ACQUISITION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Purpose of position: To provide leadership with objectively-based information and analysis for making decisions on the policy and programmatic aspects of agency operations and management, by accomplishing a wide variety of assignments concerned with effectiveness and efficiency of operations, resources and programs.

Major duties

Serves as an expert liaison between Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics), Air Staff, other services, outside agencies, other countries, commercial companies and Defense Industry leaders on acquisition processes, policies and reform initiatives emphasizing on enhancing various capability portfolios, programs, and process. Conducts special reviews, works sensitive projects and recommends options to the Assistant Secretary, and senior military and civilian leadership. Assists the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics) in planning, reviewing, approving and executing major Defense Department Air Force acquisition programs and strategic planning efforts primarily focusing on a wide range of assigned programs. Routinely charged to resolve significant, controversial matters. Develops policies and procedures for responding to requests and visits by Congressional staff. Provided only with broadly defined guidance, independently organizes and leads appropriate teams to resolve problems essential to meeting mission needs. Works with organizations to plan, organize, direct and evaluate Air Force acquisition efforts. Deal directly with the most senior levels of government and industry.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade NH-III or GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes ability to identify problems and use sound judgment and decisions to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations; Skill in working with customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations; Ability to persuade others to accept recommendations, work toward an agreement, and negotiate mutually acceptable solutions. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the NH-III or GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the NH-IV level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of processes and procedures related to program management and strategic planning activities needed to execute projects and/or studies within established financial and time constraints to include the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) System and working with Congress
2. Ability to encourage new ideas and innovations; manage human, financial and information resources strategically and build coalitions to achieve common goals
3. Ability to persuade others to accept recommendations, work toward an agreement, and negotiate mutually acceptable solutions
4. Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
5. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations; monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes
6. Ability to identify problems and use sound judgment and decisions to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.