Program Assistant - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Transnational Cr

at  ATSG Corporation

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ATSG Corporation is actively interviewing candidates for a Program Assistant position in Panama City, Panama. The Program Assistant will work with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit (TCIU). The Program Assistant will join the ATSG team and enhance our partnership with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs’ (INL) on the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) - Panama task order.
Based upon the success of the initial CARSI contract, this effort will expand the scope of work beyond Central American to include all WHA countries. The CARSI Initiative, a large and sophisticated multilateral security effort, provides funding for the USG to assist the governments of the CARSI countries with police professionalization, justice sector reform, counter narcotics efforts, border security management, crime and violence prevention, and anti-corruption efforts. Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of the U.S. Embassy in Panama City, Panama, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular travel to the US may be required based on the needs of the office at the direction of the HSI Country Attaché.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizen or Local national
• If a U.S. Citizen, the candidate must be able to pass an ATSG background investigation to begin employment and must obtain and maintain a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) clearance (if a U.S. Citizen) or an RSO clearance (if a local national) to gain Embassy access and be eligible for continued employment.
• High school degree,
• FSI Level 4/4 English.
• FSI Level 4/4 Spanish.
• Five (5) years administrative experience in a professional setting.
• Previous government, law enforcement or project management experience preferred.
• Effectively communicates in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn new software.
• Applicant must be able to pass annual polygraph examinations, requested and administered by the US Government at no additional cost to ATSG Corporation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College Degree.
• Demonstrated at least three years work experience with a wide range of Microsoft Office software.
• Demonstrated five years of work experience in a large administrative or office support environment, with at least 10 personnel served by the position.
• Have a valid Panamanian Driver’s license.
• Demonstrated work experience in a large office administrative support role including coordination of procurements, events, schedules, training, travel, and other activities.
• Demonstrated experience working with an embassy in international operations or foreign assistance.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• All applications must be submitted in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format.
• Applications and resumes for this position are only accepted via electronic submission through ATSG Corporation’s Consolidated Applicant Tracking System (CATS).
• Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.
• The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from their electronic application and/or resume.

• The incumbent will serve as the HSI TCIU Program Assistant (PA) providing support to the HSI office of over 11 employees as well as to the HSI vetted unit (TCIU) staffed by 71 officers.
• The PA would work under the direction of the INL Program Manager and the HSI Country Attaché or designated representative.
• Assists HSI representatives in meetings to discuss various administrative policies and procedures as well as ongoing and future projects related to HSI and HSI TCIU.
• Coordinates logistics for international meetings and training events and processes all training requests for host nation counterparts, working with procurement personnel (INL or GSO) to identify meeting rooms, catering services, etc. Organizes functions such as official seminars and conducts briefings in conjunction with procurement personnel and HSI.
• Advises HSI leadership, personnel, and host nation counterparts on HSI procedures and policies to ensure awareness and compliance with regulations and other requirements.
• Works closely with the INL Panama Justice Program Assistant to provide information for procurement requirements for the HSI TCIU office, coordinating and tracking INL-funded procurements in a pleasant, professional, and timely manner.
• Oversees, controls, and implements the monthly operating payments and salary supplements to approved recipients, ensuring all documentation is properly administered and provided to INL as required, with all necessary signatures and verifications.
• Assists in reporting management control information related to budgets, end of fiscal year closeout documents, End Use Monitoring Reporting, GAO and AIG auditing requirements, and quarterly/status budget reports.
• Understand, identifies, and explains as needed the different types of payment used for specific expenses.
• Maintains accounting of lease agreements and rental payments for undercover locations throughout Panama.
• Review and monitor invoices, reconciles advances, and prepares reimbursements for final approval. Responsible for ensuring adherence to HSI and DOS financial policies and procedures.
• Serves as point of contact for coordinating administrative and travel requirements for HSI TCIU travelers sponsored by INL and administers travel systems.
• Prepares all travel documents and requests for host nation counterparts for both national and international travel. Ensures travelers have appropriate immigration documents.
• Prepares travel vouchers upon conclusion of travel and coordinates with INL for collection of payment memorandums necessary to close funding obligations.
• Explains and promotes understanding of travel management policies, regulations and procedures. Implements procedures and methods to accommodate new policies resulting from regulatory changes.
• Responsible for ensuring travelers are aware of travel requirements and their responsibilities, including understanding visa requirements.
• Implements inventory controls and conducts the annual State Department/INL End Use Monitoring review and daily maintenance of the inventory control system (issuance and disposition of equipment).
• Coordinates polygraph, human rights vetting, and urinalysis tests to ensure compliance with all requirements.
• Determines equipment and materials needs for the smooth operation and daily management of HSI TCIU facilities.
• Organizes, schedules, and directs administrative work of over 70 HSI TCIU team members.
• Provides required reports to HSI and INL leadership as requested.
• Writes, distributes, and follows up on letters to host government entities.
• Maintain full confidentiality of work requirements, requests, process, contacts, locations, and any other information related to INL or host government contracts.
• Local travel within Panama City is required on at least a weekly basis and travel throughout the country of Panama on a regular basis, over rough ocean waters in basic boats, and in helicopters.