Duties

Participates in-group efforts on research projects related to laws and legal systems of North African countries and other Francophone jurisdictions as a member of a collaborative team. As directed and employing the applicable established methodology for the project, undertakes and/or may help with research and data analytical tasks of moderate complexity to support the development of an array of analytical and descriptive products or components. Under supervision, creates and updates research guides, and contributes to research products in digital and analogous formats produced by the Law Library of Congress.

Assists staff of the Global Legal Research Directorate with selected research questions related to the countries of Northern Africa and other Francophone jurisdictions and contributes to reference responses provided by the Library of Congress to users. Using various software, such as Word Perfect. Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point. etc., assists research staff with conveying research findings through written and oral reports, abstracts, summaries, charts, graphs, or other products. May be involved in special projects such as drafting a legal document.

Recommends foreign language sources and prepares bibliographies and short translations needed for responding to reference inquiries by Library of Congress patrons. As directed, applies knowledge of commonly used legal sources, emerging legal and policy resources to support research within an area for which the employee has been assigned. Under staff supervision, drafts reference responses to simple inquiries on laws and other legal issues of select foreign countries.

With assistance, performs literature searches and reviews within defined parameters for materials of moderate complexity. Evaluates publications in the collection for authoritativeness, relevance, currency, etc., and participates in discussions concerning acquisition recommendations. Depending on incumbent's specialty and experience, the Legal Research Fellow will have the opportunity to assist with collection management duties and work under supervision of a foreign law specialist on identifying gaps in assigned country collections.

Performs various other related duties as assigned.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

This temporary, not-to-exceed position is hybrid telework eligible however, a remote work arrangement may be negotiated.

Definition of terms:

Telework: A hybrid work agreement where a Library employee who lives within the DC, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area works a minimum amount of days per pay period (every two weeks) onsite at a Library of Congress facility and the rest of the days at home.

Remote: A work agreement where a temporary, not-to-exceed Library employee who lives outside of the DC, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area works remotely without expectation of reporting to work onsite at a Library of Congress facility to perform duties

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Notice: Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to coordinate and perform administrative and clerical functions to support the work of an office.**

Ability and experience in conducting legal research.**

Knowledge of the processes, procedures, and practices sufficient to conduct legal research.**

Ability to plan, organize and execute work and interact collaboratively with others.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

There are no education requirements for this position however; a J.D. equivalent from a country of Northern Africa or another Francophone jurisdiction is preferred.

Additional information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

A "Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.