Leahy Vetting Advisor

Leahy Vetting Advisor

Department of State – International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)

Washington, DC | Onsite | Full-Time

About Us

Totally Joined for Achieving Collaborative Techniques (TJFACT) is a minority-owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) delivering mission-focused professional services and technology solutions to the U.S. Government. Our teams support critical federal missions through collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence while building lasting partnerships with our customers, employees, and industry partners.

About This Position

TJFACT is seeking a well-qualified Leahy Vetting Advisor to support the Department of State – INL/WHP (WHA/CAR) office, in Washington, DC. This position is equivalent to a Vetting Advisor.

The Leahy Vetting Advisor (“Advisor”) is responsible for vetting at the post level, in accordance with the Leahy Vetting Laws, ensuring proper coordination with the Political, Economic, Consular, Diplomatic Security and INL Sections as required. The Advisor conducts vetting of law enforcement and security force candidates for training and other foreign assistance benefits searching classified records up to Top Secret-level as well as unclassified electronic records, to 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 coordinates with the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) Vetting Advisors and Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight (FAO) Vetters on vetting results.

Please note: This position is being recruited in support of a TPC proposal effort. Any offer of employment is contingent upon contract award and successful completion of all pre-employment requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts USG human rights vetting of military and police personnel receiving U.S. assistance, including training and other benefits in Haiti, and the Western Hemisphere, as necessary.
• Provides subject matter expertise in vetting procedures for Embassy Port au Prince. Provides relevant recommendations and analysis to senior officials on vetting and human rights cases.
• Attends working level interagency meetings to review difficult cases and recommends actions regarding derogatory information found. Raises problematic issues to senior levels as necessary. Consults with other offices in the State Department on the Leahy legislation and its amendments.
• Supports the process to review and amend Postvetting procedures and updates standard operation procedures to ensure more efficient processes.
• Coordinates clearances with appropriate sections at Post involved in the vetting process.
• Coordinates with all relevant sections of Post to ensure timely and effective responses to all vetting requests for security forces in Haiti.
• Reviews incoming vetting requests and conducts all required checks on those unit(s) or individual(s) to receive U.S. assistance within timeframes established by Post leadership. When derogatory information surfaces, verifies information through appropriate channels to make a final recommendation on such unit(s) or individual(s) within required timeframes.
• Follows U.S. law and regulations, advises regarding “remediation” efforts at Post to clear previously problematic units, if appropriate.
• Annually reviews the ‘suspended’ cases to ensure they receive continued follow up toward approval or rejection, if appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in international affairs, human rights, or other relevant field.
• 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.
• Active Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic French and/or Haitian Creole 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

TJFACT is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We reserve the right to modify or revise job descriptions, in whole or in part. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable law.