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DHS Attache to Mexico

Department of Homeland Security
DHS Headquarters
Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Secretary, Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (PLCY), Office of International Affairs (OIA), in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico. PLCY provides policy development and coordination, strategy, planning and analysis to the DHS Secretary and other Departmental leaders to facilitate decision making and other critical matters that arise in a dynamic homeland security environment.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
03/26/2025 to 03/27/2025
Salary
$150,160 to - $225,700 per year
Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Senior Executive
Promotion potential
00
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
DE-12717502-ES-25-QS
Control number
834235500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

ALL Qualified Civil Service Employees: The "civil service" consists of all persons who occupy positions in the executive (includes excepted service), judicial, and legislative branches. Included are experts and consultants who occupy appointive positions, individuals in the Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission. SES reinstatement eligibles outside the civil service and SESCDP graduates with noncompetitive eligibility may also apply for noncompetitive consideration for this position.

Duties

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The DHS Attaché to Mexico works in full cooperation with the U.S. Ambassador, other senior Embassy officials, and counterparts from the Government of Mexico (GOM) and provides on-site representation and expert and authoritative advice on all aspects of policies and programs that relate to the complete range of the Department of Homeland Security's mission-the prevention and deterrence of terrorist attacks on the United States, smart and tough enforcement of existing laws, the maintenance of safe and secure borders, and the efficient and secure flow of commerce-and represents the Secretary's priorities to the Embassy.

As a member of the Embassy's "country team," the DHS Attaché to Mexico works closely with and advises the U.S. Ambassador and mission staff on new and potentially adverse information pertaining to U.S. national and economic security interests; and will be the official liaison/point of contact for DHS and the Embassy on all DHS-related matters.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Serves as the representative of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to the Government of Mexico and within the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates in Mexico.
  • Under Chief of Mission authority, advises the Ambassador and the U.S. Mission to Mexico on homeland security issues, which includes making recommendations on policy and operational issues affecting homeland security, including preventing terrorist attacks, narcotics trafficking, alien smuggling and trafficking, and other threats.
  • Initiates professional relationships and works closely with mission representatives from other U.S. Government agencies on issues of mutual concern.
  • Works closely with DHS component counterparts at Post and is responsible for the coordination and oversight of all DHS activities in-country.
  • Promotes DHS objectives and proposals, including developing and completing information sharing agreements, growing and deepening consensus on homeland security related efforts, expanding cooperation and collaboration, organizing and/or coordinating DHS participation in meetings and conferences, and leading and/or coordinating DHS participation in negotiations with the GOM in areas affecting DHS mission and responsibilities.
  • Reports to the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, through the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs (Western Hemisphere) and in coordination with OIA's regional teams in Washington, DC, any information derived from host government interaction which may be of interest.
  • Identifies issues of concern to DHS. Makes recommendations and develops background material for use in briefings for the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and other senior DHS officials. Assists and, as necessary, accompanies senior DHS officials on visits to Mexico.
  • Serves as principal advisor and a key decision-maker for the Department regarding DHS engagement with Mexico, especially in situations involving multiple DHS components including on issues relating to policy as well as operational planning and implementation.
  • Leads and coordinates the provision of assistance from DHS, including training, technical assistance, and expert advice, to GOM as Mexico enhances its law enforcement and customs/immigration management institutions.
  • Assists in establishing coordinated operations among Mexican and U.S. counterparts, which involves criminal investigation, and interdiction activities, and information sharing programs.
  • Organizes and coordinates DHS participation, including developing recommendations and proposals in U.S. foreign assistance programs to the GOM, with border management strategies and techniques, and monitoring, tracking, and interdicting illicit border activity.
  • Interacts with the GOM on behalf of DHS and works with appropriate officials throughout DHS to resolve issues/difficulties that arise in matters such as the investigation of immigration and customs violations (e.g., detention and removal operations, extradition issues, etc.), and that may arise from activities involving U.S. and Mexican interests.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
  • You must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
  • You may be required to undergo periodic drug testing.
  • You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • Selectee will be required to complete form OGE-278, Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Form.
  • This is an overseas position. You will be subject to and must be able to satisfy the overseas requirements, to include maximum length of tour of duty.
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport.
  • You may be required to obtain a VISA dependent on the overseas country's laws/regulations.
  • If eligible for permanent change of station, the appointee will be required to sign a transportation agreement to establish a Government time in service requirement of 12 months.
  • Selectee must be fluent in written and spoken English and highly proficient in Spanish.

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications listed below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. As such, your resume should demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully fulfill responsibilities inherent in most SES positions such as:

  • Directing the work of an organizational unit;
  • Ensuring the success of one or more specific major programs or projects;
  • Monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals, evaluating organizational performance and taking action to improve performance;
  • Supervising the work of employees; and
  • Exercising important policymaking, policy determining, or other executive functions.
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-BASED Method. The applicant must address the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within their resume. Resumes must not exceed five (5) pages.

We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the position. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
YOUR RESUME MUST CLEARLY DOCUMENT AND DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) EVIDENCE WITHIN YOUR RESUME NOT TO EXCEED FIVE PAGES:

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision.

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building.

ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility.

ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management.

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Leadership Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating.

Detailed information on each ECQ, the underlying and fundamental competencies, sample narratives and a tips sheet for writing effective ECQs are available in the "Guide To Senior Executive Service Qualifications" Senior Executive Service Executive Core Qualifications and Senior Executive Service Qualifications & Fundamental-Competencies.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (TQ)s:

IN ADDITON, YOU WILL BE EVALUATED ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your responses to the TQs should be embedded/addressed within your resume not to exceed five pages.

TQ 1. Demonstrated leadership engaging partner nations and institutions to improve international cooperation on homeland security matters, such as interagency coordination across the U.S. Departments of State, Homeland Security, Justice and Defense, as well as the National Security Council and the Intelligence Community; development of national strategies within Mexico or Central and/or South America that address counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and counter-proliferation; exchange and control of intelligence and law enforcement sensitive information and development of protocols and control measures to protect that information; coordination of unilateral and bilateral action against threats to U.S. national security including the development and implementation of necessary vetting procedures for host nation implementing partners; coordination of unilateral and bilateral policy related to aviation security, border security, cybersecurity, or cargo security.

TQ 2. Demonstrated experience in European governance, cultures, and institutions to develop relationships in regions that affect the formulation and implementation of national and homeland security policy.

NOTE: Your demonstrated leadership ability and the evidence of the ECQs and TQs must be clearly shown in your resume. A separate narrative statement will not be accepted.

A sample 5-page resume that incorporates ECQs and TQs can be viewed on this link (indexed at page 29 - 37) http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf.

YOU WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION IF YOU FAIL TO MEET OR FULLY ADDRESS EACH MANDATORY EXECUTIVE CORE AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND IF YOUR RESUME EXCEEDS FIVE (5) PAGES.

Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employees in the Executive Branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee, please indicate this in your resume. Serving in a Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES appointment WILL NOT eliminate you from consideration.

Education

There is no educational requirement for this position.

Additional information

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will be authorized at Management's discretion.

Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Incentive may be authorized at Management's discretion.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your resume with no more than five (5) numbered pages is recommended.

A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants:

1. Minimum requirements: Your application must show that you meet all requirements including the education and/or experience required for this position. You may be rated "not qualified" if you do not possess the qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete, you may be found "ineligible".

2. Rating and Ranking: A panel of subject matter experts will review your application and evaluate your qualifications for this position based on the information in your application. Your application will be rated, based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. Interviews will be at the discretion of the panel and/or selecting official.

3. Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to a selecting official for consideration and possible interview. The DHS Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority where final interviews and reference checks may occur. Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past, your ECQs must be certified by the QRB before appointment can occur.

Your supporting documents are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you will be eliminated from consideration. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.

The application process to recruit for this position is the RESUME-BASED method. Separate written narratives addressing the ECQs and TQs will not be considered at this time. Evidence of your qualifications for the ECQs and TQs must be clearly demonstrated in your resume, and no more than five (5) pages will be accepted. A sample 5-page resume that incorporates ECQs and TQs can be viewed on this link (indexed at page 29 - 37) http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf.

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