Government Information Specialist

JobSummary

This position is the Government Information Specialist for the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act programs in the Office of the General Counsel to the Inspector General in the U.S.National Science Foundation. The mission of the OIG is to provide independent and objective oversight of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of its programs and operations and to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

LowGrade

14

HighGrade

14

PromotionPotential

None

PromotionPotentialAdditionalText

This position is at the full performance level

SubAgencyName

General Counsel to the Inspector General

OrganizationCodes

OT/NF00

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• fed-transition
• fed-competitive
• disability
• fed-internal-search
• mspouse
• peace
• special-authorities
• vet

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

1

AgencyMarketingStatement

Are you looking for a career that goes beyond a job-and truly serves the public interest? Join the U.S. National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG) and be part of an independent, results-driven organization dedicated to integrity, accountability, and excellence in government. At the NSF OIG, your work directly supports oversight of federal programs and operations, helping to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. You will collaborate with highly skilled professionals who value independence, objectivity, and public service-and who take pride in making government work better for the American people. If you are motivated by public service, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want your work to matter, we encourage you to apply and become part of a great organization!

TravelCode

1

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

• The incumbent serves as an expert on all matters relating to the management, implementation, and oversight of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Inspector General (OIG)'s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) programs and responsibilities. This also includes providing advice to NSF OIG staff on difficult and complex FOIA and PA questions. The employee exercises initiative and independent judgment to develop appropriate and efficient solutions for OIG information access and safeguarding, privacy, and information security processes. Working with the OIG FOIA Attorney, the employee provides direct oversight and technical guidance in connection with OIG's implementation of FOIA and PA, as well as related statutes, regulations, and the Department of Justice (DOJ), NSF Information Officer, and staff. Develops the full range of OIG processes, standards, rule-making, and procedural guidance for the conduct of the FOIA and PA programs to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements of both the FOIA and Privacy Acts, as well as DOJ and OMB Directives and guidance. Works directly with all executive branch agencies concerning FOIA and PA issues and executive order information programs, i.e., Department of Justice, Office of Management and Budget, National Archives and Records Administration, Government Accountability Office, and White House legal staff. Acts as OIG spokesperson on FOIA and PA programs at inter- and intra-agency meetings, governmental and non-governmental symposiums, and training seminars, etc. Drafts, obtains General Counsel to the IG approval of, and publishes all changes and additions to, OIG FOIA and Privacy Act regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations. Develops and maintains OIG standards and guidelines for OIG responses to FOIA and PA requests for information, consistent with applicable rules and guidance. Periodically review OIG standards and guidance that address FOIA and Privacy Act matters and amend them as needed. Directly involved in the planning, development, implementation, and amendment of OIG core information systems to ensure they meet legal requirements, NSF and OIG policy, and best privacy and security practices. Analyzes the impact of social networking media as it pertains to the FOIA and Privacy Act. Works with a team of OIG staff to develop new standards and procedural guidelines. Advises senior management on the risks and benefits of using social media within the context of FOIA and the Privacy Act. Serves as an Initial Denial Authority for OIG when OIG denies requests in whole or in part for information sought under the FOIA or Privacy Act, when General Counsel to the IG determines the employee is ready to be the initial denial authority. Responsible for the processing of FOIA and PA requests received by OIG concerning a wide variety of complex subjects. Plans, organizes, assigns, executes, directs, and reviews the work required to respond within required deadlines. Directs, advises, and assists individuals tasked with collecting, reviewing, and processing information in response to FOIA and PA requests, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Establishes goals and priorities for the program and enacts and uses sound administrative procedures to track all requests, responses, and appeals. Tracks all data required to be submitted in the Annual FOIA Report. Resolves problems that may arise in the daily workload. Additionally, provides in-depth analysis and assistance to the senior FOIA Attorney and the General Counsel to the IG on FOIA and PA requests, appeals, and litigation. When needed, acts as an alternate media and congressional liaison and evaluates, reviews, advises, coordinates, and responds to Congressional and press inquiries for information held by or involving the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, or other high-level OIG officials. Prepares, or provides guidance on, the preparation of reports required by law concerning OIG's FOIA and Privacy Acts. This requires compiling all statistics on the number of requests and appeals received and responded to during the calendar year, determining the full costs of administering both programs, and identifying ways to improve the administration of the Acts. Ensures all necessary data for reports are captured throughout the year. Analyzes, reviews, and makes recommendations on proposed legislation and major case law concerning the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts, analyzes their impact on NSF OIG's business practices, and evaluates what additional resources will be required to accommodate changes.

Education

Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.

Requirements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYEMENT: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be subject to a background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID-compliant cannot be used as acceptable forms of identification for employment. You must meet all eligibility requirements within thirty days of the date the announcement closes and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met. You will not need a clearance to accept this position, but you must be able to obtain a clearance if needed. If you are a current federal employee holding a General Schedule (GS) position, you must meet the time-in-grade requirements. All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Evaluations

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Expert knowledge of FOIA & Privacy Act Law Legal & regulatory analysis Program management Oral & written communication Judgement & decision making Stakeholder management Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: Current, permanent federal employees within fifty miles of NSF OIG (Alexandria, VA) performing FOIA/PA functions for an OIG Current, permanent federal employees within fifty miles of NSF OIG (Alexandria, VA) performing FOIA/PA functions All other current, permanent federal employees All other non-current, permanent federal employees. Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and include the job title, duties, grade/salary, and dates worked. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited based on the time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume is missing the job title, duties, grade, or salary, and dates worked, you might not be referred for consideration to the hiring manager.

HowToApply

Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established on the OPM website following the instructions provided to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be redirected to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement. Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position may do so until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application. If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS. As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that the information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields. Need Help? If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc. Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact OIG-HR@nsf.gov for assistance.

WhatToExpectNext

Once you submit your online application, you will receive a confirmation email. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking at the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. Email is our preferred method of communication. Please use the email address above, OIG-HR@nsf.gov, to contact the HR Department.

RequiredDocuments

It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume-building tools can be found at: Page Limit and OPM guidance on 2 page limit Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two-page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history: Official position title Employer name and contact information If the work was performed as a contractor, please clearly indicate that on the resume Start and end dates (at least month and year) Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time Grade or salary of position If you are a current or former Federal employee: You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form. Do not submit an award SF-50; these do not contain sufficient information about your appointment. Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade, and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status. Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple SF-50s to meet eligibility requirements. Submit a copy of your most recent performance evaluation or appraisal, signed, showing your final rating. If a performance appraisal is not available, submit a statement explaining why one is not available. If you are a Veteran or a qualifying parent or spouse: When claiming a Veteran's Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type. If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating. If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation, such as the Veteran's DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information. For more information on each type of Veterans Preference, and the documentation required for each, see FedsHireVets. If you are applying for consideration under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority: Military spouses of the armed forces on active duty should visit the following site for information on required documentation: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses If you are a person with a disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A: You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation ("Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability). You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. During the application process, you may have an option to opt in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency (or elsewhere) who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. The NSF OIG provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Individuals with disabilities may contact OIG-HR@nsf.gov for assistance with the application or hiring process. Individuals who are eligible for a non-competitive appointment under an Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable non-competitive appointing authority. Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment" (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from federal service.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

OtherInformation

Relocation Expenses will not be paid.This is a non-bargaining unit position. This announcement may be used to fill similar positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies, including OIG offices. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM-approved qualifying conditions for the position; be physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receive a rating of at least "Very Good" on the questionnaire. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources. Veteran's Preference:If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the VA letter or other required documentation as specified on the SF-15.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

01

AnnouncementClosingType

03

AnnouncementClosingTypeOption

50

AgencyContactEmail

OIG-HR@nsf.gov

SecurityClearance

Other

DrugTestRequired

False

PositionSensitivitiy

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

AdjudicationType

• Suitability/Fitness