Industry Economist – Commodities/Derivatives recruitment
This position is located in the Division of Enforcement and the incumbent serves as an expert on economic analyses, and theories and principles. The position is responsible for the economic evaluation of commodity markets fundamentals with a focus on market trading activity and an eye toward identifying and determining whether activity or participants have violated any provision of the Commodity Exchange Act, in particular engaged in manipulative acts and regulations promulgated there under.
DUTIES:
As an Industry Economist in the Division of Enforcement, you will:
- Develop plans and approaches for project and research accomplishment, determining and establishing essential framework, providing technical guidance, coordination and direction to Division staff members and staying up-to-date with analyses of current market development and changes in rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Lead teams in the execution of studies related to the collection, analysis and interpretation of economic information relating to the economy that will have an impact on Division of Enforcement actions.
- Provide leadership and direction in the Division’s manipulation and trade practice investigations. Leverage extensive industry experience to identify and evaluate trading strategies; provides expert assessments of the potentially manipulative nature of any market conduct; and evaluate the market impact of trading activities.
- Formulate and identify original and innovative ideas, concepts and new methods in areas with little or no precedent. Present and interpret study’s findings so that implications are clearly understood by the requestor or decision maker.
- Identify and analyze any policy issues and make policy recommendations.
- Identify specific problems for study and recommends the most fruitful studies to undertake. Presents and interprets the study’s findings so that implications are clearly understood by the requester or decision maker.
- Plan and conduct in-depth interviews with market participants, experts, government officials and other relevant individuals as necessary for carrying out economic analyses for industry studies, significant market developments and potential or ongoing investigations.
- Provide written reports and recommendations relating to analyses undertaken that demonstrate expert knowledge of a variety of commodities and derivatives markets and industry operations.
- Participate in the taking of depositions in support of the Division’s investigations.
- Provide litigation support, such as writing reports for expert testimony or testifying as an expert witness.
- Make recommendations for identifying needs for original studies and prepares supporting justification. Incumbent is responsible not only for the thoroughness of the analysis, but for the significance of the findings and the effectiveness of the presentation of the results.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
As a basic requirement, all applicants for professional Economist positions must demonstrate either:
- a successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus; OR
- a combination of education and experience – courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
CT-14: In addition to the basic requirements, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the CT/GS-13 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service.
Examples of specialized experience include: (a) individual economic or commodity marketresearch assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation; (b) supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economistsand analysts, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic or commodity marketinformation; or (c) teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.
OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS:
- You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply section).
- Background/Security Investigation.
- Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Please submit a cover letter along with your resume. Your cover letter and resume should provide information on how your relevant experience, training, education and awards demonstrate your:
- Experience analyzing commodity markets and trading activity, including the evaluation of market fundamentals.
- Knowledge of the derivatives industry, including understanding of customary practices, trading operations, risk management principles, and regulations.
- Experience working with large datasets that demonstrates proficiency in using analytical tools such as database software, Excel, SAS, SPSS, etc.
- Ability to lead teams in the identification of analytical problems, formulation and execution analysis plans, and effectively communicate results to senior management.
HOW TO APPLY:
You may submit your application package via email to employment@cftc.gov OR by visiting http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/323232400 for additional application instructions.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (due by 11:59 pm E.S.T. August 17th, 2012):
- Cover Letter and Resume.
- Copy of your transcripts or a list of the courses showing title, number of credits, grade and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected for a position.
Please cite the announcement number (12-066) on all your application documents.