Senior Advisor (RSO Iraq) (2026 0088)

U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Diplomatic Security

Arlington, VA
6 days ago

$125,574–$184,409 Per Year
Contractor
Full-time

Highlights

To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities, visit:www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. Temporary Non-Status Contractor Position: 1 year renewable for up to 4 years.

Numbers & Facts

Location	Arlington, VA
Job Type	Contractor, Full-time
Salary	$125,574–$184,409 Per Year
Website	https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-diplomatic-security/

Description

SUMMARY

This is a non-status, non-permanent Personal Service Contract (PSC) position. You do not acquire competitive or excepted service status from this position. You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET clearance.
Requires medical clearance.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities, visit:www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The duty location of this position is Baghdad, Iraq. Travel, domestic and international, required - 35%.

TELEWORK

Position is telework eligible, but must be approved at managerial discretion.

DURATION OF APPOINTMENT

Temporary Non-Status Contractor Position: 1 year renewable for up to 4 years.

Job Responsibilities

The position is assigned to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's (DS) High Threat Programs Directorate, Office of Regional Directors (DS/HTP/RD) in Arlington, VA. The work is carried out in Baghdad, Iraq.

You will serve as a Senior Advisor who provides critical insight regarding threats, politics, local and regional terrorism, security services, and interpersonal relationships within local security organizations.

Analyzes trends, forecasts future security challenges and proactively prepares the RSO to address emerging opportunities and threats. Develops courses of action and recommendations for implementation of strategy to inform the RSO and embassy leadership’s decision-making
Enhances bilateral relations, strengthens ties with counterparts across different GOI agencies and ensuring that security objectives align. Coordinats external training and shared operations to bolster security management capabilities. Maintains Arabic language fluency, local cultural knowledge and familiarity with GOI organizational structures to provide translation, interpretation, and liaison services.
Coordinates between interagency and Government of Iraq (GOI) frameworks to integrate RSO policies and programs with broader embassy strategies, particularly focusing on law enforcement and security and the integration with other strategic objectives or national security enterprise.
Provides stakeholders with recommended courses of action and a spectrum of alternatives concerning embassy regulations and guidance that significantly impact security policy issues.
Dvelops and implements comprehensive communication strategies and reviews messaging products and diplomatic notes, coordinating with the embassy's front office team, the Management office, Consular Affairs, and Public Affairs to craft talking points, speeches, and briefings.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

Experience implementing and managing security programs and procedures.
Experience developing, testing and reviewing security programs and operations to assess compliance and alignment with strategic goals .
Experience analyzing and synthesizing information to provide data-driven recommendations to decision makers.
Experience communicating technical information to a variety of stakeholders using multiple techniques.

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a detailed resume. Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 pm on the closing date of this announcement, October 27, 2026.
Your resume or application must clearly reflect the requirements of this position. If your resume does not meet these requirements, your application may not be considered.
Resume limited to two pages showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered.
Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.
Applications which are incomplete, not received by the deadline stated above will not be considered. All materials submitted will become property of the Department of State.

For any questions, please contact DS HRM at DSPSC@state.gov.

Skills

About Company

As the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for leading worldwide security and law enforcement efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy and safeguard national security interests. DS fulfills its mission through the hard work of its committed and highly trained security professionals-special agents, engineers, technical specialists, diplomatic couriers, Civil Service specialists, and contractors-who work together to ensure that their State Department colleagues can carry out their foreign policy missions safely and securely.

AGENCY BENEFITS:

Personal Service Contracts are eligible to participate in the PSC Health Insurance Reimbursement Program which allows for a contribution of 72 percent against the contractor’s health insurance premium costs toward either an individual or family policy, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for personnel as announced annually by the Office of Personnel Management. Supplemental insurance, such as dental and vision, is not eligible for this reimbursement under this program. The Department’s PSC Life Insurance Reimbursement Program allows for PSC’s to be provided a contribution of 50 percent against the actual costs of an individual annual life insurance policy not to exceed $500.00 per year.
Personal Service Contractors entering on duty with prior qualifying service, as defined by OPM, may have their service computation dates updated to credit their years of applicable prior service for higher annual leave accrual rates. PSC leave accrual rates are explained in 3 FAM 9116.1
Benefits for PSC’s in the Department of State are outlined in 3 FAM 9116.

OTHER INFORMATION:

For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, pleasecontact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov.
If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisoryapproval.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.