Telecommunications Policy Analyst

These positions are also being announced concurrently under Delegated Examining (DEU) vacancy number: NTIA-OPAD-2015-0001. Applicants who wish to be considered under DEU must apply to both vacancies separately.

The Office of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD) and the Office of International Affairs (OIA) are looking for energetic, innovative Telecommunications Policy Specialists who will enjoy working in a dynamic and mission driven organization. The ideal candidates will have specialized experience recommending policy positions and developing actionable items. These positions require the ability to analyze issues in the formulation of Internet policy recommendations. These positions will be responsible for providing policy support in the development of Executive branch policy recommendations related to global Internet economy and Internet governance and policymaking.

These positions are located in the Office International Affairs (OIA) and Office of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The mission of NTIA is to serve as the President's principal advisor on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA develops domestic and international telecommunications and information policy for the executive branch, ensures the efficient and effective management and use of the Federal radio spectrum, performs state-of-the-art telecommunications research, engineering, and planning, and administers broadband programs. OIA plays an important role in implementing NTIA's mandate and is the Executive Branch expert on issues relating to international Internet policy and governance issues. In addition, OIA plays a leadership role in the Internet Policy Task Force (IPTF) of the Department of Commerce which is examining issues related to consumer privacy, online copyright, cybersecurity, and the free flow of information.

OPAD supports the agency’s role as the principal adviser to the President on telecommunications and information policy. OPAD develops, analyzes, and advocates public policies that promote innovation, competition, jobs, and economic growth for the benefit of American businesses and consumers. In particular, OPAD focuses on public policies that impact how Americans access and use the Internet, wireline and wireless telephony, mass media, and video services.

Key Requirements: 
You must be a U.S. citizen.
You must be suitable for Federal employment.
You must be registered for Selective Service (www.sss.gov), if applicable.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
You must be able to obtain Secret security clearance.
You must meet the time-in-grade requirement by the closing date.

Duties: 
Back to topThis position will provide advice and assistance to the Associate Administrator for OPAD and OIA in the formulation, development and implementation of major policy recommendations concerning telecommunications and information issues, especially with respect to the Internet. In performing these responsibilities, this position will work closely with top officials of the Department of Commerce, other agencies, private-sector groups, professional associations, and the academic community.

The tasks in carrying out this key role for OPAD and OIA, include, but are not limited to the following:

-- Identifying, monitoring, coordinating and providing research and analysis on Internet and digital economy policy issues of interest to the Department.
-- Developing actionable summaries, briefs, and memoranda for senior staff on core Internet policy and digital economy issues of concern to the Department.
-- Contributing research and analysis and participating in discussions to formulate policy recommendations on critical Internet policy and governance issues of interest to the Department.
-- Supporting and/or advocating for National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) policy positions in deliberations and engagements with government and non-government stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications required:
To qualify for the GS-11, applicants MUST possess at least one year or 52 weeks of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level (GS-9 or equivalent pay band) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience contributing to the development of Internet policy positions with national impact. This may include but is not limited to policy, standards or best practice development focused on digital copyright, privacy, cybersecurity or the global free flow of information. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but is not limited to:

-- Developing papers or information memoranda on global Internet policy issues such as Internet governance, online consumer privacy, network neutrality, broadband adoption/deployment, digital copyright, Internet standards, cybersecurity.
-- Conducting research on Internet Policy and developing position papers or option papers.

OR

-- Possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate eduation leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

OR

-- A combination of education and specialized experience that when combined equals 100 percent of the qualification requirement.

-- Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and 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 employments. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management website located at www.opm.gov/qualifications

Applicants must meet ALL application requirements, to include a complete online resume, by 11:59 p.m. EASTERN TIME ZONE (ETZ) Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at www.opm.gov/qualifications.

A one year probationary period may be required.