Summary

The U.S. National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for an Attorney Advisor (Assistant General Counsel) position specializing in federal procurement and contract law within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Office of the Director (OD), Alexandria, VA.

For more information on OGC please click here.

For more information on OD please click here.

Duties

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The incumbent serves as an Attorney Advisor providing legal counsel on a wide range of general law matters, with an emphasis on federal procurement and contract law. The Attorney Advisor works closely with program offices, leadership, and administrative staff to support NSF's mission through the delivery of timely, practical, and legally sound advice.

The position advises on acquisitions and contract administration, including bid protests and contractor disputes.

In addition, the Attorney Advisor provides legal guidance on the acquisition, management, and disposal of federal property and represents NSF in negotiations, interagency and executive branch working groups, and administrative proceedings. The incumbent conducts legal research and prepares written opinions and other work products to inform decision-making and mitigate legal risk.

This position requires the ability to analyze complex legal issues, balance legal and programmatic considerations, and collaborate effectively across a diverse, mission-driven organization dedicated to scientific discovery and innovation.

Major Duties

• Provides legal advice on federal procurement and contract law, including acquisitions, contract administration, bid protests, and contractor disputes.
• Provides legal guidance on the acquisition, management, and disposal of federal property, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Represents the agency in negotiations, interagency working groups, and administrative proceedings, and supports litigation as needed.
• Conducts legal research and prepares memoranda, opinions, and other written products to support agency programs and leadership decision-making.
• Collaborates with program offices and leadership to identify legal risks and develop practical, legally sound solutions aligned with mission priorities.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

1. Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding.
2. Selectee may be required to serve a 2-year trial period.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

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

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for situational telework. Situational telework may be approved on an occasional basis in accordance with agency policy, supervisory approval, and operational requirements. Selected candidates interested in telework, or other workplace flexibility arrangements, should discuss available options with the selecting official. Participation in telework is voluntary and requires an approved telework agreement.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a J.D. from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), plus 6 or more years of professional legal experience gained after completion of the pertinent degree.

Candidates must have expertise related to the areas of law relevant to the position for which they wish to be considered, as articulated in the Duties and Experience section above.

Bar Membership: Member in good standing of the bar of a State, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (must provide supporting documentation).

Also, desirable, but not required, is experience and/or interest in other areas of Federal government legal practice, such as intellectual property, regulatory compliance, general litigation, and/or environmental law.

Education

Please refer to the Qualifications section.

If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, please also submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.

Additional information

Relocation expenses WILL NOT be paid.

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

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.