Attorney-Adviser

ATTORNEY VACANCY (S/OCR)
The U.S. Department of State has an Attorney-Adviser vacancy in the Secretary of State’s Bureau, Office of Civil Rights and Ombudsman (S/OCR). 

S/OCR oversees a variety of civil rights matters, including discrimination complaints and the Department’s Anti-Harassment Program. S/OCR is responsible for training Department officials at all levels on matters within
its purview, worldwide.

Compensation follows the general schedule for federal employees GS-11–GS-15, and hiring will be at the level appropriate to the successful candidate’s credentials.
 

The incumbent’s portfolio includes the following:
• Oversee legal compliance for all stages of EEO complaints
• Advise Department officials on matters of harassment, discrimination, policy, and leadership
• Investigate allegations of discrimination and harassment end-to-end, involving and/or implicating employees at all levels, contractors, political appointees, and other agency employees; draft comprehensive Reports of Investigation analyzing whether Department policies and regulations have been violated
• Draft various legal documents, including findings of fact and law in discrimination complaints
• Manage Anti-Harassment Program investigations
• Negotiate settlements and/or advise on settlement terms
• Conduct training virtually and at various domestic and international posts (travel is optional)
• Conduct complex legal research
• Conduct alternative dispute resolution
• Prepare, interpret, and draft administrative regulations and internal policies
Necessary Skills – a successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
• Excellent legal research and writing skills;
• Excellent oral communication skills, including public speaking and questioning
witnesses;
• The ability to synthesize complex information orally and in writing to provide
management case insights and recommendations;
• The ability to work effectively across geographical and cultural boundaries, and with a high degree of empathy and professionalism in sensitive and difficult circumstances;
• The ability to perform well under pressure, balance competing demands, and meet deadlines;
• The ability to manage sensitive matters and communicate with senior officials;
• The ability to maintain neutrality and review facts and evidence objectively;
• The ability to work well on a team and to manage independent work with little
supervision;
• Conflict resolution, negotiation, training, and leadership development skills are a plus.
The successful candidate must currently hold, or be able to receive, a TOP SECRET security clearance.

There is a one-year probationary period. Occasional travel, including international travel, may be offered, but not required. Proof of ability to practice law (bar membership in good standing) in the U.S. required.
 

This is an onsite position, requiring in-person work at the Department of State headquarters in Washington, DC; out-of-area applicants must be willing to relocate.
 

How to Apply:
• Interested candidates should email a resume and a cover letter to the following address by April 3, 2026. SOCR_LegalHiring@state.gov
• Candidates selected for further screening will be required to submit a writing sample demonstrative of the applicant’s writing abilities (maximum 10 pages) and three references, at least one supervisory and one peer-colleague. You may submit this additional information with your initial inquiry, if you prefer.