Research Economist

Summary

The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is seeking Research Economists to conduct regulatory analysis and lead the Commission's economic analysis in support of rulemaking, policy development, and oversight. The OCE provides expert economic advice to the Commission, with a primary focus on regulatory impact analysis, market impact assessment, and evaluation of regulatory alternatives; to foster market transparency by disseminating its research to market participants and the general public.

Duties

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If selected for this position you will;

• Formulate and conduct economic research and expert analyses for the CFTC as it relates to the Commission's policy development.
• Provide expert advice on matters considered by the Commission and the operating divisions. Serve as a consultant and advisor to senior Commission policymakers on policy issues and proposed legislation.
• Examine the impact of proposed policies on the structure and performance of futures, options, swaps, and other derivative markets. Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the function, utilization, or regulation of derivatives markets. The products of such studies provide guidance throughout the CFTC in such activities as developing and revising regulations, evaluating exchange rules, developing trade reporting requirements, and taking regulatory actions.
• Conduct research on the history of derivatives markets and their regulation. Study the historical performance of futures and swaps contracts, with the objective of increasing the Commission's understanding of which contract features contribute to a contract's commercial success or failure.
• Analyze the economic costs and benefits of proposed regulatory actions on the futures and swaps markets, cash commodity markets, and the U.S. economy, based on the result of analysis and research and development of proposed regulatory policies for consideration by CFTC.
• Analyze the structure of the various futures, swaps, and other derivatives markets and the composition and nature of market participation.
• Identify and define the nature and scope of issues and problems; gather, develop, weigh and/or validate data; balance a wide variety of requirements and concerns such as financial, historical, technical, political, public interest and broad direct and indirect impacts; develop and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various alternatives; prepare documents, present findings and conclusions; recommend and advise on policies and strategies in assigned areas and identifies areas where additional study and analysis is needed.
• Educate other staff members and the public on the economics of futures, derivatives, and cash markets. This may involve teaching classes for CFTC employees or preparing brochures and documents for the Office of Public Affairs.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background/Security Investigation
• May be required to serve one-year probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

You will be evaluated based on your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:

Economic Research - Knowledge of and experience researching financial and economic theories, microeconomics principles, and advanced statistical and quantitative techniques which are used to formulate quantitative and qualitative assessments.

Financial Analysis - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, derivatives pricing, and modeling to interpret quantitative and qualitative data; includes evaluating key financial indicators, trends, and historical data.

Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates and produces complex economic and statistical information in a clear and organized manner.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet both the basic requirement and specialized experience for the positions.

Basic Requirement

Applicants must possess one of the following:

A) Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)

-OR

B) Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)

In addition to the basic requirements for this position:

To qualify for the CT-14 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-13 level). Specialized experience includes but is not limited to:

• Experience performing quantitative and qualitative studies of financial markets.
• Experience performing economic research and analysis related to the regulation of derivatives markets.
• Experience translating complex economic and data-driven information into clear, policy-relevant, guidance to support senior-level decision-making.

Education

Please refer to the OPM Economist Series 0110 qualifications standard for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position.

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

This position is in the Bargaining Unit.

Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Probationary Period:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• Your performance and conduct;
• The needs and interests of the agency;
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.

The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.

The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.

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.

Review our 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.