Job Vacancy Announcement - Ethics Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Office of Management (OM)
Ethics Branch (EB)

Program Overview

The NIMH Office of Management (OM) provides strategic leadership, direction, oversight, and consultation on the business and management operations in support of the Institute’s scientific mission. This position is located within the Ethics Branch (EB) in the OM.

NIMH’s Ethics Branch plans, directs, and implements a comprehensive ethics program in accordance with requirements established by the Office of Government Ethics, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the NIH Ethics Office. It guides the standards of ethical conduct and conflict of interest issues for prospective and current employees and the advisory committees that serve NIMH.

The Branch also responds to inquiries on conflicts of interest, acceptable gifts, and seeking and post-employment restrictions. It serves as a liaison to the NIH Ethics Office and the HHS Office of General Council Ethics Division.

Position Duties

The incumbent’s duties may include but are not limited to assisting the Ethics Coordinator (EC) and Deputy Ethics Counselor (DEC) on the various elements of the NIMH ethics program. The candidate will administer the filing and certification of public and confidential disclosure of employees' financial interests. They must demonstrate the ability to provide analysis and advice under the Standards of Ethical Conduct with respect to awards, honorary degrees, prohibited gifts, conflicts of interest, impartiality, and ethics clearance for NIH staff participation on clinical protocols.

The incumbent will be responsible for applying a complex array of substantive laws and policies to the analyses and evaluation of a full range of functions required by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, as amended, and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) regulations for the Executive Branch Ethics Program. Selectee will be responsible for developing and implementing an education and training program regarding ethics, political activity, and related topics, in concert with the NIMH EC and DEC.

Qualifications

To qualify for an Ethics Specialist position at the GS-12 level, the candidate must have experience performing the following types of tasks: interpreting and applying ethics statutes, regulations, and policies; conducting conflict of issues reviews, including financial disclosure, recusals, and gift exceptions; providing advice on possible conflict of interest violations; providing ethics training materials for use in new employee orientations.

To qualify for an Ethics Specialist position at the GS-13 level, the candidate must have experience performing the following types of tasks: providing advice to employees and managers on the interpretation and application of ethics statutes, regulations, and policies on issues including financial disclosure, recusals, and gift exceptions; reviewing confidential and public financial disclosure reports or prohibited holdings reports; providing advice on possible conflict of interest violations and making corrective action recommendations; and developing guidance materials and delivering training on ethics program requirements and activities.

The incumbent is under closer supervision and receives more detailed instructions at the GS-12 level. At the GS-13 level, the amount of supervision gradually reduces.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to: NIMHSearch@nih.gov.

Benefits

The Ethics Specialist will be selected at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. In addition, full benefits, including leave, health, and life insurance may be provided. HHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

HHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.