Human Rights Investigator Jobs in Washington, DC

Description
Creative Corrections is actively recruiting exceptional candidates to be considered for a Leahy Vetting 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 leads American diplomacy, with the Secretary of State serving as the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The Department's mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, combat terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that enhance the safety, strength, and prosperity of Americans.
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.
The INL Office of Western Hemisphere Programs (WHP) supports U.S. efforts to combat foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and criminal gangs in Haiti. WHP provides technical advisory, lethal assistance, tactical equipment and training to help the Haitian National Police (HNP) to identify, dismantle, and investigate FTOs and gangs. INL/WHP also assists the Government of Haiti in police professionalization, strengthening criminal deterrence to hold criminals accountable, counter-narcotics and firearms trafficking investigations, and corrections initiatives.
This position is contingent upon award of contract for BPA Call.
POSITION OVERVIEW
TITLE: Leahy Vetting Advisor
LOCATION: Washington, DC
SECURITY CLEARANCE: A TOP SECRET security clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with an interim TOP SECRET security clearance.
CLOSING DATE: September 11, 2026
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Leahy Vetting Advisor ("Advisor") is responsible for vetting at the post level, in accordance with the Leahy Vetting Laws, ensuring proper coordination with the Political, Economic, Consular, Diplomatic Security and INL Sections as required. The Advisor conducts vetting of law enforcement and security force candidates for training and other foreign assistance benefits searching classified records up to Top Secret-level as well as unclassified electronic records, to assess the information found, and recommend a course of action with respect to derogatory information on individuals and/or units implicated in gross violation of human rights (GVHR) and non-GVHR cases. The Advisor coordinates with the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) Vetting Advisors and Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight (FAO) Vetters on vetting results.
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. The INL Contracting Officer (CO) will notify the Vendor of the Government's intent to exercise an option prior to the end of each performance period in accordance with FAR 52.217-8.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts USG human rights vetting of military and police personnel receiving U.S. assistance, including training and other benefits in Haiti, and the Western Hemisphere, as necessary.
• Provides subject matter expertise in vetting procedures for Embassy Port au Prince. Provides relevant recommendations and analysis to senior officials on vetting and human rights cases.
• Attends working level interagency meetings to review difficult cases and recommends actions regarding derogatory information found. Raises problematic issues to senior levels as necessary. Consults with other offices in the State Department on the Leahy legislation and its amendments.
• Supports the process to review and amend Post vetting procedures and updates standard operation procedures to ensure more efficient processes.
• Coordinates clearances with appropriate sections at Post involved in the vetting process.
• Coordinates with all relevant sections of Post to ensure timely and effective responses to all vetting requests for security forces in Haiti.
• Reviews incoming vetting requests and conducts all required checks on those unit(s) or individual(s) to receive U.S. assistance within timeframes established by Post leadership. When derogatory information surfaces, verifies information through appropriate channels to make a final recommendation on such unit(s) or individual(s) within required timeframes.
• Follows U.S. law and regulations, advises regarding "remediation" efforts at Post to clear previously problematic units, if appropriate.
• Annually reviews the 'suspended' cases to ensure they receive continued follow up toward approval or rejection, if appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizen.
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years' work experience in international affairs, human rights, or other relevant field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and in conducting internet research.
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills to include drafting of action and info memos, congressional testimony.
• Press guidance and congressional and general correspondence.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic French and/or Haitian Creole language reading ability.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance.
• Demonstrated understanding of judicial and/or police training activities, and U.S. laws and regulations governing such activity.
• Demonstrated understanding of the human rights situation in the countries of the Western Hemisphere.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively.

LEVEL OF EFFORT
Hours for the position will be the standard hours of the Department of State: 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, unless the on-site supervisor approves another time.
POSITION LOCATION
This physical work location is in WHA, specifically WHA/CAR office located at HST - 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT
A Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for access to sensitive, compartmented information (SCI) is required for this position.
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.