Summary GAO supports the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities to legislate, appropriate, and oversee the Federal government for the benefit of the American people. GAO, commonly referred to as the investigative arm of Congress, or the congressional watchdog, is independent and nonpartisan. GAO assists Congress in making informed decisions by providing information on policy and program issues, as well as by providing recommendations to make government more effective and responsive. Responsibilities At the Band IIA, the incumbent serves as an IT Specialist (Data Management) providing consultative services and technical assistance in support of engagements related to data analysis. Duties involve, but are not limited to, the following: Takes the lead role in programming code in SAS and other software packages-including but not limited to SAS Enterprise Guide, ArcGIS, MapInfo, SQL, Sudaan, Access, Oracle, Visual Basic, R, Perl, Python--to perform primary data analysis on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux and mainframe environments. Designs, normalizes, develops, implements, and maintains custom data bases, (SAS data sets, Access databases, etc.) of varying size and complexity to compile data for analysis. This includes working with large data sets from agencies such as Census (STF/SF files, SIPP, ACS, CPS), SSA (Master Beneficiary Record, Death Master File), IRS, and various other executive branch agencies. Analyzes relational database structures and system documentation received from federal agencies to assist in making appropriate data requests. Participates in auditing data mining and data warehousing systems. Designs, develops, and maintains data management systems that meet current and future agency requirements. Develops data architecture for the implementation of statistical data modeling. Designs, develops, maintains, and audits databases of federal agencies. Defines and allocates storage capacity of data management systems. Plans and coordinates the migration of data to newer versions of database management systems. Monitors database performance and recommends improvements to increase efficiency. Generates complex reports and queries in response to customer requirements. Analyzes and defines data requirements and specifications by assisting teams in developing an analysis plan, which is linked to the engagement's researchable questions and describes key assumptions, data elements to be analyzed, selection criteria used, and potential analysis to be presented in the product. Ensures the rigorous application of information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of information services by making certain that products meet all GAO standards for quality and are in conformance with all agency policies and requirements. Develops and administers data standards, policies, and procedures relating to data analysis, management, and retention; which may include issues relating to data capacity requirements. Installs, configures, and maintains database management systems software both in ARM's Data Facility and in approved telework locations, as needed. Advises and assists engagement teams in selecting and acquiring data in accordance with GAO standards. Uses electronic testing of data to assess the accuracy and reliability of data to determine appropriate use for GAO reporting. Participates in development of report findings when data analysis is the basis for conclusions. Provides advice on how electronic data should be collected for engagements. Selects, refines, organizes, and presents factual information and analysis in support of engagement objectives. In collaboration with engagement team members, decides on scope, form, content, and depth of analysis. Works with non-technical staff in support of engagements. Negotiates appropriate data use issues when they arise. Communicates data issues to non-technical clients to ensure the analysis complies with the desired reporting objectives. Works on multiple engagements simultaneously. Responsible for managing own time and maintaining communication with engagement teams to successfully juggle varying needs and unexpected delays. Participates in aspects of design, researchable question development, data collection and analysis, message development, and report writing and helps ensure the quality and value of the final product. Submits programs for verification and peer review, and reviews and verifies programs done by others. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a full-time or part-time GAO employee on a permanent appointment. All qualifications must be met by May 5, 2024 (effective date of promotion) You must meet the experience requirements for this position. Qualifications Basic Qualification Requirements: Your experience must be IT related gained in the IT field or through the performance of work where the primary concern is IT; and demonstrate each of the four competencies listed below: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND Minimum Qualification Requirements for Band IIA: (1) You must have a minimum of 104 weeks of GAO experience, equivalent to at least the next lower band level (PE-I, PA-I, PT-II, PT-I, AC-III, AC-IV), in a position implementing, analyzing, and maintaining custom databases using SAS, Stata, R and other comparable software packages and demonstrated skill in conducting moderately complex analyses of primary and/or secondary data; analyzing and defining data requirements and specifications; and participating in the development of data for the implementation of statistical data modeling. OR (2) You must have 78 weeks of GAO experience, equivalent to at least the next lower band level (PE-I, PA-I, PT-II, PT-I, AC-III, AC-IV), and have a minimum of 52 weeks of directly related work experience in a position implementing, analyzing, and maintaining custom databases using SAS, Stata, R and other comparable software packages and demonstrated skill in conducting moderately complex analyses of primary and/or secondary data; analyzing and defining data requirements and specifications; and participating in the development of data for the implementation of statistical data modeling prior to starting work at GAO by May 5, 2024. Education There is no positive education requirement for this position. Additional Information Band IIA promotion opportunities for GAO's mission teams will be available in all applicable geographical locations. For information on the number of Band IIA promotion opportunities by team, please see the GAO-wide Notice published and distributed (via email) earlier this month. This position is included in the bargaining unit. If you would like to apply for Specialists promotion opportunities (IT Analyst, Financial Auditor, etc.), you must submit a separate application directly to the appropriate announcement for each Specialist position for which you wish to be considered. This position is a moderate risk public trust position with possible upgrade to a Secret or Top Secret or SCI clearance depending on the type of engagement the employee will be assigned to within the mission teams. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request accommodation, please email [email protected] U.S. Government Accountability Office's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. If selected for promotion, you will be promoted in your current duty station. If you are selected for a promotion and have applied for a Flexible Work Agreement (FWA) or Remote Work Agreement (RWA), and are approved for one of these agreements, you will have to re-apply if selected for promotion based on the new position to which you will be promoted. Additionally, you may have a 90-day waiting period if you have requested FWA or RWA to a new geographical location.