Department's work across all DHS components.  You could enjoy a career that includes research, administration and management, legal work, budget and finance, cyber security, infrastructure protection and intelligence analysis.  Our services touch every U.S. citizen, and our goal is to secure our country across land and sea.  Come join the team who is "Proud to Protect". 

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM: All U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement should the need arise.

For new Federal employees the starting salary will be at Step 1 of the Grade selected ( GS-12 $74,872; GS-13 $89, 033; GS-14 $105, 211).

    KEY REQUIREMENTS

    U. S. Citizenship is required.
    Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
    Relocation Expenses WILL NOT be paid.
    Overnight travel of 1-5 nights per month may be required.
    Appointment subject to availability of funds.

DUTIES:
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Major Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Identify, define and structure planning outlines/strategies for analysis of NPPD initiatives to plan, direct, coordinate, and expedite actions appropriate for each assignment;
• Plan and conduct the analyses, evaluation, and development of various strategies using appropriate market assessment and financial techniques and forecasting resources and tools;
• Establish and maintain working relationships with appropriate senior officials and other stakeholders;
• Align strategic planning, performance measurements, and budgeting as required for implementation;
• Serve as a focal point and technical expert for strategic planning and implementation of projects that demand a high-level of interest and participation.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
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QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

   To qualify for the GS-12 position, you must possess the following:
   
One year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal government.  This experience must include activities such as: 1) plan and coordinate actions appropriate for strategic planning initiatives; 2) participate in the development of long-range corporate strategies; and 3) Participate in the development and/or review of performance measures.

   To qualify for the GS-13 position, you must possess the following:

One year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal government.  This experience must include activities such as: 1) plan and coordinate actions appropriate for strategic planning initiatives; 2) participate in the development of long-range corporate strategies; 3) participate in the development and/or review of performance measures; and 4) provide advice and counsel regarding the formulation and development of strategic program goals and objectives; and 5) develop strategic implementation and communication plans.

To qualify for the GS-14 position, you must possess the following:

One year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal government.  This experience must include activities such as: 1) formulate objectives and priorities for strategic planning; 2) participate in the development of long-range corporate strategies; and 3) participate in the development and/or review of performance measures; 4) provide advice and counsel regarding the formulation and development of strategic program goals and objectives; and 5) provide technical advice on the conduct of analyses and strategies associated with programs under the purview of strategic planning; 6) develop strategic implementation plan, performance measures, and align them with the budgeting process.

Education:  Education in lieu of Specialized Experience is not qualifying.

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service.  All qualifications and time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

New employees must serve a one year probationary period.
This position may be designated as essential personnel.  Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closure due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding.   Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. (5 USC 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Once the application process is complete, a review of resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job.  If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.  Please follow all instructions carefully.  Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.  Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category.  The categories are defined as follows:

Best Qualified – Demonstrates better overall or key knowledge, skills, or abilities for a specific position.

Well Qualified – Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, but does not necessarily meet the definition of best qualified.

Qualified – Meets the minimum qualifications standards, including any selective placement factors, for a specific position.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

•    Knowledge of strategic planning, strategic implementation and performance measures
•    Ability to serve as a senior expert and consultant to management officials
•    Skill in oral communication
•    Skill in written communication

Application of Veterans' Preference:   Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligible within each category.  Veterans who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher.

BENEFITS:
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The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.   Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at

http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Promotion Potential: This position has promotion potential to GS- 14.

Background Investigation:

This position is a special-sensitive position and the tentative selectee must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a Top Secret clearance as a condition of placement/retention in this position.

Other Information: 

This position has been designated exempt from bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 USC Section 7112(B)(6).

All employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/ Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility.   If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the additional proof required by that form.  For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.usajobs.gov/veterans

Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).



HOW TO APPLY:
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To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

    Your Résumé and other supporting documents specified in the Required Documents section below.
    A complete Assessment Questionnaire

A complete Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of Monday, September 24, 2012.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.  Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire.  Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

Note: To return to a previously Saved or Incomplete application you may use the following link: https://applicationmanager.gov/.

To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID FS741346.  Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.

If you cannot apply online:

    Click the following link to view and print the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, and
    Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the assessment questionnaire

    http://www.opm.gov./forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf and

    Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of this announcement:

1.          Your Résumé

2.          A complete Assessment Questionnaire

3.          Other supporting documents: 

-      Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable

-      SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal service)

Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, grade, and salary.   If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s over one year old).   If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof.  Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment.  IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.

If you are a displaced Federal employee within in the local commute area of this announcement, you must include ALL the following documents to receive ICTAP consideration for this vacancy:

1.   Proof you are a displaced Federal employee under 5 CFR 330.702. (e.g., one of the following:  RIF Separation Notice;  Notice of Proposed Removal for Declining a Transfer of Function; Agency certification of inability to place after  termination of work-related disability compensation; OPM Notice of Termination of Disability Annuity; or certification of a Military Reserve Technician or National Guard Technician special disability retirement annuity.)

2.  SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Action) sufficient to show all of the following: 1) that you held career/career-conditional competitive status in your position of record; 2) the promotional potential of your position of record; and 3) the duty location of your position of record. (NOTE: You may need to submit more than one SF-50.) 

3. Most Recent Performance Appraisal (This requirement does not apply if you qualify for ICTAP due to injury compensation or disability annuity).



Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan (I/CTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above (or rated at 85 or above under merit promotion procedures) on the rating criteria for this position. For information on how to apply as a CTAP or an ICTAP eligible see www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
William R. Bridges
Phone: (210)659-7621
Email: WILLIAM.BRIDGES@OPM.GOV
Agency Information:
USOPM San Francisco Services Branch
San Francisco Federal Building
90 Seventh Street Suite 13-300
San Francisco, CA
94103
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.  Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official.  If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview.

You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).