General Counsel

General Counsel

Department: Department of Defense

Location(s): Alexandria, Virginia

Salary Range: $219000 - $228000 Per Year

Job Summary: The General Counsel position is in the Senior Executive Service (SES), a small elite group of top government leaders. The Inspector General (IG) reports to and operates under the general supervision of the Secretary of Defense. The DoD IG has responsibility to detect and deter fraud, waste, and abuse, and promote the economy and efficiency of DoD Programs and operations, in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978, P.L. 95-452, as amended.

Major Duties:

• Serves as the principal legal advisor to the IG and provides guidance and direction regarding OIG legal matters.
• Renders definitive legal opinions on policy matters concerning the OIG that require the IG's personal attention. A substantial number of these opinions are on matters of the greatest significance.
• Participates in major planning and policy deliberations at top levels within the OIG. Calls attention to legal requirements that must be met or that would limit or prohibit a proposed action.
• Assists in preparing the IG and other senior officials to testify before Congressional committees.
• Renders advice and legal opinions on matters that have an impact on virtually all substantive and operational programs of the Department of Defense.
• As the Designated Ethics Official (DAEO), the incumbent executes the OIG Ethics Program, ensuring accurate reporting of financial interests by suspense dates established in law, rule or regulation.
• Supervises the OIG's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act Office and serves as the OIG FOIA Appellate Authority.
• Supervises the OIG’s Subpoena Program.

Qualifications: 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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Technical Qualifications (TQs) or the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Management experience in leading and motivating a highly trained professional legal staff. Diversified experience dealing with highly complex issues within a number of the subject areas relevant to the OIG, which include: appropriations and fiscal law; procurement/contract law; constitutional law; criminal law; and administrative law. Comprehensive knowledge of DoD and/or government organization and operations and familiarity with the OIG mission and responsibilities. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQ): ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below. Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. 1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. 2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application. 3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete

Application Deadline: 2026-02-02