Security Investigator – All Interested Applicants/All Sources Jobs

Duties

Basic Function of Position

The Criminal Fraud Investigator (CFI) works in the Consular Section under the direct supervision of the Assistant Regional Security Officer-Investigator (ARSO-I). The role involves conducting sensitive, routine, and complex criminal investigations into issues like counterfeit or forged travel documents, human trafficking and smuggling, U.S. fugitive extraditions, identity theft, bribery, extortion, conspiracy, misrepresentation, malfeasance, and terrorist travel.

To support these investigations, the CFI builds relationships with contacts at all levels in the region, including police forces, immigration agencies, airport security, and prosecutors’ offices. The CFI also handles working-level liaison with U.S. law enforcement agencies and U.S. attorney’s offices across the United States and its territories.

The CFI may manage non-RSO Locally Engaged Staff (LE Staff) when they support criminal investigations within the DSS purview or fulfill interagency requests that support national security interests. The CFI can also work under the direction of the Senior Regional Security Officer (RSO) with approval from the ARSO-I. The CFI is managed by the ARSO-I and supported by the Overseas Criminal Investigations Division (DS/INV/OCI) in Washington, DC.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver anti-fraud training programs for authorities in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and internal staff. These trainings cover investigative techniques for the listed criminal investigations. The role may include national responsibilities beyond the post’s AOR, and could involve supporting investigations and trainings regionally with OCI approval.
• Conduct sensitive, routine, and complex criminal investigations, focusing mainly on consular cases such as counterfeit or forged documents, human trafficking and smuggling, terrorism, identity theft, bribery, extortion, conspiracy, misrepresentation, and malfeasance. With OCI direction, assist with investigations from FBI, DEA, USMS, USSS, or other U.S. law enforcement agencies. Some investigations may require travel, either with OCI or independently.
• Track investigative activity in a case tracking system and complete detailed, timely written reports on investigations. Brief the RSO, Consular Chief, OCI, and Fraud Prevention Manager on the status and outcomes of investigations. Coordinate with the Fraud Prevention Unit to research criminal organizations involved in document trafficking for alien smuggling and trafficking.
• Conduct investigations that can lead to arrests, detentions, or criminal prosecutions under U.S. or local law. Perform professional, independent, or joint subject interviews with U.S. law enforcement representatives.
• Assist in transferring official reports of investigation and evidence to host government or other foreign law enforcement authorities to support criminal prosecutions, while following Department policies for releasing visa and other controlled information as per 9 FAM, 12 FAM, and U.S. law. Provide testimony in local or U.S. courts for criminal trials if required.
• Research, develop, and present training materials on DSS’ criminal investigations program and post’s anti-fraud efforts. Topics include regional/global fraud trends, fraudulent document identification, document security features, impostor detection, human trafficking, foreign terrorist fighter travel, irregular migration, and more.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships at all levels with host-nation law enforcement agencies, immigration and airport authorities, prosecutors, other government entities, and the private sector as needed.
• Monitor local open sources and law enforcement reporting to gather criminal intelligence for investigations and training programs. Independently manage and maintain all program equipment and assets, including assisting with procurement requests for training materials and travel.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements

All selected candidates must obtain and hold a Public Trust security clearance. They will undergo a background investigation and may need a pre-employment medical exam. Selected candidates must start work within 12 weeks of receiving agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications, or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in Law, Law Enforcement, Security, International Relations, Politics, or Criminal Justice and Forensics is required.

Evaluations

• Candidates will be evaluated based on the qualifications and requirements in this announcement.
• A pre-employment language or skills test may be required.
• Complete the application form and provide required documents. The application must address all qualifications, including education, experience, language, and knowledge/skills/abilities. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Qualifications

Experience

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in a related criminal or investigative field within local government, or working with U.S. or other governments in criminal justice, security, or administrative investigations, or court processes. Emphasis on technical, analytical, or procedural investigations and operations focused on identifying, intercepting, interrupting, or denying criminal activities.

Language

• Fluent speaking, reading, and writing in English is required.
• Fluency in at least one other South African language is required.

Job Knowledge

• Good working knowledge of documentary sources of information and familiarity with local laws on topics like invasion of privacy, marriage, and divorce. Knowledge of criminal activities and methods of criminal organizations in the AOR.
• Comprehensive understanding of local criminal law, judicial proceedings, analytical and legal research, and the ability to produce investigation reports.
• Ability to coordinate large-scale, high-profile investigations for host nation and U.S. law enforcement, and maintain key contacts aligned with program goals.
• Basic knowledge of U.S. travel document issues, fraud trends, methods, and strategies in visa and passport fraud.

Skills and Abilities

• Critical and independent thinker; self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Strong computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Experience with analytical tools like i2 link analysis or open-source internet investigative tools to gather digital evidence. Ability to handle data from DOS databases for analysis.
• Skills in public speaking and presentations. Ability to write detailed, accurate reports in English with minimal corrections. A valid driver’s license held for the last five (5) years.