Policy Advisor

Overview

These positions are located in the Office of Multilateral and Global Affairs (MLGA) in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). The contractors will support the Visa/Sanctions Team Lead. The contractors will work closely with counterparts on the DRL regional desks, in the geographic bureaus, Consular Affairs, the Officeof the Legal Advisor, and the interagency to coordinate and implement bureau policy on human rights sanctions andhuman rights-related visa ineligibilities. The contractors will demonstrate competence in analyzing and synthesizing large amounts of data and related information into coherent and cogent materials for Bureau leadership. Superior research, writing, and briefing skills are a core requirement for this position. The contractors should have a current Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to the MLGA Visas/Sanctions Team Lead on all accountability issues relevant to the crisis in Ukraine. Responsible for tracking initiatives, tracking competing priorities and policy developments related to implementation of all human rights-related visa ineligibilities (including under the INA, 7031(c), Presidential Proclamations, and USC 1182(e)) within the Department of State and with interagency partners and external non-governmental organization (NGO) interlocutors. Responsible for coordinating with EB and OFAC on relevant sanctions authorities, including the Russia Magnitsky and Global Magnitsky sanctions programs. Raise awareness about these authorities through engagement with other Department offices, embassies abroad, the interagency, civil society, and the Hill. Advise on opportunities to expand the use of these authorities and adopt/institute innovative practices.  

• Monitor human rights abuses in and associated with the crisis in Ukraine and more broadly in EUR, including through classified and unclassified reporting channels, media sources, and NGOs.  Conduct outreach and liaison work with relevant geographic bureaus and DRL regional desks, Consular Affairs, the Office of the Legal Advisor, and others. 

• The policy advisor will oversee all accountability work in EUR, particularly in Ukraine, which requires access to sensitive information and related intelligence.  This is often available only on the TS-level system.  The policy advisor will be responsible for monitoring and supporting TS-level evidentiary packages, and for referring relevant information to human rights-related visa authorities also managed by DRL/MLGA.  

• Develop cases and/or detailed human rights assessments – including by undertaking research (on open source and classified systems), preparing reports and analyses, and providing advice and guidance – regarding the actions of foreign government officials and others who may be involved in or responsible for the commission of human rights abuses, for use by FTE officers in making policy determinations regarding Russia Magnitsky and Global Magnitsky nominations and statutory visa ineligibilities.  

• Case development often requires regular access to TS reporting and participating in meetings at the TS level, including interagency briefings.  Such access will enable the policy advisor to fully execute required responsibilities, as well as brief and advise office and bureau leadership regarding implementation of the relevant authorities within their areas of responsibility. 

• Analyze human rights-related developments in EUR and inform Visas Team Lead of the implications of such developments. Recommend applicability under relevant authorities.  

• Draft and edit written products related to the state of human rights in assigned countries/regions and provide periodic briefings to senior Department officials.  

• Considered an expert in the functional area through experience and education.  

• Reviews processes and procedures, make recommendations or leads the effort to address deficiencies. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.  

• Experienced in planning, evaluating, guiding, tracing, analyzing and coordinated complex cases.  

• Ability to develop and execute complex cases, apply analytical problem-solving methodologies, and provide technical direction to junior staff. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Top Secret security clearance

AAP/EEO Statement

DNI complies with all federal, state and local laws designed to protect employees and job applicants from discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.