Summary
Serves as legal counsel within the Office of the Chief Counsel, International Affairs & National Security Law Division (AGC-700), providing advice and counsel concerning a variety of international and national aviation matters.
Duties
Provides legal advice and counsel to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on all international aviation matters, including matters that arise from the operation of foreign air carriers in the United States (U.S.), the operation of U.S. air carriers overseas, the provision of technical assistance by the FAA to foreign countries, and other international aviation matters arising under federal aviation legislation. Reviews, drafts, and negotiates agreements for the provision of technical assistance agreements, research and development agreements, and Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASA) and associated implementation procedures between the FAA and foreign governments. In conjunction with other legal practice areas, provides advice and counsel regarding international affairs matters related to aviation safety, air navigation services, and commercial space. This includes a wide range of aviation safety, air navigation services, and commercial space-related matters, including but not limited to International Aviation Safety Assessments (IASAs) and : Bi-lateral Commercial Space Transportation Agreements (BiCoSTAs). Provides legal and policy advice and guidance to headquarters and regional offices relating to the foregoing matters, which cover a diversified and complex field of law and international, inter- and intra-governmental relations. The work involves contact with high-level officials within the FAA, the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), other executive and legislative agencies, foreign governments, and industry. Reviews regulatory and legislative proposals to ensure conformity with the authorizing statute and agency policy. Conducts thorough legal research by appropriately identifying and analyzing relevant legal and factual issues and arguments. Assesses legal strengths and weaknesses of available arguments to provide accurate, complete, and practical legal advice and conclusions. Identifies and learns emerging issues, principles, and practices relevant to the legal practice area. Provides advice tailored to the client and requirements of the agency. Adjusts communications to meet audience expectations and level of understanding. Keeps client and practice area management informed of issues and activities that may or should be discussed at a higher level. Manages workload to ensure that priorities are achieved and deadlines are met. Participates in appropriate training and/or learning activities. Performs full performance level assignments under limited direction. Serves as an individual contributor, team member, or project leader for routine assignments. Applies considerable experience and advanced professional legal knowledge to assignments. Performs most assignments independently. Receives direction from a manager or more experienced attorney when exceptionally difficult issues are encountered. Based on professional knowledge, plans and carries out assignments, resolves most conflicts, coordinates with others, and completes assignments on own initiative. Independently plans use of time and resources to accomplish complex objectives. The employee is expected to complete activities within established schedules and deadlines, analyze program requirements and accomplishments, and recommend adjustments needed to address program needs. Contacts are internal and external to the organization and the agency. Contacts are with other attorneys, agency managers, aviation industry representatives, and officials of courts. Laws, regulations, orders, and procedures apply directly to many assignments, but the attorney possesses considerable latitude to select an optimum approach or recommend a new approach to a problem or issue. Work is reviewed from an overall standpoint for consistency and effectiveness in meeting requirements or satisfying expectations. Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
We are not accepting applications from noncitizens.
Education
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered. For additional information regarding foreign education, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html **Applicants who are not currently in the 905 occupational series (Attorney) in the Federal Government and fail to provide a copy of an unofficial or official transcript will not receive further consideration for this vacancy. Upon selection, if not currently employed in the 905 occupational series (Attorney), you will be required to submit an official transcript prior to appointment. If you do not have an official transcript (original, with the raised seal), you should contact your school immediately to request it.
How you will be evaluated
IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.