Director, Office of Administrative Litigation

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is ranked within the top 5 mid-size agencies as a "Best Place to Work" in the Federal government! This Director, Office of Administrative Litigation position is located in the Office of Administrative Litigation. For more information visit: Office of Administrative Litigation (OAL) | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Major duties

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is looking for an experienced senior level executive to serve as the Director, Office of Administrative Litigation. Reporting directly to the Chairman, the Director leads an office of two Division Directors, legal and technical branch chiefs, experienced attorneys, technical professionals, administrative professionals and legal support staff in resolving cases set for hearing and settlement proceedings concerning natural gas, oil, electric, and hydroelectric matters. The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and executing the work of the Office of Administrative Litigation with emphasis on the application of precedent, legal interpretation, trial preparation and settlement strategy. The Director oversees the provision of legal advice to the office in its day-to-day operations, and on matters of administrative law, trial practice and substantive energy law. The OAL Director provides vision and leadership in resolving contested proceedings through settlements and hearings before Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). As a Director, Office of Administrative Litigation some of your typical work assignments include: Directs and implements the Office mission and vision statements, goals, strategic plan and performance success measures; and assists with developing the Commission strategic plan. Develops the strategy and process for litigating matters that are not resolved by settlement. Directs the Office's administrative litigation processes, ensuring consistency, collaboration, and effective decision-making in the handling of cases. Oversees staff collaboration among professional disciplines, applying legal, economic, accounting, public utility, and engineering knowledge at the Commission to develop staff positions for the resolution of proceedings, and to develop an adequate record for Commission review of litigated or settled cases. Represents the Chairman and the FERC in matters involving administrative litigation and complaint settlement. Serves on internal and external teams. Fosters cooperative relationships with other Federal agencies, Administration officials, state regulators, the Congress, U.S. and international public utility communities, and industry representatives. Represents the Commission in Congressional committee meetings, providing testimony relevant to proposed legislation. Performs leadership functions in a manner that exemplifies and promotes good leadership behaviors. Manage the business management functions carried out for the Office. Lead managers and other employees to maximize potential and enhance productivity in meeting the Commission's vision, mission, and goals. Provides leadership in accomplishing human resource responsibilities and facilitates efficient management of resources within the Office.

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. Failure to submit all required documentation by the closing date of this vacancy announcement, including adhering to the maximum two-page resume requirement, will result in removal from consideration. 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.

• TQ 1: Demonstrated experience directing and overseeing complex administrative litigation involving matters within FERCs jurisdiction, including litigation strategy and proceedings before Administrative Law Judges.
• TQ 2: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal and regulatory issues and prepare, review, and evaluate pleadings, briefs, motions, legal memoranda, and other legal documents associated with contested proceedings.

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. There are five ECQs:

• ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a 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.
• ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency -This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
• ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
• ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the 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.
• ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

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

This position has an education requirement and therefore, transcripts are required. Failure to submit a copy of your transcripts at the time of application will result in your application being marked incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. If you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are 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)

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Subject to a 1-year SES/supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).
• This position has an education requirement; you must submit transcripts.
• Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university.
• Current, active bar membership required.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency 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.
• This is not a bargaining unit position.
• File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
• A background investigation is required.
• May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
• You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• If hired, you may be required to divest certain energy-related securities.
• Maximum of 2-page resume.
• 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)