Chief Counsel (Foreign Assets Control)

This position serves as Chief Counsel for the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the Office of the General Counsel and reports to the Assistant General Counsel for Enforcement & Intelligence. This position is responsible for advising OFAC leadership on the implementation and enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions, leads a professional legal staff, and coordinates sanctions-related legal matters across Treasury and the U.S. Government.

Duties

As the OFAC Chief Counsel, you will:

• Serve as the direct supervisor for subordinate managers and lead an office of professional attorney advisors and administrative staff responsible for providing comprehensive legal and operational support to OFAC. This includes overseeing legal research, the production of high-quality written work, and the development of legal and practical conclusions delivered through oral advice, briefings, presentations, and legal decision memoranda on highly complex factual, legal, and policy issues. Exercise sound judgment and discretion in directing, planning, and managing the office's legal work, and coordinate sanctions-related legal matters with counsel across the Department of the Treasury and the broader U.S. Government.

• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and professional experience. Apply original and strategic thinking not only to legal analysis, but also to legal recommendations supporting policy formulation.

• Demonstrate outstanding legal research, analytical, and writing skills, along with strong critical-thinking abilities and the capacity to develop effective, original, and practical solutions to complex legal and operational challenges. Successful candidates will bring extensive relevant experience reflecting exceptional leadership and excellence in professional practice.

• Plan, direct, and oversee the provision of high-quality legal support for U.S. sanctions programs, including matters of exceptional difficulty, sensitivity, and national significance, often under time-sensitive conditions. Work closely with and under the direction of the Assistant General Counsel on highly complex matters with limited precedent, and provide clear, well-reasoned legal analysis and recommendations to senior policymakers, including the OFAC Director.

• In coordination with the Assistant General Counsel and senior Legal Division leadership, oversee the analysis, interpretation, and application of the Constitution, statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, proposed legislation, court decisions, departmental precedents, policies, and technical publications relevant to OFAC's mission, including but not limited to:

  Ensure the accuracy and consistency of legal advice as applied to OFAC's operations.

  • International Emergency Economic Powers Act

  • Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

  • Trading with the Enemy Act

  • United Nations Participation Act

  • Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act

  • Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act

  • Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act

  • Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act

  • USA PATRIOT Act

  • Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act

  • National Emergencies Act

  • Administrative Procedure Act

  • Freedom of Information Act

  • Trade Secrets Act

  • Conflicts of laws and constitutional law

• Represent the Legal Division in discussions, conferences, and meetings with U.S. and international law enforcement and regulatory authorities, including European Union authorities, the Intelligence Community, other federal, state, and local agencies, regulatory and supervisory bodies, financial industry representatives, and professional associations.

Salary

• $151,661 - $228,000/year

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must have graduated from an accredited law school.
• Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
• A one-year SES probationary period is required, if not previously completed.
• An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
• Must successfully complete personnel security vetting (e.g., investigation, evaluation, and adjudication).
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• Must have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
• Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
• File a Public Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
• Disclosure of Political Appointments.
• Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:

• Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back,
• FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
• SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)"

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

TQ1 - Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and evaluate a professional legal staff responsible for delivering high-quality legal advice, analysis, and recommendations to senior executive officials on complex and sensitive matters.

TQ2 - Demonstrated diversified legal experience dealing with highly complex issues, including experience with some of the relevant subject matter knowledge areas. Relevant subject matter knowledge includes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; the National Emergencies Act; the Trading with the Enemy Act; experience with some targeted statutory sanctions authorities (such as the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, , the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act); the Administrative Procedure Act; FOIA; the Trade Secrets Act; the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act; the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act; conflicts of laws; constitutional law; and other economic sanctions legal authorities.

TQ3 - Demonstrated working knowledge of government or international organizations and their processes, and/or relationships with government or international entities. Examples include the National Security Council, the Department of Justice, the State Department, the Commerce Department, U.S. intelligence community, the Department of Homeland Security, other Federal agencies, and the European Union.


EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Leadership Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness.

ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Leadership Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology.

ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Leadership Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience.

ECQ 4 - Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgement.

ECQ 5 - Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Leadership Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education Applicants must possess a first professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Applicants must submit copies of both law school and undergraduate transcripts at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes; however, official transcripts will be required if selected. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov) Other Information Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency. Legal and regulatory guidance Financial suitability Social security number request Privacy Act Signature and false statements Selective Service New employee probationary period Required Documents

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.

1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:

• CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
• SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
• CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
• EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: You are not required to submit transcripts for this initial phase of the application process. Candidates will be referred for consideration based on their self-certification. If you are selected for a position, you will be required to submit official transcripts verifying your qualifications prior to a job offer being issued.
• PROOF OF ACTIVE BAR STATUS: You must be in good standing and eligible to practice law in state, U.S territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation

Applicants who fail to submit ALL required documents WILL NOT receive consideration for this position. Application will result in an "Incomplete" rating.

How to Apply To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select and upload your resume and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.