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Program Assistant, GS-0303-5/6/7 DE

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Alexandria, Virginia
Closing date
Jan 25, 2022
Duties

The incumbent is a key point of contact between NSF and principal investigators (PIs) who are requesting funding under either grants or cooperative agreements. He/she provides authoritative information to PIs on how to submit proposals and what information must be included. Once a proposal has been received and the incumbent has ensured that it is complete, the assistant enters necessary data into the system if the proposal was not submitted electronically, and works with the program manager to have the proposal reviewed.

During the proposal process and after funding decisions have been made, the assistant responds to questions from PIs concerning the status of their requests. He/she is expected to answer most questions and only the most controversial and sensitive situations or questions related to substantive scientific issues are referred to the program manager or other staff members.

The assistant is responsible for maintaining spread sheets and other reports on money which is being spent for each proposal. He/she is expected to identify potential problems in both the internal NSF budget tracking and proposal budgets such as the fact that too much or too little money is being spent or the fact that money is being spent for improper items.

The assistant is responsible for preparing travel orders and vouchers for NSF staff and panel members. Most travel is domestic, but there is some foreign travel which the assistant must know how to process.

The assistant prepares a variety of standard and special reports depending on the program.

In addition to their programmatic work, some assistants perform a variety of administrative work such as timekeeping, ordering supplies, or controlling correspondence.

Competencies required:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem Solving
  • Taking Initiative
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Oral and written communication


Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Background investigation.
  • Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a 1-year trial/probationary period
  • US citizenship.
  • Type at least 40 words per minute with no more than 3 errors


It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions

As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement, subject to such exceptions as required by law. This policy applies to all NSF staff, to include employees, Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignees, Visiting Scientists, Engineers, and Educators (VSEEs), as well as fellows and interns. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 22, 2021 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or on-boarding with the agency, if after November 22. Upon selection, NSF will provide additional information regarding what documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. 

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, including volunteer experience.

You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

To qualify at GS-5 level you need to have one of the following: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: using word processing software to prepare correspondence; responding to routine non-technical inquiries; or other clerical or office support functions. OR Successfully completed four full years of education above high school level. OR Possess a combination of post-high school education and specialized experience.

To qualify for the GS-6 level you need to have: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: using word processing software to prepare correspondence, reports and other documents; tracking pending actions to ensure timely completion of work assignments; coordinating and making travel arrangements; responding to routine non-technical inquiries; and coordinating and handling logistical support for meetings.

To qualify for the GS-7 level you need to have: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include the following: interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and procedures to perform a variety of administrative support duties; developing and maintaining spreadsheets and other financial records; developing work tracking systems to ensure timely completion of work assignments; coordinating and making travel arrangements; and composing/typing reports in final.

At all grade levels you must be able to type at lease 40 words per minute with no more than 3 errors.

Education

Education may be substituted for experience as described in "Qualifications" only at the GS-5 level.

Additional information

Relocation Expenses will not be paid.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):
ICTAP and CTAP provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. 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; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives 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 required documentation as specified on the SF-15.

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.

For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide .

This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.

The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.

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