The Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, was established to assist in the development of foreign justice sector institutions and to enhance the administration of justice abroad and foster the rule of law. OPDAT provides justice sector development assistance throughout the world, with offices currently in Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Europe and Eurasia; and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Summary
The Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, was established to assist in the development of foreign justice sector institutions and to enhance the administration of justice abroad and foster the rule of law. OPDAT provides justice sector development assistance throughout the world, with offices currently in Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Europe and Eurasia; and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Proposes and oversees overall strategic policy for the design and implementation of highly technical legal assistance programs, tailored to meet specific needs that enhance the ability of foreign counterparts to investigate offenses effectively, to competently prosecute them, to foster fair adjudication, and to promote human and technological development.
Coordinates with top management officials of the Department of Justice and the Criminal Division and senior policy officials in the Departments of State and Defense, USAID and operational law enforcement agencies, to assure the identification of strategic foreign criminal justice goals and the initiation of programs to meet these goals.
Supervises and oversees the activities of OPDAT, ensuring that the office delivers fully integrated training and development programs for criminal justice systems overseas. These program activities include legislative reform, the drafting of new criminal codes, creation of investigative policies and procedures, and advice on legal processes.
Advises the relevant Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG) on criminal justice training related to foreign policy issues, and acts as a senior advisor to Department officials on foreign criminal justice policy matters. Due to the complexity and sensitive nature of these criminal justice training issues, the incumbent must be a recognized expert and aware of the wide-ranging policy implications in virtually all aspects of the work.
Personally, and through subordinate staff, provides regular analysis and reports on the status and effectiveness of OPDAT's criminal justice development and training efforts in achieving strategic goals. Also, advises on the impact of prosecutorial and criminal justice training conducted by other Department components and operational law enforcement agencies.
Meets with U.S. foreign policy, prosecutorial, training and law enforcement officials to identify and document key foreign criminal justice training problems and shortcomings. Also, meets with counterpart senior criminal justice officials in foreign countries. Working with these senior U.S. and foreign officials and eminent legal scholars, identifies the legislative, developmental and training requirements most likely to ameliorate problems.
Represents the DAAG in high level meetings, conferences and symposia concerning international criminal justice matters, sponsored by a wide variety of national and international organizations and agencies, including the United Nations.
Manages the Office's financial and human resources. Works closely with the Criminal Division Office of Administration to manage, track, and control the office's multi-million-dollar budget. Ensures that resource enhancements necessary for proposed priorities are identified and justification for additional funding is prepared to ensure adequate funding levels. Prioritizes work of the Office. Uses efficient and cost-effective approaches to integrate technology into the Office's programs for improved program effectiveness and case management.
Reviews programs to identify need for improvements in quality, timeliness, and/or productivity. Oversees and evaluates plans and measures attainment of outcomes. Identifies and analyzes problems; develops Office-wide procedures.
Provides strong advocacy and commitment to the Division's priorities concerning workforce diversity and equal employment opportunity. Demonstrates strong commitment for merit promotion principles in all aspects of hiring, selection, development, and performance management of employees.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States that share our commitment to public service.
You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
If the selectee is not a current employee of the Offices, Boards, or Divisions of the U.S. Department of Justice, they will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
The managerial qualifications of a selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employee must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment.
Individuals entering the SES career service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.
Qualifications
Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Applicants must be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) in good standing and have at least 5 years post-J.D. experience. Applicants must also have a high level of management/supervisory experience.
Applicants must submit a resume and a separate narrative statement/response that addresses each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification factors related to this position as well as the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) related to all positions in the Senior Executive Service.
OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf .
Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements
Experience with the U.S. and foreign criminal justice systems, including prosecutorial experience.
Experience in formulating and executing U.S. criminal justice policy and foreign assistance goals.
Experience in designing, implementing and supervising rule of law training and development programs, particularly in an international context.
Experience in dealing with foreign governments, international organizations, and the U.S. interagency process.
Executive/Managerial Requirements:
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification encompasses the ability to develop and implement an organizational vision, which integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity.
Leadership Competencies: Creativity and Innovation, Continual Learning, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Service Motivation, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to design and implement strategies, which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Cultural Awareness, Integrity/Honesty, Team Building
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of programs and policies.
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making.
Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Technology Management, Human Resources Management
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
Leadership Competencies: Influencing/Negotiating, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Political Savvy, Written Communication
Education
A J.D., or equivalent, degree.
Applicants who possess an equivalent degree rather than a J.D. may be subject to additional review by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.
Additional information
The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
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.
Candidates will be evaluated on the mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements identified above. Based on their total background, i.e., education, training, self-development, awards, outside activities, performance appraisal, as well as work history. If candidates are found to possess all technical requirements, they will then be evaluated based on the Executive Core Qualifications as established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) outlined above.
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.
A separate statement addressing each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements.
A separate statement addressing each ECQ that describes your managerial experience. While individuals who are current or former career SES members (approved by OPM and have completed an initial probationary period) need not submit an Executive Core Qualifications statement, they are required to provide an SF-50 or SES certificate to demonstrate their current or prior service. Otherwise, the absence of ECQs will be identified as a failure to comply with the requirements of the vacancy. Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
If you are a current or recent Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) and a performance appraisal issued within the past 12 months, or if none exists, please include a statement to that effect.
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.
OPDAT
c/o Human Resources
1400 New York Avenue NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20004
US
Next steps
We will notify you of your status as a candidate after each step of the recruitment process. After extending a tentative job offer and receiving acceptance by the selectee, we will conduct an employment suitability/security background investigation to confirm that the selectee meets all requirements to fill the position. We expect to make a final job offer once all such reviews have been completed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A separate statement addressing each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements.
A separate statement addressing each ECQ that describes your managerial experience. While individuals who are current or former career SES members (approved by OPM and have completed an initial probationary period) need not submit an Executive Core Qualifications statement, they are required to provide an SF-50 or SES certificate to demonstrate their current or prior service. Otherwise, the absence of ECQs will be identified as a failure to comply with the requirements of the vacancy. Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
If you are a current or recent Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) and a performance appraisal issued within the past 12 months, or if none exists, please include a statement to that effect.
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.
OPDAT
c/o Human Resources
1400 New York Avenue NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20004
US
Next steps
We will notify you of your status as a candidate after each step of the recruitment process. After extending a tentative job offer and receiving acceptance by the selectee, we will conduct an employment suitability/security background investigation to confirm that the selectee meets all requirements to fill the position. We expect to make a final job offer once all such reviews have been completed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
