U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
CRIMINAL DIVISION
RESIDENT LEGAL ADVISOR - EAST TIMOR
About the Office: The mission of the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) is to develop and administer technical and developmental assistance designed to enhance the capabilities of foreign justice sector institutions and their law enforcement personnel, so those institutions and their personnel can more effectively combat terrorism, organized crime, corruption, financial crimes, trafficking in persons and other types of crime, in a manner consistent with the rule of law, and can more effectively cooperate regionally and with the United States in combating such crime.
Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The Office seeks an experienced Assistant United States Attorney or Department of Justice Trial Attorney to serve as Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) for East Timor. This assignment is for a term of 15 months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 12 months, contingent on available funding. (This is a reimbursable detail.) The RLA represents the Department of Justice and OPDAT in the implementation of an OPDAT justice sector assistance program. During his or her tenure, the RLA will provide assistance regarding a variety of criminal justice projects including improving prosecutorial skills, providing institutional support to the Prosecutor General to develop case management systems, supporting efforts to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption, promoting legislative initiatives designed to improve the operation of the criminal justice system, and strengthening human rights protections by police and prosecutors through support for implementation of the new criminal procedure code. During his or her tenure, the selected attorney will work closely with local law enforcement and government officials, including prosecutors, judges, parliamentarians, and others to develop and carry out the justice sector assistance program.
Qualifications: Required qualifications: Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants must be a current Department Trial Attorney or Assistant United States Attorney and have at least four or five years of post J.D. experience to be qualified at the GS-14 or 15 level. Applicants must have excellent interpersonal and management skills, be mature and self-sufficient, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and possess extensive prosecutorial experience. Applicants must be fluent in Portuguese or Spanish, that is, be able to understand all forms and styles of speech, use spoken Portuguese or Spanish fluently and accurately on all levels normally pertinent to professional needs, and be proficient in written Portuguese or Spanish. Spanish speakers will undergo three months of conversion Portuguese language as part of this detail.
Preferred qualifications: Applicants should also be able to work with diverse types of individuals and groups and achieve consensus on difficult and multidimensional issues. In addition, international experience, particularly gained working with foreign law enforcement and justice systems, and experience with bar activities, teaching, and designing course curricula are strongly desired assets.
Travel: Periodic travel will be required.
Salary Information: Current salary and years of experience determine the appropriate salary level. (See OPM's Web page at ww.opm.gov/oca/payrates/index.htm)
Location: The RLA will be stationed in Dili, East Timor, beginning in the fall of 2008.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are authorized.
Submission Process and Deadline Date: To apply for this position, applicants should obtain the concurrence of their Section Chief, Office Director, or U.S. Attorney prior to submitting a resume and cover letter (highlighting relevant skills and experience), as soon as possible, to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Criminal Division
Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT)
10th and Pennsylvania Aves., NW
Washington, DC 20530
Attn: Mr. Christopher Lehmann, Senior Regional Director for Eurasia, Asia and the Pacific
Faxed or e-mailed submissions are also acceptable. Mr. Lehmann’s fax number is (202) 616-8429 and his email address is Christopher.Lehmann@usdoj.gov. Mr. Lehmann will also accept telephone inquiries at 202-307-0421.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.