About the Office:
Although this vacancy announcement expires May 31, 2023, the announcement may be closed at any time if elections are made. This position is for a period of five years, starting on or about July 31, 2023, contingent on the availability of funding.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), an independent agency of the Republic of Palau led by a Special Prosecutor, that investigates and prosecutes all allegations of violations of the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Palau. The mission of the Special Prosecutor is to promote the rule of law and ensure justice is served through vigorous and fair representation of the Republic of Palau and its citizens in all matters, whether civil or criminal, especially in the pursuit of government corruption and related matters. The OSP most frequently investigates and prosecutes corruption alleged to be committed by public officials and employees of National or State branches of government, and ministries, boards, authorities, or agencies of the governments. Common complaints of corruption include misuse of government funds or property, money laundering, theft, Ethics Code violations, receipt of bribes, nepotism, and tax avoidance.
Location:
The Republic of Palau is made up of nearly 600 islands in the Western Pacific. However, it is home to fewer than 18,000 people of whom approximately 14,000 reside in Koror and Airai states, the economic hub of the country. A presidential republic, Palau entered into free association with the United States in the mid-1990s and continues to rely on Compact of Free Association (COFA) funding together with other foreign financial aid to make up for the economic constraints placed on the country by its small population and land mass, geographic remoteness, narrow resource and export bases, and exposure to external shocks. Palau’s primary source of income is tourism including fantastic fishing and diving for which Palau is legendary.
Responsibilities:
The Special Prosecutor (SP) will represent the Republic of Palau and OSP in carrying out the OSP mission. The SP is responsible for developing, motivating, and assisting all OSP personnel to excel in the performance of their work. Ongoing public outreach through the OSP website and designing community programs to promote transparency in government, increase public awareness of crimes, enhance the ability of the public to report crimes, and reduce criminal activity in Palau is expected as part of the SP job duties. Additional responsibilities include development of realistic goals for the office and the SP in carrying out the mandates of the OSP under the Special Prosecutors Act.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited United States law school or equivalent, authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State in the US, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Republic of Palau, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.
- At least eight years of legal experience, to include at least five (5) years of prosecutorial experience in trial and appellate courts.
- Supervisory experience of at least three (3) years.
- A criminal background check and drug test will be required.
Preferred: Applicants should understand the Constitution of the Republic of Palau, possess a working knowledge of U.S. federal law upon which many of the Palauan laws are based, and be familiar with the aspirational guides of the ABA Standards of Criminal Justice Related to the Prosecution Function or the NDAA National Prosecution Standards. Experience with economic crimes and asset forfeiture is desirable. Experience living or working in an overseas environment is also desirable.
The successful applicant should also have:
- Excellent verbal and communication skills.
- Competency to lead, instruct, and build a legal team including administrative, investigatory, and legal personnel in pursuit of the OSP mission.
- Significant experience working with law enforcement, reviewing criminal investigations, charging cases, and leading prosecutions.
- Proven aptitude to engage in multi-cultural/multi-lingual settings with a diverse population.
- Ability to forge alliances with other government agencies/personnel at state and national levels within Palau and at international levels.
- Qualities of courage, integrity, professionalism, and independence.
Salary:
The salary of the Special Prosecutor shall be up to USD85,000 per year (less ROP taxes), dependent upon experience and availability of funding. The position will include 8 hours per pay period (26 in all) of Annual Leave, 4 hours per pay period of Sick Leave, and approximately 11 public holidays.
Relocation Costs:
Transportation costs to and from the point of recruitment to the Republic of Palau will be covered by the OSP including some shipment of goods, the details of which should be discussed, agreed upon, and confirmed in writing by the OSP as part of the employment contract negotiations. Relocation costs may include Applicant’s spouse and dependent children. Dependent children are considered to be natural and legally adopted children who are unmarried, living primarily in Applicant’s household, and less than eighteen (18) years of age at the time of the employment contract’s execution.
Travel:
Travel within the Republic of Palau and some of its outer island states will be required. Some travel outside the country may be expected in support of prosecution efforts and training.
Application Process:
Although this vacancy announcement expires May 31, 2023, the announcement may be closed at any time if elections are made. The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Pacific Time, on the closing date of the announcement.
All interested attorneys meeting these qualifications should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to special.prosecutor@palauosp.org.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2023.
Number of Positions: One (1).