John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows Program - Cohort 4

Duties

The McCain Fellowship Program is designed to acquire high performing and talented individuals with advanced degrees located throughout the United States who will gain experience and develop their leadership capabilities through challenging opportunities to flourish into problem solvers, strategic thinkers and future leaders.

Applicants will apply for one of the job series positioned below:

A. 0301 Miscellaneous Administration and Program Analysis: The work that you will perform, primarily, may be administrative or managerial to support the organization's purpose or mission. This position will require you to have knowledge of the principles, concepts, policies, and objectives applicable to a program or administrative area. For example: your resume and work experience should demonstrate competencies such as: Analysis; Research; and Oral and Written Communication. This list is not exhaustive.

B. 0130 Foreign Affairs: The work that you will perform, primarily, may involve assisting with building bilateral relationships; analyzing and advising on posture and force development; and protecting the homeland. For example, your resume and work experience should demonstrate competencies such as: Communication; Cross-Cultural Management; and Analysis. This list is not exhaustive.

C. 1515 Operations Research Analysis: The work that you will perform, primarily, may require competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis. For example, your resume and work experience should demonstrate competencies such as: Methods Development and Assessment; Problem Solving; and Oral and Written Communication. This list is not exhaustive.

D. 0343 Management Analyst: The work that you will perform, primarily, may involving serving as an analyst and advisor to management on the evaluation of the effectiveness of government programs and operations. For example, your resume and work experience should demonstrate competencies such as: Oral and Written Communication; Decision-making; and Analysis. This list is not exhaustive.

E. 0501 Financial Administration and Program Analysis: The work that you will perform, primarily, may require understanding of accounting, auditing, or budget methods and techniques. For example, your resume and work experience should demonstrate competencies such as: Oral and Written Communication; Problem-Solving; and Interpersonal Skills. This list is not exhaustive.

F. 2210 Information Technology: The work that you will perform, primarily, may require you to have knowledge of IT principles, concepts, and methods; e.g., data storage, software applications, networking. For example, your resume and work experience should demonstrate competencies such as: Problem-Solving; Customer Service; and Time-Management. This list is not exhaustive.

G. 0560 Budget Analyst: The work that you will perform, primarily, may require understanding of accounting, auditing, or budget methods and techniques. For example, your resume and work experience should demonstrate competencies such as: Process Management; Data Gathering and Analysis; and Problem-Solving. This list is not exhaustive.

Fellows are appointed to excepted service positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense or the office of the Military Department Service Secretary. Upon successful completion of the Fellows program, graduating Fellows may be converted into a permanent position in the EXCEPTED service.

Those selected as Fellows display a personal commitment to excellence and a strong capacity to leadership.

Promotion Potential: The full-performance level of these positions will be determined by your sponsoring organization based on their unique mission needs and manpower requirements.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
• May be required to successfully complete trial period
• Must be determined suitable for federal employment
• Required to participate in the direct deposit program
• This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing
• May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime.
• May occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance level.

Qualifications

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DOCUMENT IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION CLAIMS.

Advanced degree - Master's Degree and above.

• Completed application package and supporting documents:
• Assessment Questionnaire
• Complete Resume.
• Official Home of Record
• Two letters of recommendation from previous employers, professors, coaches, internship supervisors, volunteer activity leads or work colleagues addressing work ethic, academic ability and any extra-curricular activities.
• An endorsement letter or recommendation letter from the applicant's graduate institution (i.e., academic advisor, career counselor, guidance counselor, university dean or professor) addressing the applicant's academic history and overall character (i.e., no record of honor investigations, plagiarism, accusations, suspension, misconduct, etc.)
• Unofficial transcripts of educational achievement at the undergraduate level* and graduate level. To be eligible, applicants must have either completed their graduate degree at the time of application; OR, applicants who will complete their graduate degree within six months after applying to this position.
• Provide an academic writing sample (i.e., published articles, dissertation, thesis, etc.)
• Provide compelling narrative:
• Career goals. Describe your career goals and areas of interest and how the McCain Fellows Program will help you achieve those goals.
• Accomplishments. Describe and provide examples/evidence of any learning, professional, leadership and work accomplishments.
• Benefits for Department of Defense. Describe how your selection benefits the DoD and your motivation for service in the Department.
• Essay: Describe what you want to accomplish and achieve during the fellowship.

Education

THIS POSITION HAS AN EDUCATION REQUIREMENT. You MUST have a Master's Degree and above; OR, will have earned at least a Master's Degree within six months after applying to this position. You MUST also include transcripts , with your application, to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.