Job Description
Summary
You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not receive full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined.
This position is in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC, in the Office of Inspector General/Office of Legal Counsel, at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Duties
As the Paralegal Specialist, you will:
- Reviewing, analyzing, and processing Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act requests of a simple and complex nature, including researching problem areas, identifying legal issues, and conducting analysis to determine whether there is any basis to assert an exemption to disclosure.
- Interpreting regulations and USAID policy regarding release of information under the FOIA and Privacy Acts.
- Assisting the Office of Legal Counsel’s FOIA Attorney Coordinator with FOIA and PA cases.
- Researching and writing reports or other documents on FOIA/PA related issues. Provides advice and guidance on FOIA issues covered by precedent to respond to requests and assist customer units on alternative products and services that satisfy general or specific need requirements.
- Monitoring and reporting on the status and progress of work.
- Preparing detailed reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required, and coordinates the preparation, presentation, and communication of work-related information to the Legal Counsel and FOIA attorney coordinator.
- Following preliminary instructions in performing research on easily resolved legal questions with clearly applicable precedents.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- United States Citizenship is required.
- Relevant experience (see Qualifications below).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
- Time in grade must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- You may be required to serve a one year probationary period.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience:
GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the
GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. One year of specialized experience refers to full-time work; we consider a part-time job on a prorated basis. Examples of qualifying specialized experience at the next lower level for this position includes; One year of specialized experience which includes
(1) Conducting research, analysis, and evaluation of data in response to complex or sensitive requests;
(2) Preparing legal documents, recommendations, and/or correspondence (e.g. drafting memoranda, briefs, documents, opinions, and related correspondence); AND
(3) Reviewing legal references, case files, and/or other sources for information required by attorneys or other legal personnel.. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
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 relevant to the position’s duties to be filled, including volunteer experience.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates will be referred to the selecting official if they are found well qualified. Well-qualified means an eligible employee who possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities that clearly exceed the position’s minimum requirements. A well-qualified employee must meet the qualification and eligibility requirements of the position, including any medical qualifications, suitability, and minimum education and experience requirements, meet all selective factors (where applicable); meet quality ranking factors and are assigned a score of 85 or higher; be physically qualified with reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position; meet any special qualifying U.S. OPM-approved conditions; AND be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry without additional training.
A well-qualified candidate will not necessarily meet the definition of highly or best qualified when evaluated against other candidates who apply for a particular position. Selecting officials will document the job-related reason(s) for qualification determinations in the absence of selective and quality ranking factors.
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement. Therefore, no transcripts are required.
26 Feb 2023
