Program Advisor (RCD)

Universal Strategy Group Inc•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Department of State, specifically the Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is seeking a Program Advisor for its Office of Results & Criminal Deterrence (INL/RCD). This office plays a key role in combating corruption and transnational organized crime internationally through sanctions and deterrence tools. The Anticrime Sanctions & Deterrence Tools Branch implements corruption-related visa restrictions and sanctions programs, as well as rewards programs. The Program Advisor will support the implementation of various authorities including Presidential Proclamation 7750 (PP 7750), Section 7031(c) of the Appropriations Act, and Executive Orders related to corruption and transnational organized crime. The role involves serving as an action officer for assigned geographic regions, researching and analyzing information to develop cases, coordinating with various stakeholders, and drafting decision memos for senior leadership. The position also includes supporting Congressionally mandated reports and raising awareness about these authorities.

Requirements

U.S. Citizen
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Four to six years' experience in relevant field
Demonstrated knowledge of specific country issues, including specialized knowledge of international narcotics & law enforcement, or similar type programs sufficient to ensure project work is in compliance with management policies & procedures & in conformance with the Foreign Assistance Act & other regulatory procedures & guidelines
Proven knowledge of Federal policies & procedures including methods of providing assistance & the Federal budget process
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally & in writing, with a wide range of players
Demonstrated ability to provide advice, guidance, & consultation with regard to the interpretation & application of analysis
Experience drafting US government reports & documents, such as the INCSR, embassy cables, & other documents
A Top Secret security clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with an interim Top Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

At least one year's experience working in INL
Demonstrated exposure to consular or sanctions work
Demonstrated experience & ability for successful interactions with U.S. government agencies to develop & maintain partnership relationships
Demonstrated excellent oral & written communication skills, including ability to communicate analyses effectively to both technical & non-technical audiences
Demonstrated strong research & analytical skills to monitor, evaluate, digest, & synthesize complex, technical information
Demonstrated ability to work in a team & independently
Demonstrated attention to detail, while maintaining timeliness & control over multiple elements of a portfolio

Responsibilities

Support visa restrictions, sanctions, & rewards actions directed at high-level corrupt foreign public officials, those who corrupt them (i.e., bribers), narcotraffickers, & transnational criminal organizations.
Assist in analyzing & improving knowledge of management processes & procedures related to visa restrictions, sanctions, & rewards.
Draft analysis documents & memoranda for visa restrictions, sanctions, & rewards cases, based on research & analysis of a variety of sources & in coordination with a range of stakeholders (including obtaining numerous clearances), for senior leadership's consideration & approval.
Research & use government & private sector best practices to measure & improve customer service, approval workflows, & processing timelines related to visa restrictions, sanctions, & rewards.
Work closely with the Legal & Consular Affairs Bureaus to ensure legal, factual, & procedural prerequisites are met, & constructively resolve disagreements.
Develop & maintain strong relationships throughout the Department through excellent customer service skills, project management knowledge, & a related understanding of the program office needs & mandates.
Provide feedback to management on best practices for data input, document standardization, organization, & storage related to visa restrictions, sanctions, & rewards procedures.
Identify recurring issues that should be addressed by management & develop solutions.
Assist in coordinating the interpretation & adaptation of available guidelines/SOPs for visa restrictions, sanctions, & rewards & aid in analyzing the issues (e.g., workflow, delegations of authority, or regulatory compliance) & make recommendations for changes & improvements.
Assist subject matter experts with the development of training modules for INL sponsored training workshops & distance learning courses for posts & State Department bureaus for INL-managed authorities, based on policies & procedures.
Work closely with U.S. overseas posts, U.S. law enforcement, & the intelligence community in 1) distributing case-related information to ensure potential law enforcement actions involving subjects are not compromised by visa actions; & 2) generating referrals for cases & further developing the factual basis for draft memos.
Serve as a resource within the Department & the interagency community on visa restrictions, sanctions, & rewards; brief working level officials within the interagency & Department & assist in preparing Congressional reporting & testimony, as well as documentation for bureau senior leadership.
Assist in developing SOPs for areas identified by Division Chief, Branch Chief, & Team Lead focused on enhancing team efficiencies.
Advise on opportunities to expand use of authorities & innovate practice.
Conduct similar research & analysis to support implementation of related sanctions & rewards programs, including the Global Magnitsky sanctions program.