"Alerted.org

WHA/MEX Leahy Vetting Advisor WASHINGTON, DC Apply Now

WHA/MEX Leahy Vetting Advisor

Remote Work:No

Clearance:Top Secret (TS)

Work Status:Full-Time

Travel Requirements:In-country and international travel may be required.

Applications submitted by 09/15/2025 will receive full consideration. Candidates applying after this date may still be reviewed and will remain in our talent pipeline for future opportunities.

Position DescriptionThe 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, and implement foreign policy initiatives that enhance the safety, strength, and prosperity of Americans. 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. Additionally, INL strengthens the internal security of partner nations and supports regional leaders who promote stability, helping to reduce mass migration to the United States. The INL Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) supports U.S. efforts to secure a drug-free border with Mexico. WHP provides technical assistance, equipment, canines, and training to help Mexico identify, dismantle, and investigate clandestine drug labs and TCOs/FTOs. WHP also partners with Mexico and U.S. law enforcement agencies to enhance border security, including through biometric data collection and sharing, and reduce the trafficking of illicit drugs, firearms, and bulk cash . The U.S. Government assists Mexico in police professionalization, strengthening criminal deterrence to hold criminals accountable, counter-narcotics operations, border management, crime and violence prevention, and anti-corruption initiatives.

The Leahy Vetting Advisor, referred to as Advisor in this document, will conduct vetting of law enforcement and security force candidates for training and other foreign assistance benefits 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 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

+ Conducts USG human rights vetting of military and police personnel receiving U.S. assistance, including training and other benefits in 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 recommends 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 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 vetters on the WHA vetting team, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

+ U.S. Citizen.

+ A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.

+ Active Top Secret Security Clearance (clearance must be active at time of application)

+ 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.

+ 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.

About ATSG

ATSG Corporation is a Veterans Affairs (VA) CVE-Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) based in Fairfax, VA with branch offices throughout Central America. Since 2004, ATSG has successfully deployed its experience and expertise to support the most challenging and complex projects for various Federal agencies. Our robust portfolio includes cutting-edge technical solutions and professional support in Program Management, Consulting, Operations and Planning Support, Training and Advisory Services, and IT and Knowledge Management. We take pride in our proven dedication to providing expert assistance to our government partners. ATSG provides a variety of services within the Intelligence Community and is experienced in areas such as Mobility, Enterprise Architecture, Data Processing, Law Enforcement Mission Support, and Acquisition Support. Our products may be diverse, but the results are one and the same—on schedule, on budget, and completed with superior quality. As an organization, we are consistently expanding our global footprint in the contracting community. We work hard to honor our commitment to our clients while ensuring our employees feel secure and empowered in their work. We take excellent care of our team, so they may have the freedom and confidence to focus on their missions and provide nothing but the best output on the work site and at home.

ATSG Corporation is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer, our applicants and employees are protected from discrimination. Visit https://www.eeoc.gov/for more information. Equal access to programs, services and employment is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department. To comply with Federal law, ATSG Corporation participates in E-Verify. Successful candidates must pass the E-Verify process after hire.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of protected veteran status or disability and require affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. To comply with Federal law, ATSG Corporation participates in E-Verify. Successful candidates must pass the E-Verify process after hire.

We respectfully request not to be contacted by recruiters and/or staffing agencies.

Application Requirements

+ All applications must be submitted in.pdf,.doc, or.docxformat.

+ Applications and resumes for this position are only accepted via electronic submission through ATSG Corporation’s Consolidated Applicant Tracking System (CATS).

+ Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.

+ The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from their electronic application and/or resume.