CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: The position requires a Top Secret security clearance, with eligibility for access to SCI. However, the Contractor can begin work with an interim Top Secret security clearance.
POSITION LOCATION: The physical work location is the INL/RCD office at State Annex (SA-01), Columbia Plaza, 2401 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20520
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance for this order will be one (01) year from the date of award, with the option to extend for six (06) months, subject to performance, need, and funding. The INL Contracting Officer (CO) will notify the Vendor of the Government’s intent to exercise an option before the end of each performance period in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.
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.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Deterrence Tools Advisor (DTA) serves on a several-person unit, managed by a Branch Chief. The Analyst, under the direction of the Branch Chief, will support the implementation of PP 7750, Section 7031(c), and Global Magnitsky sanctions, as well as related sanctions tasks related to Narcotics and TOC Rewards Program. The Contractor will serve as an action officer managing a geographic region or regions and will be the initial point of contact for all incoming actions regarding assignment from Departmental offices, U.S. embassies/posts, other U.S. government (USG) agencies, international organizations, foreign governments, non‑governmental organizations, or other sources. The Contractor will develop cases, including research and analysis of information; coordination with posts, relevant bureaus, and the interagency; interaction with non-governmental sources for proposed cases and substantiating information; and drafting decision memos for senior leadership. The position will also include leading in drafting the related Congressionally-mandated reports and raising awareness about these authorities through engagement with other Department offices, embassies abroad, the interagency, civil society, and the Hill.
TRAVEL: Travel is not authorized for this position.
LEVEL OF EFFORT
Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of INL/RCD: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day. The level of effort for this position is equivalent to a Program / Management Analyst Level 4.
TELEWORK: If applicable, telework is authorized only with prior INL Office Director, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer’s Representative approval, in accordance with Department of State and INL policies.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The period of performance for this order will be one (01) year from the date of award, with the option to exercise four (04) one-year option periods, subject to performance, need, and funding.
TRAINING
This BPA Call is for mandatory training pertaining to DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes (reference 13 FAM 300 Agency Mandated Training), which shall be completed promptly and in accordance with Department policy. These trainings do not require INL Contracting Office approval.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards actions directed at high-level corrupt foreign public officials, those who corrupt them (i.e., bribers), narcotraffickers, and transnational criminal organizations.
• Assist in analyzing and improving knowledge of management processes and procedures related to visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards.
• Draft analysis documents and memoranda for visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards cases, based on research and analysis of a variety of sources and in coordination with a range of stakeholders (including obtaining numerous clearances), for senior leadership’s consideration and approval.
• Research and use government and private sector best practices to measure and improve customer service, approval workflows, and processing timelines related to visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards.
• Work closely with the Legal and Consular Affairs Bureaus to ensure legal, factual, and procedural prerequisites are met, and constructively resolve disagreements. Develop and maintain strong relationships throughout the Department through excellent customer service skills, project management knowledge, and a related understanding of the program office needs and mandates.
• Provide feedback to management on best practices for data input, document standardization, organization, and storage related to visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards procedures. Identify recurring issues that should be addressed by management and develop solutions.
• Coordinate interpretation and adaptation of available guidelines/SOPs for visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards, and aid in analyzing the issues (e.g., workflow, delegations of authority, or regulatory compliance) and make recommendations for changes and improvements.
• Assist subject matter experts with the development of training modules for INL-sponsored training workshops and distance learning courses for posts and State Department bureaus for INL-managed authorities, based on policies and procedures.
• Work closely with U.S. overseas posts, U.S. law enforcement, and the intelligence community in 1) distributing case-related information to ensure potential law enforcement actions involving subjects are not compromised by visa actions; and 2) generating referrals for cases and further developing the factual basis for draft memos.
• Serve as a resource within the Department and the interagency community on visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards; brief working level officials within the interagency and Department, and assist in preparing Congressional reporting and testimony, as well as documentation for bureau senior leadership.
• Develop SOPs for areas identified by the Branch Chief and the Team Lead focused on enhancing team efficiencies. • Advise on opportunities to expand the use of authorities and innovate practice.
• Support outreach efforts to raise awareness about these authorities through engagement with other Department offices, embassies abroad, the interagency, civil society, and the Hill.
• Conduct similar research and analysis to support implementation of related sanctions and rewards programs, including the Global Magnitsky sanctions program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• U.S. Citizen
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Six to ten years’ experience in the relevant field
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations regarding the area of specific need
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated experience facilitating organizational change
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• At least one year’ experience working in INL.
• Demonstrated exposure to consular or sanctions work.
• Demonstrated experience and ability for successful interactions with U.S. government agencies to develop and maintain partnership relationships.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate analyses effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated strong research and analytical skills to monitor, evaluate, digest, and synthesize complex, technical information.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and independently.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, while maintaining timeliness and control over multiple elements of a portfolio.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office
GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT
DOS will provide the Analyst with office space, computer, phone, and other required equipment and supplies necessary to complete all job requirements. DOS will own and maintain all furnished property.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a Best Athlete Selection Process! Please ensure that the required and/or desired experience is reflected on your resume to receive fair and competitive consideration.
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.