Leahy Vetting Advisor (WHA/CAR)

Universal Strategy Group Inc•Washington, DC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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, & implement foreign policy initiatives that enhance the safety, strength, & prosperity of Americans. The Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) keeps Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, & instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice & fairness by strengthening their police, courts, & corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime & illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores. The INL Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) supports U.S. efforts to combat foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) & criminal gangs in Haiti. WHP provides technical advisory, lethal assistance, tactical equipment & training to help the Haitian National Police (HNP) to identify, dismantle, & investigate FTOs & gangs. INL/WHP also assists the Government of Haiti in police professionalization, strengthening criminal deterrence to hold criminals accountable, counter-narcotics & firearms trafficking investigations, & corrections initiatives.

Requirements

U.S. Citizen
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum of two (2) years' work experience in international affairs, human rights, or another relevant field
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite & in conducting internet research
Excellent oral communication & writing skills to include drafting of action & info memos, congressional testimony, press guidance & congressional & general correspondence

Nice To Haves

Basic French &/or Haitian Creole language reading ability
Active Top-Secret Clearance
Demonstrated understanding of judicial &/or police training activities, & U.S. laws & 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 & proactively

Responsibilities

Conducts USG human rights vetting of military & police personnel receiving U.S. assistance, including training & other benefits in Haiti, & the Western Hemisphere, as necessary
Provides subject matter expertise in vetting procedures for Embassy Port au Prince. Provides relevant recommendations & analysis to senior officials on vetting & human rights cases
Attends working level interagency meetings to review difficult cases & 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 & its amendments
Supports the process to review & amend Post vetting procedures & 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 & effective responses to all vetting requests for security forces in Haiti
Reviews incoming vetting requests & 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, verify information through appropriate channels to make a final recommendation on such unit(s) or individual(s) within required timeframes
Follows U.S. law & 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