U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
CRIMINAL DIVISION
RESIDENT LEGAL ADVISOR IN KYRGYZSTAN
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 the Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) for Kyrgyzstan. This assignment is for a term of one year, with the possibility of an extension for a second year, 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 through a variety of projects including reform of the criminal procedure code to reflect international standards of fairness and due process; assistance on anti-corruption efforts; creation of advocacy skills and professional development programs for prosecutors; development of anti-money laundering legislation and enforcement capabilities; and strengthening of the capacity of Kyrgyz law enforcement to investigate and prosecute narcotics and trafficking-in-persons offenses. The RLA will work closely with Kyrgyz law enforcement and government officials, including prosecutors, judges, and legislators to carry out the justice sector assistance program. The RLA may also be called upon to provide advice to the government on criminal justice legislation and on a range of issues relating to the administration of justice and rule of law
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 in the variety of pertinent substantive criminal areas.
Preferred qualifications: In addition, international experience, particularly gained while working with foreign justice systems, is a desired asset. Experience with international development projects is also desired, but not required, as are Russian language skills.
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 www.opm.gov/oca/payrates/index.htm)
Location: The RLA will be stationed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan beginning in late spring 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) 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: Ms. Catherine Newcombe, Acting Regional Director, Eurasia
Faxed or e-mailed submissions are also acceptable. Ms. Newcombe's fax number is (202) 616-8429 and her email address is catherine.newcombe@usdoj.gov. She will also accept telephone inquiries at (202) 616-0754.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.