Government Operations Senior Counsel - Office of the House Speaker

Description of Work Oversight is a critical legislative function.
The Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations (Gov Ops) exists to provide legislative oversight of public policies and expenditures.
Oversight functions include evaluation of program costs and benefits, managerial effectiveness, internal control, and compliance, emphasizing the return on taxpayer investment.
Our team assists House Members, committees, and other staff with investigating and evaluating government activities.
We review, monitor, and supervise state agencies and institutions, state-supported nonprofits, and local governments.
The team works to ensure recommendations have been implemented by agencies and suggests further action by the General Assembly when necessary.
Gov Ops staff are partisan legislative staff who report to the House Majority Staff Director.
Ideal candidates are dynamic individuals who can conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, handle multiple assignments, meet tight deadlines, and communicate effectively in plain English.
A good ear for language, a good eye for design, and a good mind for strategy are essential.
Senior Counsel Job Duties: Performs legal and policy research, analysis, and drafting for legislative committees and individual legislators.
Coordinates the operations of a committee, interim committee, or commission with committee chairs.
Develops work priorities, methods, and assignments at the request of or in consultation with legislators, supervisors, or other staff and then works independently to complete tasks.
Compiles data and conducts research for legislative committees and individual legislators.
Meets with interest groups and government agencies on behalf of committees and individual legislators.
Summarizes and analyzes detailed documents, legislation, periodicals, and other written material.
Provides legal counsel to committees and staff.
Writes issue memoranda, briefing papers, and other documents on selected topics.
Submits material requested by committees or legislators to them for approval.
Utilizes quantitative and qualitative analytical skills to study performance impact and outcomes of state programs, including performance measurement, financing, and operational procedures.
Provides accurate and reliable data and analysis to legislators, leadership, colleagues, and the general public.
Verifies the accuracy of analysis performed by other evaluators or entities.
Adheres to strict confidentiality requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies To meet the duties outlined above, candidates should be flexible, highly motivated thinkers and communicators.
In addition, the following specific attributes are sought: Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and procedures of public policy evaluation, performance auditing, or financial/economic analysis.
Clear and concise oral, written, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated aptitude for providing high-quality program development and advice.
Practical knowledge of federal, state, and local government organization and functions.
Ability to perform legal research using appropriate methods of approach and source materials and following office procedures and norms.
Ability to prepare opinions and draft legal and legislative documents.
Ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative rules, and legal precedents.
Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments.
Ability to maintain composure and work cooperatively under pressure with legislators, legislative staff, and the public daily.
Ability to present information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability and willingness to work independently, with other members of the Division, and as part of a coordinated cross-divisional team.
Ability to function as a conscientious employee with a strong work ethic who pays attention to work product and process details.
Ability and willingness to work an extended schedule and extra hours with little or no advance notice.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: An active license to practice law in North Carolina.
Experience conducting program evaluations or audits at the state and/or federal level.
Creative problem solver.
Skilled at quantitative analysis.
Excellent writer.
Capable of successfully working independently or in a team environment.
Proficient public speaker.
Discernment and discretion.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Education & Experience: We will only consider candidates with an active license to practice law in North Carolina.
Candidates should have at least three years of experience practicing law.
Supplemental and Contact Information ***NC General Assembly positions are NOT subject to the State Human Resources Act (G.
S.
126).
*** Applicant Instructions: To apply for this position, submit the North Carolina General Assembly application packet through the NC General Assembly website: https://careers.
ncleg.
gov/ To be considered for this posting, applicants must submit the following materials in the application packet: A fully completed North Carolina General Assembly application.
A detailed cover letter demonstrating the candidate’s understanding of the position, how the candidate’s experience and education are relevant, and why the candidate is interested in the position.
A current résumé (maximum length – 2 pages).
Two writing samples (maximum length per sample – 1,000 words).
All applicant materials will be carefully reviewed for content and completeness.
To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit the General Assembly application packet by 5:00 P.
M.
on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
Agency Contact Information: For additional information or questions about this vacancy announcement, please contact: Joe Coletti, Director of Oversight Staff for the House Majority Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations (919) 831-4261 ***Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application.
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