Counterterrorism Vetting Advisor

RWD Consulting•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

RWD Consulting, LLC is seeking a Counterterrorism Vetting Advisor to provide services in support of the work of the Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight, Vetting and Accountability (FAO/VA) to advance U.S. foreign assistance accountability and counterterrorism vetting functions. The Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight's Vetting and Accountability Office (FAO/VA) plays a critical role in ensuring U.S. foreign assistance is provided responsibly and in accordance with U.S. law, policy, and national security objectives. FAO/VA provides guidance, oversight, and accountability across the foreign assistance portfolio, working to prevent U.S. funds and resources from being diverted to terrorists or their affiliates, enforce human rights standards in the provision of U.S. assistance to foreign security forces, and identify and mitigate human rights and civilian harm risks associated with U.S. security assistance and arms transfer decisions. This position supports FAO/VA's counterterrorism (CT) vetting function, providing expert advisory services to protect U.S. foreign assistance from diversion to terrorist organizations and their affiliates.

Requirements

Familiarity with the principles, theories, and practices of international relations, counterterrorism, and U.S. foreign assistance policy.
Familiarity with U.S. assistance programs and terrorist organizations.
Familiarity with vetting frameworks, policies, and procedures.
Proficiency in computerized tracking of action requests and information searches, both classified and open source.
Advanced knowledge of research and analytical methods to validate, evaluate, and interpret information obtained from a variety of sources.
Skill in using open source and classified information sources for geographic and trend analysis.
Demonstrated skill in oral and written communications to prepare and present complex analysis, defend recommendations, and represent FAO/VA in senior-level meetings and discussions.
Ability to independently plan, organize, and lead activities in accordance with established policies and practices.
Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with senior officers throughout the Department and with the broader foreign policy and counterterrorism community.
Familiarity with drafting, clearing, and publishing cables, memos, reports, and other Department of State documents.
At least three to five years of experience in policy analysis, counterterrorism, vetting, or a closely related field is required.
Hold an active TOP SECRET/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.

Responsibilities

Conduct policy analysis and research and assist with policy recommendations in support of FAO/VA's CT vetting mission, including but not limited to counterterrorism and the diversion of U.S. foreign assistance funds and resources to terrorist organizations and their affiliates.
Participate in meetings across the USG and foreign policy community on issues related to CT vetting and foreign assistance accountability, and maintain relationships with key USG, civil society, and bilateral stakeholders and counterparts.
Draft briefing checklists and talking points for FAO/VA leadership; contribute to congressionally mandated reports on CT vetting and foreign assistance accountability concerns; and coordinate with other internal and external stakeholders to facilitate roundtable discussions on CT vetting policy, shared concerns, and best practices.
Serve as FAO/VA's subject matter expert on CT vetting policy, providing authoritative guidance to posts, bureaus, and interagency partners on CT vetting requirements and best practices.
Advise FAO/VA leadership on emerging CT vetting issues, policy gaps, and recommended courses of action.
Draft, clear, and publish policy guidance, bulletins, and other documents related to CT vetting implementation.
Develop and deliver CT vetting training and policy guidance to USG and relevant audiences as needed.
Assist Bureaus/Offices/Posts in the review and adjudication of complex CT vetting cases to ensure U.S. funds and resources are not diverted to terrorists or their affiliates.
Maintain and update CT vetting records and tracking systems in support of FAO/VA's workflow.
Advise Bureau/Offices/Posts on CT vetting best practices, including proactive vetting approaches and risk mitigation strategies.
Represent FAO/VA in senior internal and inter-agency meetings and working groups related to CT vetting.
Maintain relationships with key USG counterparts and stakeholders across the counterterrorism and foreign assistance communities.
Assist posts and the Department in complying with CT vetting-related OIG, GAO, and other audits as needed.
Research, draft, and lead clearance of responses to Congressional inquiries, congressionally mandated reports, and FOIA requests pertaining to CT vetting issues.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of FAO/VA's mission, consistent with FAO's operating principles.