Lead Economist, MC-110-3b/3a

Summary

This position is in the Economic Analysis Division, Department of Policy and Evaluation (DPE), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). MCC uses a pay-band system to compensate employees. This position is pay band 3b/3a which is generally equal to GS-14/15. Veterans preference does not apply when selecting individuals under Direct-Hire Authority (DHA). Any qualified applicant may be selected without regard to competitive rating and ranking and veterans' preference procedures.

Duties

Leads the cost benefit analysis (CBA) of MCC investments. Conducts research on potential benefit streams and applies economic expertise to ensure industry leading cost benefit analysis. Works closely with colleagues across the agency during project development and provides input into program design processes to enhance the cost-effectiveness and targeting of investment proposals under consideration. Works closely with country directors and sector leads to maintaining a current profile of the economics of ongoing projects, including the maintenance of current CBA models, and provides timely analysis of the economic implications of possible changes in project design. Leads growth diagnostic (constraints analysis) research for MCC programs under development. Ensures all contributors to the analysis are applying up to date and appropriate economic analysis techniques consistent with the latest in academic literature. Leads and/or supports sector diagnostic studies (i.e. root cause analysis) for potential areas of MCC investment, applying sector knowledge and economic logic. Leads beneficiary analysis that builds on the CBA to identify beneficiaries. Contributes to the preparation of and participates in program performance reporting and management reviews. Attends and contributes to meetings with country teams, host country stakeholders, US government officials, and other partners in host countries. Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and evaluation

A review of your application and supporting documents will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for the position and to ensure that you have been placed in the appropriate quality category. The HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities related to the position such as: Oral Communication Technical Competence Writing Based on the information you provided in your application package, you will be placed in one of three quality categories - Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Those applicants who are determined to be best qualified will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and may be called for an interview. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience your category can and will be adjusted to more reflect your abilities, and you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Applicants must include their own documented examples of the required experience in their resume. Applicants who copy the duties section of this announcement into their resume as their current experience will be disqualified.

Education

In addition to meeting the qualification requirements, This position has a minimum education requirement. You must have a 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 in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

How to apply

Candidates are encouraged to use the USAJOBS-formatted Resume Builder to ensure that you have submitted a complete application. For tips on preparing your resume see: For tips on preparing your resume see: (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/). Your resume should not exceed two pages in length and meet all requirements listed in the job announcement (https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit). To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Once your application is ready, you'll be sent from USAJOBS to the application system. Follow the prompts to complete your application and the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure that you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account at www.usajobs, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/09/2026.

Required documents

The following documents must be received by the closing date of this announcement: Resume - Applicants are encouraged to utilize resumes created using information contained in the USAJOBS-formatted Resume Builder (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/). Your resume should not exceed two pages in length and meet all requirements listed in the job announcement (https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit). see the USAJOBS resume builder. If you are eligible for CTAPICTAP, you must provide proof of eligibility, (a recent Standard Form 50, (SF-50), separation notice) and a copy of your latest performance appraisal including your official rating. (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.PDF) If you are displaced Federal employee, you may be entitled to receive special priority consideration under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. See http://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/#transitionTo be considered eligible under ICTAP or CTAP, you must be placed in the "well-qualified" category for this position, as described above. Veterans Preference documentation (DD-214 - member 4 copy or other copies that indicate character of discharge or equivalent, SF-15 and VA Letter as appropriate) to validate your claim. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, see: https://www.fedshirevets.gov If you are eligible for Special Appointment eligibility (e.g., 30% compensable veteran, individuals with disabilities, former Peace Corps or other noncompetitive eligibility candidates.) requires submission of supporting documentation. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/employ/students/fedhire.asp#authorities, http://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/ CTAP/ICTAP candidates must provide one of the following documents with their application: A copy of your RIF separation notice or notice of position abolishment; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or change in duty location; official notice stating you are eligible for discontinued service retirement; agency certification that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable work-related injury or illness; official military notice stating you are eligible for a special disability retirement for Military Reserve or National Guard technicians; or notice from OPM stating your disability retirement annuity has been or will be terminated. If you are a current or former political appointee (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or presidential appointee employee), you must submit a copy of a your SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent appointment (position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee, agency, beginning and ending dates of appointment, etc.). Unofficial college transcripts - if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify "Unofficial" transcripts are acceptable. If selected for the position, prior to your appointment, an official transcript will be required.

Additional information

This position will be filled under Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) - Veterans preference does not apply when selecting individuals under DHA. Any qualified applicant may be selected without regard to competitive rating and ranking and veterans' preference procedures. If you are eligible for CTAPICTAP, you must provide proof of eligibility, (a recent Standard Form 50 (SF-50),a separation notice) and a copy of your latest performance appraisal including your official rating. If you are eligible for CTAP/ICTAP, you may apply for a vacancy at or below the grade level you are separated from that does not have greater promotion potential than your last position. You can apply for jobs at higher grades or with greater promotion potential, but you will not receive selection priority for those jobs. You must provide proof of eligibility (promotion potential) for the higher grade( SF-50). (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.PDF #13. Can I get priority for higher-graded positions?) If you are not a current federal employee this position may authorize a one time Recruitment bonus to be paid over a specified period. Selected individual will be required to a sign service agreement prior to receiving any bonus payments. If you are a current federal employee this position may authorize a one time Relocation bonus to be paid over a specified period. Selected individual will be required to a sign service agreement prior to receiving any bonus payments. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. Selectee may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower level, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Please note that qualification claims will be subject to verification. Your pay will be set within the range specified in this vacancy announcement and will be based on your qualifications, education, experience, training, and availability of funds. If the position is advertised with promotion potential, the selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition. Selection at a lower pay band level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level, nor is the promise of promotion implied. DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Applicants must include their own documented examples of the required experience in their resume. Applicants who copy the duties section of this announcement into their resume as their current experience will be disqualified. Selectee may be required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form (OGE 450). You must be able to obtain and maintain a Government contractor issued travel card to be used for official business. Selectee may be required to complete a probationary/trial period.