Assistant Legal Adviser

USAJOBS pay evidence (raw source values; no currency or annual rate inferred)

Remuneration 1: minimum: 151661; maximum: 228000; rate interval: PA; description as provided: Per Year

Pay plan 1: code: ES

Low grade: 00

High grade: 00

Agency: Department of State Headquarters

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. 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 (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) 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. In order to qualify for the Attorney Advisor position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: Education: Applicants must possess an LL.B. or a J.D. degree at the time of application and submit proof of your degree with your application. AND Licensure: Applicants must be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. You must submit proof of licensure with your application. The application process to recruit for this position is the RESUME BASED method. You must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications ( MTQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed and will be disqualified. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. Please submit your 2-page resume as an additional attachment. It is strongly recommended that you submit your 2-page resume in PDF format. There is NO requ

Job summary:

The Office of the Legal Adviser (L) provides legal advice and services to the Secretary of State and other senior officials, Department offices, diplomatic and consular posts abroad, and other U.S. government agencies on all legal matters, domestic and international, arising in the course of the Department's activities. The incumbent of this position will serve as an Assistant Legal Adviser and reports directly to a Deputy Legal Adviser.

Major duties:

- The Assistant Legal Adviser for African and Near Eastern Affairs (L/AN) provides legal advice and services on matters of particular importance to United States foreign policy interests. This includes providing advice on the legal implications of contemplated actions (frequently in international situations that present novel issues), including, for example, the consistency of the action with respect to domestic and international law and the practice of the Department and what consequences might result in relations with other nations. Responsibilities of the Assistant Legal Adviser (L/AN) include but are not limited to the following: Provides timely, effective, and expert legal advice on the full range of legal matters affecting U.S. relations with, and Department programs in, Africa and the Near East.

- This includes for interagency efforts, as well as bilateral and multilateral negotiations, regarding: the negotiation, drafting, and interpretation of international agreements and arrangements with African and Near Eastern states and regional organizations; the application of international law, including questions of sovereignty, use of force, state responsibility, and international humanitarian law, as they arise in the region; the legal aspects of U.S. sanctions, export controls, and other restrictive measures applicable to countries in the region; the legal analysis of executive orders, domestic statutes, and Department regulations affecting Africa and Near East policy and programs; and legal issues arising from foreign assistance, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement in the region. Directs and supervises the work of approximately 6 attorneys and other staff assigned to the office.

- Reviews their work products to ensure that accurate and timely advice and services are provided. Discharges office management and administrative responsibilities. Promotes the Department's human resources policies and encourages employee development through varied work assignments, continuing legal education, and other means.

Requirements:

This position is a drug-testing designated position subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's completion and favorable adjudication of a background security investigation. The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 requires the applicant selected for the this position submit a financial disclosure statement, OGE-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually and upon termination of employment.

Key requirements:

- U.S. Citizenship is required.

- Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.

- Verification of Employment Eligibility in the United States is required.

- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

- Requires a financial disclosure statement, OGE-278.

- One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.

Education:

See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.

Evaluations:

Veterans' Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications stated in this vacancy announcement. A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants: 1. Minimum requirements: Your application package must show that you meet all the requirements including the education and/or experience required for this position. You will 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 evaluated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. 3. Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to the selecting official for consideration for interview. The DOS 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. 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 limited to two pages, 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.

You must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED two (2) pages. Resumes exceeding the two (2) page limit will not reviewed and will be disqualified. If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the ECQs or MTQs. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Unless you have already been certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) previously or possess noncompetitive SES eligibility, your executive qualifications must be certified by OPM before a career SES appointment can occur. Candidates seeking initial career SES appointment may be required to participate in a structured QRB interview administered by OPM as part of the certification process. Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

USAJOBS listing details

Source listing snapshot; not verification of current availability or your eligibility.

Control number: 892532400

Announcement number: CSTM-2027-0006

Announcement URL:

Publication date: 2026-11-11T00:00:00.0000

Applications open: 2026-11-11T00:00:00.0000

Applications close: 2026-11-25T23:59:59.9970

Posting display ends: 2026-11-25T23:59:59.9970

Hiring paths: fed-competitive, fed-excepted, public, ses

URL:

Search result snapshot observed: 2026-11-11T14:38:47.140885+00:00