The Celestar Corporation has been issued an IMMEDIATE Task Order to provide support to the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). As a result, we’re looking for a Leahy Vetting Advisor who will be seated in Washington, DC. If interested and qualified, we welcome you to post for this challenging opportunity.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: A Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required for the position; however, the Advisor can begin work with an interim Top Secret clearance

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) Year from the Date of Assignment with the potential for four (4) follow-on Option Years.

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State’s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous and secure world.

INL keeps Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

The INL Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) supports the United States Government’s (USG) Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), one of the largest and most sophisticated multi-lateral security efforts in the world, provides funding for the USG to assist the governments of the CARSI countries with police professionalization, justice sector reform, counter narcotics efforts, border security management, crime and violence prevention, and anti-corruption efforts.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Leahy Vetting Advisor, referred to as Advisor in this document, will conduct vetting of law enforcement and security force candidates for training as required under the Leahy Laws. The Advisor will search up to Top Secret-level classified and also unclassified electronic records, 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 may provide backup to the Bureau of Western Hampshire Affairs (WHA) Vetting Advisors in WHA and work with Posts and Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) Vetter’s to resolve any differences of interpretation of vetting results.

LEVEL OF EFFORT

Hours for the position will be the core hours of the Department of State: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, unless the WHA/PPC on-site supervisor approves another time.

LOCATION
The physical work location is in the WHA Regional Bureau (WHA/PPC) office located at HST 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.

TRAVEL
Travel is authorized. Travel is in accordance with approval of the INL/EX/GAPP Division Chief

TRAINING
There is mandatory training required for DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes (reference 13 FAM 300 Agency Mandated Training), which shall be completed promptly and in accordance with Department policy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts USG human rights vetting of military and police personnel receiving U.S. assistance, including training and other benefits in Central America and Mexico, and the Western Hemisphere, as necessary.
• Provides subject matter expertise in vetting procedures for the Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau. Provides relevant recommendations and analysis to senior officials on vetting and human rights cases.
• Attends working level interagency meetings to review difficult cases and recommend actions regarding derogatory information found. Raises problematic issues to senior levels as necessary. Consults with other geographic bureaus on the Leahy legislation and its amendments.
• Supports the process to review and amend WHA vetting procedures and updates standard operation procedures to ensure more efficient processes.
• Coordinates clearances with appropriate DOS bureaus and embassies involved in the vetting process.
• Coordinates with WHA Desk Officers and Officers from Posts throughout the Western Hemisphere to ensure timely and effective responses to all vetting requests for security forces in Central America, Mexico, and the Western Hemisphere, as necessary.
• 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 Leahy Vetting leadership in WHA/PPC. 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 in the Bureau 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.
• Serves as backup Leahy Advisor for other Vetter’s on the WHA vetting team, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizen or legal U.S. resident
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of two (02) 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Basic Spanish 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a Best Athlete Selection Process! With this in mind, please ensure that the required and/or desired experience is reflected on your resume to receive fair and competitive consideration.

Come onboard with a company that Values its Employees!
Celestar, a Veteran Owned Company, is Very Competitive with Salaries and Benefits. As an example, we offer Company Paid Benefits that include Employee and Family Dental Insurance, Employee Health Insurance. We also offer a 401k retirement company match, paid Holidays and Personal Time Off.

Celestar is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, gender identity or national origin.