Assistant Legal Adviser

Quick Facts

• Role: Assistant Legal Adviser for Africa and Near Eastern Affairs (L/AN)

• Reports to: Deputy Legal Adviser

• Focus area: Legal advice supporting U.S. foreign policy interests in Africa and the Near East

Description

The Assistant Legal Adviser provides timely, expert legal advice and services on legal matters affecting U.S. relations and Department programs in Africa and the Near East. The role evaluates the legal implications of contemplated actions, including consistency with domestic and international law and potential effects on relations with other nations. The incumbent also directs and supervises a team of attorneys and staff and handles key office management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on the full range of legal matters affecting U.S. relations and Department programs in Africa and the Near East

• Support interagency efforts and bilateral/multilateral negotiations

• Advise on negotiating, drafting, and interpreting international agreements and arrangements with African and Near Eastern states and regional organizations

• Apply public international law, including sovereignty, use of force, state responsibility, and international humanitarian law

• Advise on legal aspects of U.S. sanctions, export controls, and other restrictive measures

• Analyze legal issues involving executive orders, domestic statutes, and Department regulations affecting regional policy and programs

• Handle legal matters arising from foreign assistance, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement

• Direct and supervise approximately 6 attorneys and other staff; review work products for accuracy and timeliness

• Manage office and administrative responsibilities; support HR policies and employee development (e.g., continuing legal education, varied assignments)

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• J.D. or LL.B. degree at time of application

• Active member of the bar; authorized to practice law in a U.S. state/territory or the District of Columbia

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance

• Verification of U.S. employment eligibility

• Financial disclosure statement (OGE-278)

• Subject to random drug testing; appointment depends on successful completion and favorable adjudication of a background security investigation

• Resume-based application showing progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience

• Resume must clearly demonstrate all ECQs and MTQs within 2 pages maximum; longer resumes are disqualified

• ECQs/MTQs must be fully demonstrated in the resume; otherwise, the applicant is eliminated

Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)

• MTQ 1: Experience providing sound legal advice and representation involving interpretation and application of public international law and domestic law to foreign policy and management activities of large public or private organizations

• MTQ 2: Experience providing sound legal advice and representation through effective written and oral counsel and advocacy on U.S. foreign relations issues, including with foreign states and international organizations and conduct of U.S. diplomacy

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

• ECQ 1: Commitment to rule of law and the principles of the American founding

• ECQ 2: Driving efficiency

• ECQ 3: Merit and competence

• ECQ 4: Leading people

• ECQ 5: Achieving results

Benefits

Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; eligibility depends on the type of position and work schedule.