Leahy Vetting Advisor
Description
Creative Corrections is actively recruiting exceptional candidates to be considered for a position as a Leahy Vetting Advisor. This will be a contract role within the U.S. Department of State. 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.
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) safeguards Americans by countering international crime, disrupting illegal drug flows into the United States, and weakening transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). INL collaborates with global partners to target the finances, networks, and safe havens of these entities. INL strengthens the internal security of partner nations and supports regional leaders who promote stability, helping to reduce illegal immigration to the United States.
The INL/Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) supports U.S. government efforts to combat fentanyl and drug trafficking in Central America through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). CARSI works with partner governments in the region to combat narcotics trafficking, strengthen border security, and deter crime. It provides training, equipment, and canines to help detect and interdict narcotics, including fentanyl and precursor chemicals used in its production.
This position is contingent upon award of contract for BPA Call.
POSITION OVERVIEW
TITLE: Leahy Vetting Advisor
LOCATION: Washington, DC
SECURITY CLEARANCE: A TOP SECRET/SCI clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with a full TOP SECRET security clearance.
TITLE: Leahy Vetting Advisor
LOCATION: Washington, DC
SECURITY CLEARANCE: A TOP SECRET/SCI clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with a full TOP SECRET security clearance.
CLOSING DATE: September 15, 2025
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 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 serve as backup to other Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) Vetting Advisors and work with Posts and Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight (FAO) vetters to resolve any differences of interpretation of vetting results.
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.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducts USG human rights vetting of military and police personnel receiving U.S. assistance, including training and other benefits, in Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and elsewhere in 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 any 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 operating 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, the Caribbean region, and elsewhere in 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 and 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 vetters on the WHA vetting team, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- U.S. Citizen;
- 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 QUALIFICATIONS
- Basic Spanish language reading ability; able to understand or grasp the main ideas of straightforward texts, routine reports, and correspondence.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
POSITION LOCATION
This physical work location is in the WHA Regional Bureau (WHA/CEN) office located at the Harry S. Truman Building, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
A Top Secret/SCI clearance is required for this position; however, the Contractor may begin work with a full Top Secret security clearance.
A Top Secret/SCI clearance is required for this position; however, the Contractor may begin work with a full Top Secret security clearance.
This position is contingent upon award of contract for BPA Call.
ABOUT CREATIVE CORRECTIONS
At Creative Corrections, we strive to create a culture where we are able to attract and retain highly talented and qualified individuals. These relationships are built on trust, respect, and assurance each person feels valued. We offer a strategic Total Compensation Package for qualified employees. In the end, we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of the Company and provide the services our customers rely upon.
At Creative Corrections, we strive to create a culture where we are able to attract and retain highly talented and qualified individuals. These relationships are built on trust, respect, and assurance each person feels valued. We offer a strategic Total Compensation Package for qualified employees. In the end, we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of the Company and provide the services our customers rely upon.
In addition, we are honored to be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and are equally proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, committed to creating a diversified workplace where everyone feels valued and respected because of their differences.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.