Employer: US Department Of State
Job Description:
The U.S. Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency. The Iraq Strategic Partnership Office (ISPO) was established by Executive Order 13541 to perform the specific project of supporting executive departments and agencies in facilitating the strategic partnership between the U.S. Government and the Republic of Iraq, in further securing and stabilizing the country, and in continuing an effective diplomatic presence in Iraq. ISPO operates under the direction of the Chief of Mission, US Embassy Baghdad.
Under this temporary appointment, compensation includes salary plus danger pay and post differentials paid at the rate of 35% each. Please see benefits section for specific details.
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN IRAQ.
The position is assigned to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, with deployments to INL field locations throughout Iraq. INL is responsible for managing a police development program with the objectives of improving stability in Iraq through the provision of professional policing services and developing the capacity of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to manage and sustain internal security operations.
The incumbent serves as a Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Post-Blast Analysis Advisor with responsibility for providing authoritative advice, guidance, and direction to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior in the development and maintenance of EOD and post-blast analysis and investigation capabilities as part of INL’s Police Development Program (PDP). The specific focus of the position is on advising and assisting the MOI in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan for the development of technical and management capacity in this specialty area. The incumbent reports to the INL Senior Executive Police Advisor.
You are being deployed to a challenging physical environment. You may encounter extremely dusty conditions, significant air pollution and lack of potable water. You must be able to walk distances, run and step up to 2 feet while wearing a helmet and body armor that together weigh a minimum of 30 pounds. Medical Care will be limited. You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Must be able to obtain an ethics clearance
U.S. Citizenship required
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Medical clearance is required.
Temporarily assigned to Iraq.
DUTIES:
Provides advice, training, and mentoring in the latest EOD/post-blast analysis Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to MOI senior staff for dissemination to operational response teams and other need to know individuals.
Enhances the capabilities of the Iraqi Explosives Exploitation Laboratories by providing improvised explosive device (IED) construction reach back knowledge, countermeasures solutions, and standard operating procedures (SOP) establishment and sustainment.
Assesses baseline capacity, identifies needs, and implement actions to develop/enhance the IED prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities of MOI police forces. Advises the MOI in developing requirements and setting attainable goals and objectives to enable realistic sustainability of perishable skill sets in the area.
Works closely with police assistance and development experts and advisors in other USG and international partner agencies to ensure an integrated whole-of-government approach to providing advanced training and mentoring to Iraqi leadership in the subject matter area.
Prepares briefings materials, analytical reports, program assessments, decision memoranda, correspondence, and other program information related to the specific assignment area.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Mastery of law enforcement and security principles, methods, and practices to provide advice and guidance to the MOI in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan for an Iraqi-led police development program that supports the overall USG stabilization and transition effort in Iraq.
Mastery of EOD principles, methods, and practices to provide subject matter expertise in the planning and development of EOD assistance and development programs.
Mastery of post-blast analysis and investigation concepts, methods, procedures, practices, technology, and instrumentation to assess and develop/enhance the capacity of Iraqi police force to investigate and analyze conditions before, during, and after the detonation of IEDs and other ordnance.
Expert knowledge of IED search, response, and recovery methods and practices to assess and develop/enhance the capacity of the Iraqi police force in this area.
Knowledge of INL programs, policies, plans, and priorities in Iraq to provide expert technical advisory services in the law enforcement sector that support the accomplishment of INL mission objectives in Iraq and the region.
Desirable qualifications include:
Five or more years of Explosive Ordnance Disposal experience including at least three years of supervisory, training, or managerial responsibility.
Five years of team building, evaluation, and training experience.
Prior experience in a police development program in the Middle East.
At least one year experience in a police development program in Iraq or Afghanistan.
In-depth knowledge of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) construction and Homemade Explosives (HME) identification, process, and response considerations.
Experience in controlling post-blast crime scenes.
Experience in the collection and exploitation of post-blast material.
Experience in post-blast forensics, with specialized knowledge of terrorist bombing crime scene management.
Knowledge of search and recovery to render safe explosives and explosive devices.
Experience in international police development advising and mentoring.
SECURITY All candidates for employment must obtain a minimum of a Secret security clearance from the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Even if the candidate has previously held a government security clearance or still holds one, the candidate must complete a Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86), a credit/consumer report release form, and two sets of fingerprint cards for adjudication by the Diplomatic Security Service. Full disclosure and candor is imperative when completing this paperwork. ETHICS Employees must receive an ethics clearance, which may require completing and executing the Executive Branch Public Financial Disclosure Form (SF-278). Ethics clearances are required to help ensure that employees do not violate, or participate in any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or standards governing ethical conduct for employees of the Executive Branch. Employees should read the Department of State’s “Ethics Guidance for Prospective Employees Who Are Not Special Government Employees.” If a SF-278 form is required as part of your application, a Termination Financial Disclosure Report must be completed upon your departure from ITAO. The Federal ethics and conflict of interest laws and regulations are important tools intended to foster public confidence in government.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. The evaluation will be based on information you provide in your on-line resume, your answers to the job specific self-assessment questions for this announcement, and a review of the documents that are requested as part of this announcement. Qualified candidates are assigned a score between 70 and 100. Errors, exaggerations, or omissions in your responses to the on-line application may impact your score or result in you losing consideration for the job. If you are found to have rated yourself higher in the self-assessment than is supported by the information in your on-line resume, essay responses, and/or supporting documents, a score will manually be determined that reflects your documented experience. This may result in a lowered score, which may also eliminate you from the best-qualified listing. You may receive credit for unpaid or volunteer experience on the same basis as paid experience, provided it is directly related to this job. To receive proper credit, you must show, on your on-line resume, the actual time spent in such activities (hours worked per week). Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. To preview questions please click here .
BENEFITS:
For additional information on DOS benefits click here .
OTHER INFORMATION:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER – Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials will result in your application not being processed.
SELECTIVE SERVICE – If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify at the time of appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION – This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Office of Employee Relations, Disability/Reasonable Accommodations Division, at (202) 261-8180. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Job Description:
The U.S. Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency. The Iraq Strategic Partnership Office (ISPO) was established by Executive Order 13541 to perform the specific project of supporting executive departments and agencies in facilitating the strategic partnership between the U.S. Government and the Republic of Iraq, in further securing and stabilizing the country, and in continuing an effective diplomatic presence in Iraq. ISPO operates under the direction of the Chief of Mission, US Embassy Baghdad.
Under this temporary appointment, compensation includes salary plus danger pay and post differentials paid at the rate of 35% each. Please see benefits section for specific details.
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN IRAQ.
The position is assigned to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, with deployments to INL field locations throughout Iraq. INL is responsible for managing a police development program with the objectives of improving stability in Iraq through the provision of professional policing services and developing the capacity of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to manage and sustain internal security operations.
The incumbent serves as a Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Post-Blast Analysis Advisor with responsibility for providing authoritative advice, guidance, and direction to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior in the development and maintenance of EOD and post-blast analysis and investigation capabilities as part of INL’s Police Development Program (PDP). The specific focus of the position is on advising and assisting the MOI in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan for the development of technical and management capacity in this specialty area. The incumbent reports to the INL Senior Executive Police Advisor.
You are being deployed to a challenging physical environment. You may encounter extremely dusty conditions, significant air pollution and lack of potable water. You must be able to walk distances, run and step up to 2 feet while wearing a helmet and body armor that together weigh a minimum of 30 pounds. Medical Care will be limited. You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Must be able to obtain an ethics clearance
U.S. Citizenship required
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Medical clearance is required.
Temporarily assigned to Iraq.
DUTIES:
Provides advice, training, and mentoring in the latest EOD/post-blast analysis Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to MOI senior staff for dissemination to operational response teams and other need to know individuals.
Enhances the capabilities of the Iraqi Explosives Exploitation Laboratories by providing improvised explosive device (IED) construction reach back knowledge, countermeasures solutions, and standard operating procedures (SOP) establishment and sustainment.
Assesses baseline capacity, identifies needs, and implement actions to develop/enhance the IED prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities of MOI police forces. Advises the MOI in developing requirements and setting attainable goals and objectives to enable realistic sustainability of perishable skill sets in the area.
Works closely with police assistance and development experts and advisors in other USG and international partner agencies to ensure an integrated whole-of-government approach to providing advanced training and mentoring to Iraqi leadership in the subject matter area.
Prepares briefings materials, analytical reports, program assessments, decision memoranda, correspondence, and other program information related to the specific assignment area.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Mastery of law enforcement and security principles, methods, and practices to provide advice and guidance to the MOI in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan for an Iraqi-led police development program that supports the overall USG stabilization and transition effort in Iraq.
Mastery of EOD principles, methods, and practices to provide subject matter expertise in the planning and development of EOD assistance and development programs.
Mastery of post-blast analysis and investigation concepts, methods, procedures, practices, technology, and instrumentation to assess and develop/enhance the capacity of Iraqi police force to investigate and analyze conditions before, during, and after the detonation of IEDs and other ordnance.
Expert knowledge of IED search, response, and recovery methods and practices to assess and develop/enhance the capacity of the Iraqi police force in this area.
Knowledge of INL programs, policies, plans, and priorities in Iraq to provide expert technical advisory services in the law enforcement sector that support the accomplishment of INL mission objectives in Iraq and the region.
Desirable qualifications include:
Five or more years of Explosive Ordnance Disposal experience including at least three years of supervisory, training, or managerial responsibility.
Five years of team building, evaluation, and training experience.
Prior experience in a police development program in the Middle East.
At least one year experience in a police development program in Iraq or Afghanistan.
In-depth knowledge of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) construction and Homemade Explosives (HME) identification, process, and response considerations.
Experience in controlling post-blast crime scenes.
Experience in the collection and exploitation of post-blast material.
Experience in post-blast forensics, with specialized knowledge of terrorist bombing crime scene management.
Knowledge of search and recovery to render safe explosives and explosive devices.
Experience in international police development advising and mentoring.
SECURITY All candidates for employment must obtain a minimum of a Secret security clearance from the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Even if the candidate has previously held a government security clearance or still holds one, the candidate must complete a Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86), a credit/consumer report release form, and two sets of fingerprint cards for adjudication by the Diplomatic Security Service. Full disclosure and candor is imperative when completing this paperwork. ETHICS Employees must receive an ethics clearance, which may require completing and executing the Executive Branch Public Financial Disclosure Form (SF-278). Ethics clearances are required to help ensure that employees do not violate, or participate in any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or standards governing ethical conduct for employees of the Executive Branch. Employees should read the Department of State’s “Ethics Guidance for Prospective Employees Who Are Not Special Government Employees.” If a SF-278 form is required as part of your application, a Termination Financial Disclosure Report must be completed upon your departure from ITAO. The Federal ethics and conflict of interest laws and regulations are important tools intended to foster public confidence in government.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. The evaluation will be based on information you provide in your on-line resume, your answers to the job specific self-assessment questions for this announcement, and a review of the documents that are requested as part of this announcement. Qualified candidates are assigned a score between 70 and 100. Errors, exaggerations, or omissions in your responses to the on-line application may impact your score or result in you losing consideration for the job. If you are found to have rated yourself higher in the self-assessment than is supported by the information in your on-line resume, essay responses, and/or supporting documents, a score will manually be determined that reflects your documented experience. This may result in a lowered score, which may also eliminate you from the best-qualified listing. You may receive credit for unpaid or volunteer experience on the same basis as paid experience, provided it is directly related to this job. To receive proper credit, you must show, on your on-line resume, the actual time spent in such activities (hours worked per week). Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. To preview questions please click here .
BENEFITS:
For additional information on DOS benefits click here .
OTHER INFORMATION:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER – Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials will result in your application not being processed.
SELECTIVE SERVICE – If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify at the time of appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION – This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Office of Employee Relations, Disability/Reasonable Accommodations Division, at (202) 261-8180. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.