Indian Self Determination Specialist

Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs seeks an advisor to the OJS Deputy Bureau Director, focusing on interpretation of self-determination legislation and policies as they apply to tribal contracting and grant administration.

The incumbent will provide self-determination guidance, training, and technical assistance, coordinating with tribes and tribal organizations on nationwide programs and compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.

Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience at GS-12 level or equivalent in contract and grant functions.
• Experience providing self-determination assistance for approving officials and leadership.
• Experience training, technical assistance, and monitoring contracting activities for statutory, regulatory, and policy compliance.

Responsibilities

• Interpret self-determination legislation, statutory provisions, and governing rules for OJS administration of tribal contracting and grants.
• Advise Deputy Bureau Director through the Self-Determination Advisor on nationwide self-determination functions.
• Coordinate with tribes, tribal organizations, and public on related issues under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.

Skills

Contract management

Grant management

Self-determination knowledge

Training and technical assistance

Policy compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

This position is located with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, OJS, Assoc Dir-Support Services in Location Negotiable After Selection, United States. Incumbent serves as an advisor to the OJS Deputy Bureau Director through the OJS Self-Determination Advisor, for the interpretation of self-determination Legislation, statutory provisions and governing rules as they relate to the practices, procedures and general operations of OJS’s administration of tribal contracting and grant activities.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

(OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards). Minimum Qualifications for the GS-13 Grade Level: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: full range of contract and grant functions encompassing the evaluation of applications/proposals, negotiations, execution, and administration of programs/projects; providing self-determination assistance for approving officials and leadership on all self-determination functions that are nationwide in scope; providing training, technical assistance, and assisting personnel with monitoring of contracting activities nationwide for statutory, regulatory and policy compliance; working with tribes, authorized tribal organizations, and the general public on any and all issues regarding the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.

Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary. Typical demands include sitting, walking, standing, stooping, and lifting small items but can be physical demanding when the incumbent must stand for long periods of time while providing instruction. However, the job does require intense concentration, frequently under stressful conditions, as varied workloads must be addressed in short time frames. When in the office, there is a significant amount of computer work, which may involve eye strain. Some physical exertion is required, such as inspection of field operations, to include walking or hiking through rough terrain or construction hard-hat sites; climbing up ladders, stooping under low areas, etc.

Work Environment

Much of the work of the incumbent will be performed in an office setting or at conference facilities at various locations throughout the nation. There is also intermittent travel to Indian reservations, BIA and OJS offices nationwide, and Tribal offices to meet with officials concerning administration of self-determination contracts and grants, which require special safety precautions, e.g., traveling or working at remote sites and construction areas where hazards are present such as machines, moving equipment, chemicals, noise, vibrations, hazardous or extreme weather conditions, or comparable situations. Employee is required to use protective clothing and gear, such as hard-hat, goggles and boots, where stipulated.

Other Requirements/Conditions

The incumbent may be required to work other than normal hours as necessary to handle emergency situations at peak workloads. Appropriately handles and safeguards sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise. Travel involves transit via airplane, when required. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date. Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date.