The Office of the Legal Adviser (L) provides legal advice and services to the Secretary of State, Department offices, diplomatic and consular posts abroad, as well as other U.S. government agencies on all legal matters, domestic and international, arising in the course of the Department’s activities. The incumbent of this position will serve as an Assistant Legal Adviser and reports directly to L’s Deputy Legal Adviser.
Summary
The Office of the Legal Adviser (L) provides legal advice and services to the Secretary of State, Department offices, diplomatic and consular posts abroad, as well as other U.S. government agencies on all legal matters, domestic and international, arising in the course of the Department’s activities. The incumbent of this position will serve as an Assistant Legal Adviser and reports directly to L’s Deputy Legal Adviser.
All groups of qualified individuals.
Noncompetitive (Current career SES, QRB certified graduates of SES candidate development programs and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility)
"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."
The Assistant Legal Adviser for Management (L/M) provides legal advice and services on matters of particular importance to United States foreign policy interests. This includes providing authoritative advice on the legal implications of contemplated actions (frequently in international situations which are unprecedented) indicating, for example, how far any proposal being considered would depart from recognized practice and what consequences might result in relations with other nations.
Responsibilities of the Assistant Legal Adviser (L/M) include but are not limited to the following:
Provides legal advice and services on matters relating to, and participates with, the Legal Adviser, Deputy Legal Advisers, and other ranking policy officers of the USG in overall policy formulation and program planning and in the consideration and development of basic policies related to management activities of the Department. This includes, inter alia, overseeing legal work on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation, congressional oversight, diplomatic security, Chief of Mission authorities, evacuations and travel, and appropriations law.
Oversees all legal aspects, including matters of international law, foreign law, and domestic law, as well as the evolution of law in unprecedented situations in the conduct of U.S. foreign relations and relations with international organizations and operations of those organizations.
Directs and supervises the work of subordinate attorneys and other staff assigned to his/her office. Reviews their work products to ensure that accurate and timely advice and services are provided. Discharges office management and administrative responsibilities. Promotes the Department's human resources and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies, and encourages employee development through varied work assignments, continuing legal education and other means.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Requires a financial disclosure statement, OGE-278.
Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
This position is a drug-testing designated position subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
Appointment will be subject to the applicant's completion and favorable adjudication of a background security investigation.
The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for this position submit a financial disclosure statement, OGE-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
Qualifications
Unless you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit separate narrative statements covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications (last five vacancy assessment questions). Applicants must also submit separate narrative statements covering each of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (listed below) in order to receive consideration for the position. To view additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements available on the Office of Personnel Management's website please click here.
When responding to the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position. Your narrative responses to each of the MTQs and the ECQs should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts. Include in your responses all efforts/accomplishments related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. Your narratives are limited to two (2) pages per each MTQ and ECQ.
Applicants' failure to respond to MTQs and ECQs, and exceeding required page limits will be marked “ineligible.”
Applicants who use "see resume" as a response will not receive consideration for the position.
For this position applicants must submit a narrative statement that address the following mandatory technical qualification:
Your experience should explicitly demonstrate the following:
MTQ 1 - Demonstrated experience providing sound legal advice and representation involving the application of international, foreign, and domestic law to legal, policy, and management issues involving multiple stakeholders and the activities of large public or private organizations.
MTQ 2 - Demonstrated experience providing sound legal advice and representation through effective written and oral counsel and advocacy on legal, management, and policy issues relating to large public or private organizations, including with respect to international organizations and the conduct of U.S. diplomacy.
If you do not possess the mandatory technical qualifications described above, you may be considered ineligible for this position.
Additional information
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER - Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those 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 no 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.
TELEWORK - If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. This position is not eligible for remote work.
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.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – U.S. law requires organizations to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States - either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be evaluated by a Qualifications Review Panel of senior officials. The Panel will rate applicants on the basis of the quality and extent of total accomplishments, experience and education. The Panel will determine the degree to which candidates possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the mandatory technical requirements of the position and the Mandatory Executive Core Qualification requirements. Among the factors the evaluation panel will consider in determining the applicant's relative capacity and fitness for the position are education, training, experience and demonstrated executive level qualifications. The Panel will rate your application against each of the Mandatory Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Technical Qualifications to determine the best qualified candidates. Candidates determined to be best qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration for the position.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
All required documents listed below must be submitted to our automated system "Gateway to State" prior to the closing date of this announcement, which is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. See Step 3 under "How to Apply."
Resume
SES Executive Core Qualifications
SES Mandatory Technical Qualifications
Law License/Bar Membership
SES Non-Competitive Documentation (if applicable)
Performance Appraisal (most recent – if current Federal employee)
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (if current Federal employee)
PLEASE READ THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RATED AS “INELIGIBLE” AND WILL NOT RECEIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION:
A completed informational questionnaire.
Applicants must complete the online questionnaire associated with this job announcement.
A resume of relevant experiences and accomplishments (not to exceed 5 pages). Please ensure your resume is uploaded with pages numbered, preferably in .pdf format. Failure to upload and number pages, including documents exceeding page limit will be marked “ineligible.”
Your resume serves as a basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience as it relates to this job opportunity. Your resume must demonstrate executive potential such as experiences, accomplishments, activities, recognition, and awards related to each ECQ and breadth and scope of professional accomplishments. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Your resume must include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and/or the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. For assistance with creating a resume, please click here. Please note that if a cover letter is submitted, it counts towards the 5-page limit.
Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) statements are limited to a maximum of two pages per ECQ(not to exceed 10 pages). Please ensure your ECQs are uploaded with pages numbered, preferably in .pdf format. Failure to upload and number pages, including documents exceeding page limits will be marked “ineligible.”
All applicants must submit written narrative statements describing your accomplishments against each of the ECQs. You must address each ECQ separately and are required to respond to all ECQs. When addressing the ECQs, applicants should include one or two notable examples (within last 10 years) using the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) model:
- Challenge: Describe a specific problem or goal.
- Context: Talk about the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to tackle a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
- Action: Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
- Result: Give specific examples of the results of your actions. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) statements are limited to a maximum of two pages per MTQ.Please ensure your MTQs are uploaded with pages numbered, preferably in .pdf format. Failure to upload and number pages, including documents exceeding page limits will be marked “ineligible.”
All applicants must submit written narrative statements describing your accomplishments against each of the MTQs. You must address each MTQ separately and are required to respond to all MTQs. When addressing the MTQs, applicants should include one or two notable examples (within last 10 years) using the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) model:
A performance appraisalfor the most recent performance rating period. The performance appraisal will be used to validate that the candidate is in good performance standing and has not been recently placed on a performance improvement plan.
SF-50 (or equivalent) Notification of Personnel Action
If you are currently serving under a federal career or career conditional appointment, a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the career SES, or have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit an SF-50 that shows current series and grade level or proof of non-competitive eligibility, i.e., conversion to career SES SF-50 or SES Certificate. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as "ineligible." Do not submit cash or performance award SF-50.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please carefully read all the instructions before you begin the application process.
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the Department of State's Gateway to State Automated Application System.
You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the following four-step application process:
STEP 1: Select the "Apply On-line" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit a detailed resume or any other written format you choose documenting your job-related qualifications, experience, and education (if applicable). Cover letter is optional. If you submit a cover letter, you must also submit a resume. Please see the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Answer the job-specific self-assessment questions on-line through the Gateway to State automated application system. These questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications and experience for this job opportunity.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation, applicable to you, listed in the Required Documents section of this job opportunity to the Department’s automated application system "Gateway to State" prior to the closing date of this announcement. For instructions on how to view the status of your supporting documentation, please click here.
Technical assistance with your on-line application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
ALTERNATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES
NOTE: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement.
NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, N.W.
Room H-1104
Washington, District of Columbia 20520
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and or security background investigation.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
1. Upon receipt of your application. 2. Upon minimum qualification determinations. 3. After the certificate is issued. 4. After final selection is made.
For instructions on how to view the status of your application, please click here.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All required documents listed below must be submitted to our automated system "Gateway to State" prior to the closing date of this announcement, which is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. See Step 3 under "How to Apply."
Resume
SES Executive Core Qualifications
SES Mandatory Technical Qualifications
Law License/Bar Membership
SES Non-Competitive Documentation (if applicable)
Performance Appraisal (most recent – if current Federal employee)
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (if current Federal employee)
PLEASE READ THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RATED AS “INELIGIBLE” AND WILL NOT RECEIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION:
A completed informational questionnaire.
Applicants must complete the online questionnaire associated with this job announcement.
A resume of relevant experiences and accomplishments (not to exceed 5 pages). Please ensure your resume is uploaded with pages numbered, preferably in .pdf format. Failure to upload and number pages, including documents exceeding page limit will be marked “ineligible.”
Your resume serves as a basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience as it relates to this job opportunity. Your resume must demonstrate executive potential such as experiences, accomplishments, activities, recognition, and awards related to each ECQ and breadth and scope of professional accomplishments. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Your resume must include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and/or the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. For assistance with creating a resume, please click here. Please note that if a cover letter is submitted, it counts towards the 5-page limit.
Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) statements are limited to a maximum of two pages per ECQ(not to exceed 10 pages). Please ensure your ECQs are uploaded with pages numbered, preferably in .pdf format. Failure to upload and number pages, including documents exceeding page limits will be marked “ineligible.”
All applicants must submit written narrative statements describing your accomplishments against each of the ECQs. You must address each ECQ separately and are required to respond to all ECQs. When addressing the ECQs, applicants should include one or two notable examples (within last 10 years) using the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) model:
- Challenge: Describe a specific problem or goal.
- Context: Talk about the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to tackle a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
- Action: Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
- Result: Give specific examples of the results of your actions. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) statements are limited to a maximum of two pages per MTQ.Please ensure your MTQs are uploaded with pages numbered, preferably in .pdf format. Failure to upload and number pages, including documents exceeding page limits will be marked “ineligible.”
All applicants must submit written narrative statements describing your accomplishments against each of the MTQs. You must address each MTQ separately and are required to respond to all MTQs. When addressing the MTQs, applicants should include one or two notable examples (within last 10 years) using the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) model:
A performance appraisalfor the most recent performance rating period. The performance appraisal will be used to validate that the candidate is in good performance standing and has not been recently placed on a performance improvement plan.
SF-50 (or equivalent) Notification of Personnel Action
If you are currently serving under a federal career or career conditional appointment, a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the career SES, or have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit an SF-50 that shows current series and grade level or proof of non-competitive eligibility, i.e., conversion to career SES SF-50 or SES Certificate. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as "ineligible." Do not submit cash or performance award SF-50.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please carefully read all the instructions before you begin the application process.
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the Department of State's Gateway to State Automated Application System.
You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the following four-step application process:
STEP 1: Select the "Apply On-line" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit a detailed resume or any other written format you choose documenting your job-related qualifications, experience, and education (if applicable). Cover letter is optional. If you submit a cover letter, you must also submit a resume. Please see the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Answer the job-specific self-assessment questions on-line through the Gateway to State automated application system. These questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications and experience for this job opportunity.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation, applicable to you, listed in the Required Documents section of this job opportunity to the Department’s automated application system "Gateway to State" prior to the closing date of this announcement. For instructions on how to view the status of your supporting documentation, please click here.
Technical assistance with your on-line application can be obtained by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
ALTERNATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES
NOTE: If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package by fax. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at least two working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement.
NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, N.W.
Room H-1104
Washington, District of Columbia 20520
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. After we review and evaluate all applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. After a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and or security background investigation.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
1. Upon receipt of your application. 2. Upon minimum qualification determinations. 3. After the certificate is issued. 4. After final selection is made.
For instructions on how to view the status of your application, please click here.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
