Leahy Vetter II

Cherokee Federal•Washington, DC

18h•Onsite

About The Position

A Leahy Vetter II is an experienced law enforcement professional responsible for conducting thorough background investigations and vetting processes for individuals seeking employment or participation in sensitive government programs. They perform comprehensive checks to verify personal, professional, and educational histories, as well as conduct interviews and collect relevant information to assess an individual's eligibility and credibility. They adhere to strict guidelines and protocols to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. A Leahy Vetter II works closely with law enforcement agencies, government officials, and other stakeholders to provide reliable and objective recommendations based on their findings. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of sensitive government programs and operations.

Requirements

Master’s Degree or equivalent and three (3) years of relevant professional experience or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent and five (5) years of relevant professional experience.
At least two (2) years Leahy Vetting experience with the Department of State.
Requires TOP SECRET/SCI Security Clearance.
Familiarity of human rights and democracy records of foreign governments within the assigned country portfolio and an understanding of applicable international standards of human rights.
Familiarity of the principals, theories, and practices of international relations; ability to apply these to participate in Africa Bureau activities to promote the values of democracy and human rights throughout the world.
Familiarity of security forces, military organizations (to include common unit and rank structures) and equipment worldwide, especially of non-democratic countries.
Demonstrated knowledge of DOS bureaus, functions, programs, relationships, and resources; including a broad-based knowledge of organizations and programs that constitute the U.S. foreign affairs community.
Demonstrated ability to develop professional working relationships.
Demonstrated proficiency in computerized tracking of action requests and information searches, both classified and open sources.
Demonstrated ability to conduct research using analytical methods to validate, evaluate, and interpret in- formation obtained from a variety of sources.
Demonstrated ability to plan and organize activities to accomplish assignments independently according to established policies and practices.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize communication skills to prepare and present analysis, participate in meetings/discussions, and defend recommendations/proposals.
Demonstrated fluency of English speaking and writing.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

Serves as a point of contact for Leahy vetting matters, including applicable embassies and consulates.
Provides daily support to Leahy vetting counterparts at post on both the Department’s policy and technical aspects of vetting.
Manages Leahy vetting requests via the INVESTc (International Vetting and Security Tracking-cloud) System, in coordination with embassies and consulates, as well as the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
Utilizes classified resources from the Bureau for Intelligence and Research (INR) to research the human rights records of security force members and units nominated for US training or assistance. In performing classified searches, analyze sources and content to determine whether there has been a gross violation of human rights or other derogatory offense.
Completes vetting requests within established time frame of receipt from posts.
Reports vetting results findings to the requesting post, funding bureau/agency, and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), per provided protocol. Verifies and assess findings with DRL and embassy counterparts and make recommendations to leadership on its position(s) regarding any potential eligibility determinations.
Maintains both unclassified and classified lists of security force units implicated in gross violations of human rights for reference in the Leahy vetting process and future eligibility determinations.
Provides input to desk officers on any draft papers, memos, cables (i.e., formal State messages), press guidance covering Leahy vetting, security sector reform (SSR), and/or related human rights issues.
Provides periodic reports to management regarding vetting caseload, cases of importance, and changes in Leahy vetting policy or practice.
Makes improvement recommendations regarding the vetting process and management thereof.
Participates in meetings on issues related to human rights, Leahy vetting, and SSR.
Coordinates monthly meetings with other DOS bureaus on human rights training for security forces, with the goal of sharing best practices and developing mutual objectives.
Advises regarding the need for adjustments to training and assistance programs to strengthen human rights components of the training.
Participates in program review meetings and attend meetings that pertain to ongoing funded programs and new requirements, as required.
Coordinates with the Department of Defense (DoD) on the implementation of human rights components of DoD-implemented training and assistance programs.
Supports leadership and desk officers in their engagement on Congressional, inter-agency, and academic audiences regarding the human rights components of the Bureau’s SSR programs.
Prepares and provides briefings on the vetting programs, as required.
Assists on any reports being issued by the bureau related to programs, grants, or contracts, as required.
Assists the PMs in drafting program, contract, and/or grant-related memos, cables (i.e., formal State messages), briefing checklists and background papers.
Support knowledge management efforts to provide a comprehensive understanding of U.S. security assistance to foreign partners, to include the managed Portal.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.