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Posted: January 16, 2026 (0 days ago)

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General Counsel

Office of Inspector General

Department of Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$219,000 - $228,000

per year

Type

Closes

February 2, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This role serves as the top legal advisor for the Department of Defense's Office of Inspector General, offering expert guidance on complex legal issues to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs.

It involves leading a team of lawyers, shaping policies, and ensuring operations align with U.S. laws and constitutional principles.

Ideal candidates are experienced senior attorneys passionate about public service, efficiency in government, and upholding the rule of law.

Key Requirements

  • Management experience leading and motivating a professional legal staff
  • Diversified expertise in complex legal areas including appropriations/fiscal law, procurement/contract law, constitutional law, criminal law, and administrative law
  • Comprehensive knowledge of DoD or government organization, operations, and OIG mission
  • Demonstrated commitment to the U.S. Constitution, rule of law, and American founding principles
  • Proven ability to drive efficiency through resource management, budgeting, and process improvements
  • Strong leadership skills to inspire teams, foster high performance, and achieve organizational goals
  • Track record of delivering high-quality results aligned with superior objectives

Full Job Description

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.

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.

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.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/16/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/17/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: IG-26-12862240-OGC-SES