BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The incumbent serves as an aid to the Department Of justice (DOJ) Resident Legal advisor (RLA). He/she assists the RLA in researching issues of law and procedure and planning and coordinating training programs, visits and conferences. Other responsibilities include establishing and maintaining contacts with host government officials, and government officials within the countries located in the Horn of Africa and reviewing and interpreting draft legislation and generating legal reports. Additionally, the incumbent provides administrative support to the RLA and to DOJ Criminal Division Programs at the Embassy.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A) LIAISON (25%): Serves as liaison for the Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) with senior Government of Tanzania (GoT) officials in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government, and – appropriate — similar officials in neighboring countries, including national and local officials responsible for the administration of criminal justice. Also serves as liaison with relevant NGO’s. Duties include attending supervised and unsupervised meetings with government officials and groups, as well as developing contacts in justice institutions of those countries located within the Horn of Africa, including the GoT.
B) ANALYSIS AND REPORTING (25%): Keeps the RLA and the Embassy fully informed of relevant legal events and trends in Tanzania and neighboring countries. Monitors, analyzes, and reports on a board range of legal and political issues, focusing on criminal law and procedure reforms, the implementation of the rule of law, and enforcement efforts directed at terrorism, terrorism financing, and transnational organized crime. Analyzes legislations and conducts legal research. Drafts legal memoranda and reports. The legal specialist also gathers information on current legal issues and prepares written memoranda on same
C) TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (25%):Assists in the coordination of DOJ/OPDAT rule of law, law enforcement and judicial technical assistance programs. This includes assisting the RLA in the development of substantive curricula, and in planning the logistical organization of such programs. Plans timing, locations, budget and travel arrangements for training programs and conferences. Reviews and prepare training materials (in consultation with RLA), arranges for written and oral translations and tracks and disseminates critiques and program evaluations by participants, Assists visiting US and foreign program faculty. Meets with visiting delegations, and handles arrangements for suitable social receptions. Tracks program expenses and prepare appropriate vouchers. Moderate to high amount of travel within Tanzania, and occasional travel to neighboring countries and to the U.S.
D) ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (25%): Organizes and schedules meetings for the RLA and for other USG officials with GoT officials, and – as appropriate — officials within neighboring countries, and with relevant NGOs and international partners. When necessary, serves as an interpreter/translator for the RLA. Maintains financial and substantive program records. Assists with administrative needs of the RLA program.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent (License) in Law is required.
Experience:
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in exposure to legal practices with an NGO, Government of Tanzania or a law firm is required.
Language:
Level IV (fluent) in English and Kiswahili (speaking, writing and reading) is required. (This will be tested)
Skills and Abilities:
Strong communication skills, services oriented attitude, excellent interpersonal skills and poise are required. Strong writing skills in Swahili and English are required. (This will be tested).
Job Knowledge:
Must possess an excellent understanding of the Tanzanian legal and criminal justice system, as well as a solid understanding of the American and/or European legal systems are required.
HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below. Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER:
1. USEFM who is ALSO a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
2. USEFM OR a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran
3. FS on LWOP**
* IMPORTANT: Applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of the most recent Member Copy Four (4) of the DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, and, if applicable, a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If claiming conditional eligibility for U.S. Veterans’ preference, applicants must submit proof of conditional eligibility. If the written documentation confirming eligibility is not received in the HR office by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, the U.S. Veterans’ preference will not be considered in the application process. Mission HR’s decision on eligibility for U.S. Veterans’ preference after reviewing all required documentation is final.
** This level of preference applies to all Foreign Service employees on LWOP.
ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA:
Management will consider when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.
Current OR employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply. Current OR employees with an Overall Summary rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance report (EPR) are not eligible to apply.
Current NOR employees hired on a Family Member Employment (FMA) or a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) are not eligible to apply within the first 90 calendar days of their employment, unless they have a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.
The candidate must be able to obtain the local security certification.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174), which is available on our website or by contacting Human Resources. (See “For Further Information” above);
Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. resume, transcripts, degrees, etc.)
For Tanzanian Nationals: Copy of Passport, or National ID, or Voters ID
For Other Nationals: please attach current Resident/Work Permit and copy of valid Passport.
WHERE TO APPLY: Effective immediately only online applications will be accepted via DarRecruitment@state.gov
When sending an online application, please indicate the position title in the subject line.
Otherwise your application will not be considered.