Attorney Advisor (International)

The Office of International Affairs serves as the primary focal point for the agency's international activities. In this connection, OIA assists the Chairman and the Commission in its formulation of international matters and coordinating the Commission's varied international activities, provides information to the Commission concerning foreign regulatory systems, and analyzes foreign regulatory developments.

Duties

As an Attorney Advisor (International) in the Office of International Affairs (OIA), your principal duties will include conducting research, drafting reports, legal interpretations, memoranda and other written products as assigned. You will review Commission proposed rules and other actions, participate in the representation of the Commission at international meetings and domestic inter-agency meetings relating to international policy, and negotiate and draft regulatory arrangements with foreign authorities. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Negotiating and drafting documents intended for an international audience, which may involve reports for international bodies such as the International Organization of Securities Commissions and the Financial Stability Board.
• Drafting briefing memoranda on international developments and reports.
• Reviewing draft rules prepared by other offices and divisions with a view towards ensuring consistency with international standards.
• Monitoring foreign regulatory developments, as well as producing and maintaining analyses of regulatory developments.
• Preparing legal interpretations and memoranda for the Commission, its operating divisions and other senior staff with respect to difficult, complex and novel legal problems.
• Negotiating and drafting international arrangements with foreign regulators and policymakers for information sharing and cooperative regulatory oversight.

Salary

• $159,935 - $272,407/year

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship
• Favorable Background/Security Investigation
• Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service
• May be subject to a two-year trial period
• Must be an active member of the bar in good standing

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following:

• J.D.; and
• Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty)

                                                            AND

CT-14: At least 4 years of relevant legal experience after completion of law school.

Examples of relevant legal experience include: 

• Demonstrated skill in research and analysis of complex legal issues, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Knowledge of commodities or related law and regulations, international law, financial markets, corporate law, and general administrative law.

• Knowledge of derivatives markets, including futures, options, and swap markets, and clearing for these markets.

Relevant legal experience is defined as attorneys, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained after graduation from a law school. Legal and non- legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.

Education Successful completion of a full course of study (J.D.) in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). 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 Other Information Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid. Trial Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial 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. This is a Bargaining Unit position located in the National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) Chapter 337. 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. Required Documents

• Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
• JD/Transcripts (unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy with date degree was awarded is required prior to a firm offer letter being extended);
• Bar membership details;
• Writing sample demonstrating analysis of complex legal issues (optional)

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 mgshelp@monster.com 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/.