Program Specialist

National Institutes of Health • Baltimore, MD

20d

About The Position

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking Program Specialists to support its Institutes and Centers. Program Specialists develop and implement comprehensive plans and strategies and coordinate the integration of day-to-day and long-range projects, programs, and activities supporting administrative functions and scientific research.

The role includes evaluating program and operational effectiveness, analyzing performance data, identifying issues, and recommending improvements. Specialists develop plans and recommendations based on existing methods and procedures, coordinate actions across functional or organizational lines, and maintain integrated reporting systems. They research complex program issues, participate in inter- and intra-agency meetings, and develop policies, procedures, and guidelines for program or administrative implementation.

The position is designated Tier II, non-emergency/teleworker. In the event of a closure, the employee must be available to telework or request leave. A one- or two-year trial or probationary period may apply depending on the appointment.

Requirements

• Meet U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Successfully complete required background investigation, qualification verification, onboarding forms, document submission, and other job-related requirements before or after appointment.
• Meet all qualification requirements within 30 calendar days of the announcement closing date, including time-in-grade requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Be able to perform the essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• GS-09 qualification: master's or equivalent graduate degree, two years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.; alternatively, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, or a qualifying combination of related post-baccalaureate education and experience.
• GS-09 specialized experience includes assisting with program practices and procedures; participating in administrative or management studies, including analyzing data and developing reporting formats; or supporting program planning and analysis using integrated reporting systems.
• GS-11 qualification: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education toward such a degree, or a related LL.M.; alternatively, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, or a qualifying combination of related post-baccalaureate education and experience.
• GS-11 specialized experience includes evaluating program efficiency and effectiveness and interpreting policy impacts; planning and evaluating priorities, resources, workforce management, and performance; participating in organizational project and initiative plans; or reviewing information and preparing analytical reports with recommendations.
• GS-12 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11.
• GS-12 specialized experience includes evaluating programs in areas such as grant review, program support management, financial management, procurement, quality assurance, management analysis, or administrative program management; formulating and executing action plans; supporting program planning and analysis; evaluating the impact of new policies; or determining effectiveness measures for organizational goals and objectives.
• Applicants relying on education in lieu of specialized experience are encouraged to submit transcripts or a list of courses, credit hours, and grades. Unofficial transcripts are accepted with applications; official transcripts are required from selectees before an official offer.
• A reasonable accommodation request and supporting documentation for USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received before starting the assessments, when applicable.
• Complete all USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within 48 hours of receiving the assessment URL if the link is received after the announcement closes.
• Candidates should be committed to improving federal government efficiency, the ideals of the American republic, the rule of law, and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive plans and strategies for integrating day-to-day and long-range projects, actions, and activities.
• Analyze and evaluate program or operational effectiveness against established goals and objectives, using quantitative or qualitative methods.
• Analyze program performance data, identify issues, and recommend improvements.
• Extrapolate from existing methods and procedures to anticipate future requirements and develop timely, executable action plans and recommendations.
• Coordinate actions that cross functional or organizational lines, including extensive coordination when necessary.
• Plan, develop, maintain, and monitor integrated reporting systems and communicate information to management to support evaluation of program operations and performance.
• Research or analyze unstable or complex program issues.
• Participate in inter- and intra-agency meetings and obtain cooperation and agreement on program or administrative issues.
• Develop recommendations and policies and prepare and issue procedures and guidelines for implementing program or administrative policies, delegations, and requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency can provide details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level