Oct 26, 2018

Prison Advisor (INL-Costa Rica)

Employer: Celestar Corporation
Location: Costa Rica

Description
The Celestar Corporation has been issued an IMMEDIATE NEED Task Order to provide support to the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). As a result, we’re looking for a Prison Advisor who will be seated in San Jose, Costa Rica. If interested and qualified, we welcome you to post for this challenging opportunity.

If you cannot interview Fluently in Spanish, Please Pass on this Opportunity!
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Moderate Risk Public Trust (MPRT) Certification; this will be initiated upon successful DoS selection



PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) Year from the Date of Assignment with the potential for Three (3) follow-on Option Years.

LEVEL OF EFFORT:  Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of U.S. Embassy San Jose: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.

BACKGROUND
The US Department of State’s (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has program authority derived from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA).  Under the FAA, INL is responsible for providing assistance to host governments to develop and implement effective counter narcotics, anticrime, and border control programs. INL’s Prison Management project will support the Government of Costa Rica’s (GOCR) commitment to prison reform as it gradually increases and improves institutional control to create a better environment for prisoners, staff, and visitors.  INL will support the Prison Program by advising the GOCR in all areas of Prison reform and assist in developing budget and fiscal requirements, acquisitions for equipment, infrastructure needs, training schedules, and professionalization of Prison personnel.  The overall goal of the prisons reform project in Costa Rica is to implement an effective training program with the goal of expanding the professional development of the entire Costa Rican Penitentiary Police Force (CRPPF).  This will include advising and mentoring senior level prison officials on best correctional practices, strategic planning, instruction and mentoring on effective prison management, infrastructure improvements, and other key aspects of prison operations.  Training will include regional visits to prison facilities to see established programs in Latin America, as well as to well-run U.S. facilities. 

RELATIONSHIP
The Advisor will report to Celestar. The Advisor works most closely with the US Embassy INL/CR Director, INL/CR PSC Police Advisor, the Contracting Officer (CO), and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Advisor shall maintain open, timely and effective communications with the INL/Costa Rica Director and Police Advisor on issues falling under the scope of work, resulting in a relationship that proactively addresses potential problems with flexible, workable solutions. 
The Advisor will keep the INL PSC Police Advisor and INL Director informed of his/her activities through a Travel/Engagement Form and report on all travel activities in the Monthly and Quarterly Reports. The INL/CR Police Advisor will initial time sheets and approve all travel requests.

OVERVIEW 
The Prison Advisor, under the guidance of INL/CR Program Manager, will assist the GOCR Prison Program in creating a positive public image; gaining public commitment and support; and raising public consciousness regarding program goals and objectives towards the professionalization of prison managements and the expansion of the use of alternatives to incarceration.  The Advisor will support the Prison program by developing all budget and fiscal requirements, acquisitions for equipment, processing training requests, travel requests, and by maintaining databases that contain all of the supporting documentation for this program.  Assistance will also include training in operations and behavior modification, logistical support for site visits in other Latin American and US facilities and defining infrastructure improvements and equipment support.  The Advisor will also work with prison officials on a frequent basis to ensure that best practices are established and functioning, equipment is being used properly and a strategic plan is being followed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the INL/Costa Rica Prison Program Manager with planning and implementing complex and multi-faceted strategies to help implement the GOCR Policy for Penitentiary Reform as well as through public awareness, activities and events to support the Prison Program goals and objectives. 
Assist INL/Costa Rica Prison Program Advisor and Team in planning work projects. 
Assist in training and the implementation of programs for the implementation of the National Policy for Penitentiary Reform.
Assist the CRPPF to reduce overcrowding, improve rehabilitation/reintegration, and reduce pre-and post-trial detention.  Focus on support for Prison system reform on professionalization efforts and support improved security for inmates and staff. 
Assist in developing standard operating procedures and policy and procedures manuals to govern prison operations.
Assist, advise, and make recommendations to INL Costa Rica’s INL Director and the INL PSC Police Advisor on prison reform implementation and institutionalization. 
Assist the CRPPF Director and staff in the development and preparation of budget submissions, determine staffing requirements, and overall management of the CRPPF. 
Assist INL/Costa Rica to develop and maintain a CRPPF training plan that will promote effective correction practices.
Provide advice and assistance in the preparation of procurement documentation for technical services, training, and commodities.
Assist INL personnel to prepare monthly and annual progress reports regarding the Prison Program.  Assist in preparing and maintaining an annual implementation plan.
Assist the CRPPF to prepare strategic planning for one, two and five-year increments along with implementation plans.
Recommend avenues for mid-course correction if a program is not achieving its goals.
Attend meetings with U.S. and host-government officials as requested, including the regional working group meetings. 
Keep the INL Director and INL/CR Police Advisor, and other U.S. personnel, as appropriate, informed and briefed on all matters relating to CRPPF activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

U.S. Citizen
A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
Fifteen (15) Years of demonstrated relevant experience.
Seven (7) Years of demonstrated experience related to prison management.
Five (5) Years of demonstrated experience in management roles that include strategic planning, resource management, budgeting, oversight and evaluation and active management of correction facilities. 
Demonstrated excellent English verbal and written skills. 
Demonstrated prior ability to work independently on projects and issues within overall policy guidelines.
Demonstrated communication and liaison skills appropriate to work with a wide variety of governmental, public, and private sector representatives; as well as with local community members and groups.
Demonstrated superior Spanish language communications skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Physically able to travel to and reside in Costa Rica in the areas of San Jose, or other as assigned, and travel throughout the region.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated experience working and/or coordinating with other relevant U.S. government agencies and host nation entities. 
Demonstrated experience working as a law enforcement advisor with non-U.S. law enforcement agencies. 
Demonstrated experience working in international police development and reform.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a Best Athlete Selection Process! With this in mind, please ensure that the required and/or desired experience is reflected on your resume to receive fair and competitive consideration.

Come onboard with a company that Values its Employees!
Celestar, a Veteran Owned Company, is Very Competitive with Salaries and Benefits. As an example, we offer Company Paid Benefits that include Employee and Family Dental Insurance, Employee Health Insurance, Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability Insurance. We also offer a 401k retirement company match, paid Holidays and Personal Time Off.

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