Leahy Vetting Advisor

Leahy Vetting Advisor

Location District of Columbia, Washington

Department RECRUITING

Employment Duration Full Time

The Celestar Corporation has been issued a task order to provide support to the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). As a result, we're looking for a Leahy Vetting Advisor who will be seated in Washington, DC. If interested and qualified, we welcome you to apply for this challenging opportunity.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT : A Top Secret/SCI clearance is required for this position.

POSITION LOCATION: This physical work location is in the WHA Regional Bureau (WHA/PPC) office located at HST2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.

TELEWORK: If applicable, telework is authorized only with prior INL Office Director, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer's Representative approval, in accordance with Department of State and INL policies.

TRAVEL: Travel is authorized for this position in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : The period of performance for this order will be one (01) year from the date of award, with the option to extend for six (06) months, subject to performance, need, and funding. The INL Contracting Officer (CO) will notify the Vendor of the Government's intent to exercise an option before the end of each performance period in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.

BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of State leads American diplomacy, with the Secretary of State serving as the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The Department's mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, combat terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that enhance the safety, strength, and prosperity of Americans.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) safeguards Americans by countering international crime, disrupting illegal drug flows into the United States, and weakening transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). INL collaborates with global partners to target the finances, networks, and safe havens of these entities. INL strengthens the internal security of partner nations and supports regional leaders who promote stability, helping to reduce illegal immigration to the United States.

The INL/Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) supports U.S. government efforts to combat fentanyl and drug trafficking in Central America through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). CARSI works with partner governments in the region to combat narcotics trafficking, strengthen border security, and deter crime. It provides training, equipment, and canines to help detect and interdict narcotics, including fentanyl and precursor chemicals used in its production.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Leahy Vetting Advisor, referred to as Advisor in this document, will conduct vetting of law enforcement and security force candidates for training as required under the Leahy Laws. The Advisor will search up to Top Secret-level classified and also unclassified electronic records, assess the information found, and recommend a course of action with respect to derogatory information on individuals and/or units implicated in gross violation of human rights (GVHR) and non-GVHR cases. The Advisor may provide backup to the Bureau of Western Hampshire Affairs (WHA) Vetting Advisors in WHA and work with Posts and Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Vetter's to resolve any differences of interpretation of vetting results.

TRAINING: This BPA Call provides for mandatory training for DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes (reference 13 FAM 300 Agency Mandated Training), which shall be completed promptly and in accordance with Department policy. These trainings do not require INL Contracting Officer (CO) approval. Travel-related training (i.e., FACT (CT650), HTSOS-C, etc.), may be required, if applicable. The Contractor's Program Manager (PM) shall coordinate with INL/EX/GAPP to determine if applicable and if INL (CO)'s approval is required before. All other training requires INL CO approval.

LEVEL OF EFFORT: Hours for the position will be the core hours of the Department of State: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, unless the WHA/PPC on-site supervisor approves another time.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts USG human rights vetting of military and police personnel receiving U.S. assistance, including training and other benefits in Central America and Mexico, and the Western Hemisphere, as necessary.
• Provides subject matter expertise in vetting procedures for the Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau. Provides relevant recommendations and analysis to senior officials on vetting and human rights cases.
• Attends working-level interagency meetings to review difficult cases and recommend actions regarding derogatory information found. Raises problematic issues to senior levels as necessary. Consults with other geographic bureaus on the Leahy legislation and
  its amendments.
• Supports the process of reviewing and amending WHA vetting procedures and updates standard operating procedures to ensure more efficient processes.
• Coordinates clearances with appropriate DOS bureaus and embassies involved in the vetting process.
• Coordinates with WHA Desk Officers and Officers from Posts throughout the Western Hemisphere to ensure timely and effective responses to all vetting requests for security forces in Central America, Mexico, and the Western Hemisphere, as necessary.
• Reviews incoming vetting requests and conducts all required checks on those units or individuals to receive U.S. assistance within timeframes established by Leahy Vetting leadership in WHA/PPC. When derogatory information surfaces, verify information through appropriate channels to make a final recommendation on such unit(s) or individual(s) within the required timeframes.
• Follows U.S. law and regulations, advising on "remediation" efforts within the Bureau to clear previously problematic units, as appropriate.
• Annually reviews the 'suspended' cases to ensure they receive continued follow-up toward approval or rejection, if appropriate.
• Serves as backup Leahy Advisor for other Vetter on the WHA vetting team, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizen or legal U.S. resident.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two (02) years' work experience in international affairs, human rights, or other relevant fields.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and in conducting internet research.
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills to include drafting of action and info memos, congressional testimony.
• Press guidance and congressional and general correspondence.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic Spanish language reading ability.
• Demonstrated understanding of judicial and/or police training activities, and U.S. laws and regulations governing such activity.
• Demonstrated understanding of the human rights situation in the countries of the Western Hemisphere.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively.

IMPORTANT NOTE : This is a Best Athlete Selection Process! Please ensure that the required and/or desired experience is reflected on your resume to receive fair and competitive consideration.

Celestar is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, gender identity, or national origin.