Rural Security Advisor

Quick Summary

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is seeking a Rural Security Advisor for a Personal Services Contract (PSC) in Bogota, Colombia. This role supports the INL FORT Program by providing specialized expertise in base defense, operations, rural construction, and K9 programs to enhance the Colombian National Police (CNP) capacity in rural areas. The position offers a salary range of $102,409-$150,391 (FS-02 equivalent). Applications are due April 23, 2026.

Scope of Work

The Rural Security Advisor will serve as the in-country rural operations advisor, overseeing management aspects of the FORT program. Key responsibilities include:

• Program Management: Identifying opportunities, implementing programs to expand police presence, managing construction/fortification of rural police bases.
• Advisory & Coordination: Advising INL on security priority zones, coordinating efforts with host government and U.S. Embassy, supporting CNP on rural police operations (training, equipment, logistics).
• Oversight & Reporting: Monitoring CNP use of U.S.-provided resources, conducting field surveys, analyzing security developments, preparing budget guidance, briefing officials, and drafting documents for Congress.
• Internal Controls: Establishing management control systems, preventing waste/fraud, and monitoring U.S.-provided commodities.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Personal Services Contract (PSC)
• Location: U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia (with regular travel to rural areas)
• Duration: 12 months base period with four (4) optional one-year extensions.
• Salary: FS-02 equivalent ($102,409 - $150,391)
• Issuance Date: April 9, 2026
• Closing Date: April 23, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
• Solicitation Number: PSC-26-024-INL
• Set-Aside: Not applicable; open to qualified U.S. citizens.

Qualifications & Submission Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain Secret (potentially Top Secret) clearance.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
• 10+ years in security/law enforcement advisory (U.S. armed forces or federal LE).
• 5+ years abroad managing bilateral/multi-country security assistance programs.
• Demonstrated experience in developing/managing security, counternarcotics, and/or law enforcement programs.
• Knowledge of combat engineering, expeditionary operations, or construction of LE bases.
• Proficiency in Spanish (reading and speaking).

Application Materials:

1. Form SF-171 (Application for Federal Employment) and SF-171-A Continuation Sheet for detailed work experience.
2. Complete Resume with detailed experience, dates, locations, hours, duties, supervisor contacts, education, and U.S. citizenship.
3. Evaluation Factor Document: Address each of the three evaluation factors (max 500 words per factor).
4. Professional References: Three (3) names and contact information of current/previous supervisors.

Evaluation Factors (70 points)

• Factor 1: Work Experience (30 points) - Initiating, developing, and managing complex projects for foreign government security forces, including training, logistics, and construction/base security. (Preference for DOS and Colombia experience).
• Factor 2: Program Experience (10 points) - Managing acquisitions, developing work plans/SOWs, vendor selection, budget/financial management, and monitoring/evaluation.
• Factor 3: Management & Communication Experience (30 points) - Effective oral/written communication in English and Spanish, interaction with all levels, advising program officials, and drafting policy documents/reports for senior officials.
• Interview Performance (30 points) and Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (Pass/Fail) will also be considered.

Submission

Submit all required materials via email to INLPSCTeam@state.gov. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered.