Market Analyst

The Division of Data (DOD) is directed by the Division Director and serves as the leading authority on the CFTC's enterprise data. The Division provides CFTC-wide leadership on data governance, engineering, architecture, collection, standards, training, and enterprise analytics and AI product development.

Major duties

This position is located in the Data Assurance and Reporting (DAR) section in the Data Operations and Standards Branch (DOSB) within the Division of Data. As a Market Analyst, you will: Perform at an expert level identifying, developing and evaluating market data, reports and studies to uncover market dynamics and trends. The incumbent will often lead efforts under the direction of the Associate Director, Deputy Director, or Director to identify the specific analyses needed for reports and studies and then complete the work either independently or as part of a team. Maintain and recommend authoritative sources of information both typical and uncultivated in the industry, including, but not limited to market insights from market participants, industry and technology updates, and reports and data internal and external to the CFTC. Independently prepare responses to inquiries from mission divisions, and create presentations and briefings for Branch and CFTC leadership to discuss current and emerging market conditions. Perform detailed analyses of data to uncover specific trends and answer specific questions raised by CFTC leadership, and prepare reports for public dissemination, including tables, charts, and, where appropriate, accompanying commentary. Use expert analytical techniques to provide guidance and insights related to the development of CFTC regulations and support of policies and identifies the need for developing additional analytic tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the DAR Section's work. Establish and maintain contacts with market participants and other external sources, including federal and state governmental agencies and international organizations. The incumbent assists with organizing Branch hosted conferences with participation by staff and outside participants. The incumbent is skillful in accepted project management practices to ensure project stakeholders are aware of all project objectives, deliverables, milestones, time estimates, transparency and possible completion impediments.

Qualifications

CT-13: To qualify for the CT-13 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-12 level). Specialized experience is defined that through which one has gained experience:

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex derivatives and market data for a financial regulator, identify emerging trends in complex derivatives market, and produce expert‐level reports, presentations, and responses for leadership.
• Experience developing or improving analytic tools, automated reporting processes, and data procedures to optimize data integrity, utility, and compliance across multiple CFTC data systems.
• Proven skill in engaging with derivative market participants, exchanges, SDRs, SEFs, and other stakeholders to resolve reporting issues, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain authoritative sources of market information.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other 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 employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Requirements

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving Essential for conducting expert-level data analysis, identifying trends, interpreting complex market information, and producing high-quality reports and studies.

Technical Expertise (Data & Market Analysis) Aligns with using advanced analytical techniques, maintaining authoritative information sources, and contributing to regulatory and policy development with deep subject-matter knowledge.

Communication & Presentation Skills Critical for preparing responses to mission divisions, creating briefings for leadership, contributing to public reports, and clearly conveying insights to internal and external stakeholders.

Project & Stakeholder Management Matches the requirement for organizing analyses, coordinating with internal and external partners, ensuring transparency, and managing objectives, deliverables, and milestones.