Duties
About the Office
The mission of the National Security Division (NSD) is to coordinate the Department's efforts in carrying out its top priority of preventing and combating terrorism and protecting the national security of the United States. NSD provides legal and policy advice on national security matters; litigates counterterrorism, counterespionage, and foreign intelligence surveillance matters; represents the Government before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) and other federal trial and appellate courts; and conducts oversight of the activities of various Intelligence Community (IC) agencies.
Job Description
The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES) in the National Security Division (NSD) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of FARA. Originally enacted in 1938, FARA requires certain agents of foreign principals who are engaged in political activities or other activities specified under the statute to make periodic public disclosures related to their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as activities, receipts, and disbursements in support of those activities. Disclosure of the required information facilitates evaluation by the Government and the American people of the activities of such persons in light of their function as foreign agents.
The attorney for this position will focus on administering and enforcing FARA. The attorney's FARA responsibilities will include preparing for and leading civil litigation, conducting inspections, and drafting advisory opinions.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a United States Citizen or National.
- You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
- You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
- Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, must have at least three years of post J.D. experience, and must be an active member of a bar (any jurisdiction). Applicants must also have superior academic credentials, possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and have the dedication and capacity to work independently in a very demanding environment. Past experience in the national security or intelligence field is not required.
Candidates selected for an attorney position with NSD are expected to make a three-year commitment to NSD.
Candidates must personally volunteer for Department-wide initiatives, special projects, Division-initiatives, and perform other duties as assigned.
Must be able to meet JMD and NSD suitability criteria for this position.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Failure to obtain or retain this level of security clearance and access will be grounds for reassignment, demotion, or removal from the Federal Service. Employee must successfully pass a urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
This position is MISSION ESSENTIAL. Most, if not all, essential job functions must be performed in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The incumbent is required to report for duty, in person, as necessary, in an emergency (regardless of holidays, weekends, nights, furloughs) or conditions such as weather in which non-essential personnel are not expected to report.
Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the National Security Division.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, must have at least three years of post J.D. experience, and must be an active member of a bar (any jurisdiction).
Additional information
Salary
(GS-14) $143,913 - $187,093 per annum
(GS-15) $169,279 - $197,200 per annum
Number of Positions
One
Travel
Occasional travel may be required.
Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Review our 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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.