Program Advisor (26-40)

Description

Creative Corrections is actively recruiting exceptional candidates to be considered for a Program Advisor position located in Washington, DC. This will be a contract role within the U.S.  Department of State. The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State’s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous and secure world.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) keeps Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

INL’s Office of Results and Criminal Deterrence (INL/RCD) plays a leadership role in INL, the Department, and the interagency in combating corruption and transnational organized crime internationally, including through management of several anticrime sanctions and deterrence tools. The Anticrime Sanctions and Deterrence Tools Branch implements corruption-related visa restrictions and related sanctions programs, as well as the Narcotics and Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Programs (NRP/TOCRP). INL administers two corruption-related visa denial authorities: Presidential Proclamation 7750 (PP 7750) and the Anti-Kleptocracy Provision in Section 7031(c) of the annual Appropriations Act. These two authorities allow the Department to deny visas to current and former corrupt officials, their corrupt affiliates, and their immediate family members. INL also supports implementation of Executive Order (E.O.) 13818 (entitled “Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption”), which implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act of 2016, as well as E.O. 14059 (illicit drugs) and E.O. 13581 (TOC).

This position is contingent upon award of contract for BPA Call.

POSITION OVERVIEW

TITLE: Program Advisor

LOCATION: Washington, DC.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: A Secret security clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with an interim Secret security clearance.

CLOSING DATE: August 18, 2026

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Advisor serves on a several-person unit, managed by a Branch Chief. The Advisor, under the direction of the Division Chief, Branch Chief, and Team Lead, will support implementation of PP 7750, Section 7031(c), and Global Magnitsky sanctions, as well as related sanctions tasks related to Narcotics and TOC Rewards Program. The Advisor will serve as an action officer supporting a geographic region or regions and will be the initial point of contact for all incoming actions regarding assignment from Departmental offices, U.S. embassies/posts, other U.S. government (USG) agencies, international organizations, foreign governments, non‑governmental organizations, or other sources. The Advisor will develop cases, including research and analysis of information; coordination with posts, relevant bureaus and the interagency; interaction with non-governmental sources for proposed case and substantiating information; and drafting decision memos for senior leadership. The position will also include support in drafting the related Congressionally mandated reports and raising awareness about these authorities through engagement with other Department offices, embassies abroad, the interagency, civil society, and the Hill.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for this order will be one (01) year from the date of award with the option to extend for six (06) months subject to performance, need, and funding.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards actions directed at high-level corrupt foreign public officials, those who corrupt them (i.e., bribers), narcotraffickers, and transnational criminal organizations.
• Assist in analyzing and improving knowledge of management processes and procedures related to visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards.
• Draft analysis documents and memoranda for visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards cases, based on research and analysis of a variety of sources and in coordination with a range of stakeholders (including obtaining numerous clearances), for senior leadership’s consideration and approval.
• Research and use government and private sector best practices to measure and improve customer service, approval workflows, and processing timelines related to visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards.
• Work closely with the Legal and Consular Affairs Bureaus to ensure legal, factual, and procedural prerequisites are met, and constructively resolve disagreements. Develop and maintain strong relationships throughout the Department through excellent customer service skills, project management knowledge, and a related understanding of the program office needs and mandates.
• Provide feedback to management on best practices for data input, document standardization, organization, and storage related to visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards procedures. Identify recurring issues that should be addressed by management and develop solutions.
• Assist in coordinating the interpretation and adaptation of available guidelines/SOPs for visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards and aid in analyzing the issues (e.g., workflow, delegations of authority, or regulatory compliance) and make recommendations for changes and improvements.
• Assist subject matter experts with the development of training modules for INL sponsored training workshops and distance learning courses for posts and State Department bureaus for INL-managed authorities, based on policies and procedures.
• Work closely with U.S. overseas posts, U.S. law enforcement, and the intelligence community in 1) distributing case-related information to ensure potential law enforcement actions involving subjects are not compromised by visa actions; and 2) generating referrals for cases and further developing the factual basis for draft memos.
• Serve as a resource within the Department and the interagency community on visa restrictions, sanctions, and rewards; brief working level officials within the interagency and Department and assist in preparing Congressional reporting and testimony, as well as documentation for bureau senior leadership.
• Assist in developing SOPs for areas identified by Division Chief, Branch Chief, and Team Lead focused on enhancing team efficiencies.
• Advise on opportunities to expand use of authorities and innovate practice.
• Conduct similar research and analysis to support implementation of related sanctions and rewards programs, including the Global Magnitsky sanctions program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizen ;
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
• Four to six years’ experience in relevant field;
• Demonstrated knowledge of specific country issues, including specialized knowledge of international narcotics and law enforcement, or similar type programs sufficient to ensure project work is in compliance with management policies and procedures and in conformance with the Foreign Assistance Act and other regulatory procedures and guidelines;
• Proven knowledge of Federal policies and procedures including methods of providing assistance and the Federal budget process;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of players;
• Demonstrated ability to provide advice, guidance, and consultation with regard to the interpretation and application of analysis;
• Experience drafting US government reports and documents, such as the INCSR, embassy cables, and other documents.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year’s experience working in INL.
• Demonstrated exposure to consular or sanctions work.
• Demonstrated experience and ability for successful interactions with U.S. government agencies to develop and maintain partnership relationships.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate analyses effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated strong research and analytical skills to monitor, evaluate, digest, and synthesize complex, technical information.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and independently.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, while maintaining timeliness and control over multiple elements of a portfolio.

LEVEL OF EFFORT

Hours for this full-time position will be Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, incorporating the core hours of the Department of State (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM).

POSITION LOCATION

The physical work location is the INL/RCD office at State Annex (SA-01), Columbia Plaza, 2401 E St. NW Washington, DC 20520.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT

A Top Secret security clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with an interim Top Secret security clearance.

This position is contingent upon award of contract for BPA Call.

ABOUT CREATIVE CORRECTIONS

At Creative Corrections, we strive to create a culture where we are able to attract and retain highly talented and qualified individuals. These relationships are built on trust, respect, and an assurance each person feels valued. We offer a strategic Total Compensation Package for qualified employees. In the end, we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of the Company and provide the services our customers rely upon.

In addition, we are honored to be a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and are equally proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, committed to creating a diversified workplace where everyone feels valued and respected because of their differences. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.