Program Analyst 1 (Foia)

The incumbent reports to the FOIA-PA Division Chief. The purpose of this position is to review security information for release and declassification or denial in response to requests under the federal access statutes. As permitted under the law, a requester has the right to request records be corrected or expunged. The incumbent in this position therefore has the responsibility to conduct a de novo review of the record and the changes proposed by the requestor in order to correct or expunge the official federal record. The incumbent exercises discretion and independent judgment in the application of laws, executive orders, regulations, precedents and agency regulations and practices related to the FOIA and Privacy Act.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs analytical and evaluative work.
• The incumbent has the primary responsibility for assuring that the intended requirements of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts are accurately and consistently fulfilled and that the requirements for release of the documents are followed, in accordance with administrative regulatory procedures.
• Conducts legal research on complex issues involving difficult FOIA/PA policy, regulations, procedures and precedent court decisions. Various district and circuit courts have ruled differently on many FOIA and PA issues. Researches case law to determine the accepted court interpretation relating to FOIA or PA exemptions. Reviews and analyzes available precedents relevant to cases under consideration for use in making release/denial determinations.
• Controls, manages, and coordinates the Bureau's disclosure activities.
• Responds to requests for the disclosure of information, including complex requests under the FOIA, by analyzing the request, directing an appropriate search, obtaining the responsive documents, performing a legal review to determine if information is exempt from disclosure under applicable statutes and regulations, redacting information that is exempt from disclosure, preparing a letter that provides the documents and explains what information being withheld from disclosure, and obtaining necessary clearances.
• Selects assembles, summarizes, and compiles substantive information on complex legal issues involving release and denial decisions on FOIA and PA requests for security information. Cases involve difficult legal, technical and factual issues.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating data for response to information requests; make final release determinations, reviewing and assembling proposed FOIA release packages.
• Prepares draft release determinations for signature of Division Chief; and, draft denial determinations for signature of Deputy Executive Director. The incumbent will make the disclosure of government records to the public, other Federal Agencies, Congress, consistent with the rights of individual privacy; the proprietary rights of regulated industry to trade secret and confidential commercial information; with regard to the deliberative process of the agency.
• Coordinates FOIA and PA request. Develops, controls, manages, and coordinates the Bureau's disclosure activities.
• Responds to requests for the disclosure of information, including requests under the FOIA, by analyzing the request, directing an appropriate search, obtaining the responsive documents, performing a legal review to determine if information is exempt from disclosure under applicable statutes and regulations, redacting information that is exempt from disclosure, preparing a letter that provides the documents and explains what information being withheld from disclosure, and obtaining necessary clearances.
• Responsible for staying abreast of all policies and procedures affecting records retrieval practices and when needed, performs the duties of the Bureau's Records Manager, carrying out the responsibilities of the Records Management Program.
• Identifies types of recordkeeping systems and types of records maintained.
• Gathers, sorts and interprets data from various record systems.
• Provides a responsive source of Departmental information to members of Congress, federal, state and local officials, journalists, attorneys, representatives of special interest groups, corporate officials, and the general public requesting information concerning the Department of State's worldwide security programs.
• Maintains oversight and review; of the FOIA and PA program to achieve bureau wide adherence to applicable laws as well as spots trend requiring action to clarify or amend policies and delineate between legal and managerial options in the administration of the acts.
• Decisions on documents under review are of major significance to top Departmental officials and administrators, and will serve as the basis for new policies to be used in classifying or declassifying security information.

QUALIFICATIONS/JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Freedom of Information Act (5U.S.C.552), the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a, Executive Order 13526-Classified National Security Information and Executive Order 10450-Security requirements for Government employment.
• Ability to conduct research, extract pertinent information, draw conclusions, identify problems, and develop recommendations. Ability to synthesize results in a clear, readily usable form. Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods oflegal research and analysis sufficient to apply developing case law to varying facts in cases involving wide­ ranging subject matter.
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) and prepare legal briefs and summaries of analyses. Skill in writing correspondence, including denial letters, amendment and appeal justifications , affidavits, and other legal documentation; ability to provide corrective information and advice on information access laws to components in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and to respond to questions about Departmental security records, functions, and work processes.
• The Sensitivity Level of the position is Critical-Sensitive and selectee must meet appropriate clearance requirements. A Top Secret clearance is necessary. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the Bureau is in compliance with the law in the maintenance of records and that every record reviewed by the incumbent is accurate, relevant, timely, and complete. This office is the final authority on the release or denial of security information going to the public.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.

The Tatitlek Corporation gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to Tatitlek shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment.