Program Analyst

Summary

See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position. Independently leads complex studies, analyses and process improvement initiatives related to the assigned program area. Provides expert recommendations to senior management on program effectiveness, efficiency and compliance. Supports the development and implementation of agency-wide policies and initiatives. See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.

Duties

• Provides advanced analytical and evaluative support; leads research, analyzes data, prepares reports and makes recommendations that influence policy formulation, program alignment and executive decision-making at the enterprise level.
• Provides authoritative advice and guidance to senior management on the resolution of complex, sensitive or controversial program-related problems; develops and presents analyses of high-impact issues.
• Provides expert recommendations to senior management on program effectiveness, efficiency and compliance and supports the development and implementation of agency-wide policies and initiatives.
• Represents the office at executive staff meetings and on interagency workgroups addressing government-wide concerns; may serve as a technical expert or lead on cross-functional teams.
• Prepares and coordinates the preparation of highly confidential reports, briefing materials and background information for senior management on a variety of programmatic and administrative concerns, including sensitive or controversial issues.

Qualifications

To meet Minimum Qualifications for this GS-14 Program Analyst position you must demonstrate at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-13 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-13 or above. Specialized experience is work that primarily consists of managing cybersecurity practices within an organization to ensure that information systems, networks and data are protected from cyber threats. **If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that demonstrate it.** Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe. Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE can be demonstrated by any of the following: (1) justifying resources for cybersecurity programs, ensuring compliance with federal and agency-specific controls and supporting investments in cyber tools, training and infrastructure (2) interpreting, evaluating or applying administrative and management policies, procedures or regulations to support cybersecurity programs or initiatives (3) analyzing data and providing recommendations to improve the effectiveness, efficiency or compliance of cybersecurity operations (4) building and fostering effective teams or business relationships to support cybersecurity objectives (5) communicating cybersecurity concepts, policies or recommendations to management, staff or external partners, both orally and in writing. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks at (or equivalent to) GS-13. Time in grade requirement for applicants with federal status must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement. Education cannot be used in lieu of (or in addition to) Specialized Experience.

Evaluations

(1) Eligibility will be based on your claim under the ELIGIBILITY Section at the beginning of the online questionnaire, in addition to your responses to Assessment Question #1 (Federal Status) and Question #2 (Federal Performance Appraisal). Be sure you claim the correct Eligibility and submit the appropriate documents to support your claim. Only applicants who demonstrate eligibility requirements will be evaluated. (2) If rated 'eligible' you will receive a score based on your responses to the online experience questions. Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13033061 (3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the required Specialized Experience. RESUME: Describe duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Duties not clearly described cannot be credited. -- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and/or policies (possible 20 points) -- Skill in analyzing data and providing recommendations (possible 20 points) -- Ability to build cohesive teams and foster effective business relationships (possible 20 points) -- Ability to communicate orally and in writing (possible 20 points) Total Possible Points = 80 **It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume** Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible. (4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the required Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review. (See Priority Selection below) Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience. PRIORITY SELECTION: Well-Qualified ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will receive the first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents). Eligible veterans may apply under this Merit Promotion announcement, but preference points are not applied and veterans do not receive priority consideration. See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.

How to apply

(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account. (2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct. (3) Confirm that your application documents show all information required for this vacancy. (4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents. (5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process. (6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND (7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional) READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) August 28, 2026 and must include: (1) responses to online questionnaire (2) uploaded resume (3) uploaded eligibility documents (SF-50s, Performance Appraisal, DD-214, VA Letter, RIF Letter, marriage certificate, spouse's military orders, etc) See QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED before you submit your application. The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation. We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action. If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email [email protected] with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1303 3061" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.

What to expect next

Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers. No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted. If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application. You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted. After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible). INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly. HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews. For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available. Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days. After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.

Required documents

Resume -- all applicants. (See OPM's new resume guidance) SF-50 - all current and former federal employees - read requirements below Federal Performance Appraisal - all current and former federal employees (see below) ICTAP documents -- if claimed Vet documents - if claimed Military Spouse documents -- if claimed If your federal pay scale is not GS or FWS, provide a copy of your agency's pay scale for pay-setting upon a job offer. DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO USAJOBS MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION. RESUMES are limited 2 pages and must include: -- your name and contact information -- employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week -- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position -- your grade and pay scale (for all federal positions) and -- a clear descriptions of the duties performed that relate to the experience required for this position. If you no longer hold a position it must show an ending date. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position. Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria or KSAs will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible. See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate. SF-50 -- required for all current and former federal employees (even if you claim VEOA or Military Spouse eligibility). SF-50s are used to verify grade, time-in-grade, tenure and appointment type. More than one SF-50 may be required to demonstrate all of the eligibility requirements. Be sure your SF-50(s) reflect what you state on your resume. Former federal employees must submit their separation SF-50 but may have to submit additional SF-50s to document the four required items. If your qualifying experience was gained in a prior position, submit an additional SF-50 to document the grade of the prior position. Follow instructions in questionnaire. FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRIAISAL -- required for current federal employees -- must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not submit an un-rated mid-year review or other un-rated 'Performance Discussion.' DO NOT submit a WIGI or award SF-50 in lieu of a rated performance appraisal. If your federal agency does not provide formal performance appraisals, submit an equivalent document with an explanation for why you are not providing a standard federal performance appraisal. HR will determine if your document is acceptable for application purposes. FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- Submit separation SF-50 showing separation was not for performance or conduct. ICTAP/CTAP -- Submit separation notice AND final SF-50 documenting official separation date. If your separation notice doesn't include performance appraisal information, submit a copy of your final performance appraisal. (See http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp) VETERANS: submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing 3+ years of continuous active duty and honorable discharge. Veterans with federal status must also submit the required SF-50s and Performance Appraisal. Do not use VEOA status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status. For 10-point preference, also submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse. Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank, and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received. MILITARY SPOUSES -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses -- submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable. If you have federal status you must also submit relevant SF-50(s) and performance appraisal. Do not use Military Spouse status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status.

Other information

WHO MAY APPLY: (1) ICTAP/CTAP :Career Transition Guide) (2) Current Competitive Service / permanent OR conditional tenure (3) Former Competitive Service -- resigned or retired with (a) permanent tenure (separation at any time) (b) conditional tenure (separation within previous 3 years) OR (c) conditional tenure AND vet preference (separation at any time) (4) Current Excepted Service: (a) agency with competitive service compatibility (Foreign Service, US Postal Service, etc.) (b) agency with Interchange Agreement (c) Schedule A -- block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows Reg 213.3102(u) -- must work in competitive service agency, agency with competitive service compatibility or agency with Interchange Agreement (d) not described above but can demonstrate prior Competitive Service OR vet status (5) Former Excepted Service - must have prior Competitive Service (permanent or conditional tenure) OR vet status (6) Military Spouse -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses (7) VEOA -- see USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans - veterans with non-qualifying federal status (i.e., certain Excepted Service or non-tenured positions) may apply under VEOA, but still must provide federal status documents (e.g., current SF-50 / performance appraisal or separation SF-50). VEOA / Military Spouse cannot be used to circumvent federal status requirements. Applicants will be considered on federal status first. Military status will be considered only if federal status cannot be used. Eligibilities must be fully documented to receive consideration. If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee. OTHER NOTES: See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for this position. See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position. This is a non-bargaining unit position to be filled under the provisions of the Management Officials Promotion Plan. The best-qualified list for this vacancy may be used to fill the same or similar positions in this office. Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date the best qualified list is issued. Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series). This is a high-risk public trust position. You may be required to complete Standard Form 85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions, to have the appropriate investigation conducted. Position is assigned to: Security and Resiliency Cyber Security