Management and Program Analyst

Role overview

This position sits within the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and is based in Arlington, Virginia or Vienna, Virginia. The role is focused on analyzing programs, improving operational performance, and helping leadership make informed management and resource decisions.

What you will do

• Carry out analytical reviews, research, and evaluations that help strengthen agency programs and day-to-day operations.
• Use both qualitative and quantitative approaches to study data, spot patterns, and propose solutions to management issues.
• Plan and complete studies, create performance measures, and communicate results in reports, presentations, and briefings.
• Assess program outcomes against set objectives, check adherence to policy, and recommend better use of staff, funds, and other resources.
• Support planning and allocation decisions and review how new or proposed legislation may influence programs.
• Build initiatives that address management concerns and improve the effectiveness of programs.
• Work with coworkers and partner organizations across multiple offices to complete studies and coordinate recommended actions.
• Share recommendations with leadership, assist in developing standard operating procedures, and support implementation of new processes.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must meet the stated federal qualification standards by the closing date. For GS-11, candidates need at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level in federal service, with work such as helping with workflow or productivity studies, analyzing data to measure output and support improvements, preparing problem/solution reports, and coordinating implementation with teams and other offices. Equivalent doctoral-level education, three full years of graduate study toward a Ph.D. or LL.M., or a qualifying mix of education and experience may also be used.

For GS-12, candidates need at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level in federal service, including conducting program or operational studies, turning data trends into recommendations for senior leaders, creating performance measures and reporting results, and advising partner offices on new procedures and rollout activities.

If education is used to qualify, official or unofficial transcripts, or a detailed course list with grades, completion dates, and semester or quarter hours, must be submitted. Foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service or shown as fully equivalent to accredited U.S. study; otherwise, the application may not be considered.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• A background investigation is required and may include a credit review, review of financial matters, certain criminal offenses, and illegal drug use or possession.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• A one-year probationary period may apply.
• You must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• If selected on a conditional basis, you must complete OF-306 and certify the accuracy of your application details.
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm work eligibility for new hires.
• Federal salary payments must be made by direct deposit to a financial institution.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• Unless stated otherwise, all requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.
• If required, you must complete the initial online assessments and USA Hire Assessment.

Additional information

Promotion potential, when listed, is not a promise of future advancement. Any later promotion depends on your ability to perform at the higher level, continuing organizational need, and management approval.

DHS expects employees to be reliable and trustworthy, and selected candidates must obtain and maintain the required background clearance as a condition of placement. This may include review of debt delinquency, child support, tax obligations, and criminal or drug-related issues.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for the USA Hire competency assessments because of a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act, you may request one in the online application. Supporting documentation must be submitted before starting the assessments. Decisions are handled individually, and if you qualify, you will receive an email invitation to complete the assessments after the request is adjudicated. If the invitation is issued after the announcement closes, you must finish all assessments within 48 hours.

Applicants are expected to support government efficiency, respect the rule of law, and uphold the United States Constitution.

DHS provides a benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement coverage; Thrift Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave; and paid federal holidays. Additional possible benefits include flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, wellness programs, and fitness centers. DHS also offers training and professional development opportunities. Disabled veteran leave is available to eligible federal employees hired on or after November 5, 2016, who have a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, but it would require a service agreement.

Benefit eligibility depends on the type of appointment and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Evaluation and hiring notes

You will be assessed based on your qualifications, application materials, questionnaire responses, and required tests. Competencies considered include accountability, attention to detail, customer service, decision making, flexibility, influencing and negotiating, integrity and honesty, interpersonal skills, learning, reading comprehension, reasoning, self-management, stress tolerance, and teamwork. USA Hire uses a required cut score, and failing to meet it or complete the assessment means you will not be considered. Misstating experience or qualifications, or cheating on an assessment, can lead to removal from consideration.

This vacancy is being filled under Direct Hire Authority, so the Rule of Three, category rating, and veterans' preference do not apply. Veterans are still encouraged to submit preference documentation. CTAP and ICTAP may apply for eligible federal employees who meet the required conditions and provide supporting documents. Current or former political appointees require OPM authorization for any employment offer.

Experience and application notes

Specialized experience may include paid or unpaid work, including volunteer service through National Service programs such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, as well as other professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, or social organizations. Such volunteer work may count toward qualifying experience.

The source also notes that the announcement references a federal government role in Arlington, Virginia and Vienna, Virginia.