NGA Internship For Associate General Counsel (Apply Online)

For professionals with a deep passion for public service, legal expertise, and international collaboration, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) offers a prestigious role as Associate General Counsel, Mission & International Law. This executive-level position allows you to engage directly with mission-critical legal matters that shape national security and international intelligence efforts.

Whether you’re exploring new job opportunities or looking for an exciting next step in your legal career, this senior executive role is positioned to advance your professional growth while providing impactful contributions to global security initiatives.

Program Overview:

This position offers a leadership role as the Division Chief of Mission and International Law within NGA’s Office of General Counsel (OGC). Tasked with overseeing complex legal operations, the selected candidate will provide strategic advice on pivotal matters like intelligence law, international regulations, export controls, treaty obligations, and geospatial intelligence policies.

The role places high importance on collaboration, innovation, and expertise in navigating both domestic and international legal landscapes. It extends beyond routine legal counsel, involving policy development, inter-agency coordination, and direct support for critical missions globally.

This position is available to U.S. citizens, and it is located in either Washington, D.C., or St. Louis, Missouri, with some travel required based on mission needs.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate General Counsel will fulfill several dynamic leadership and advisory duties, including:

• Legal Advisory Role: Offer legal guidance on policy and operational activities involving geospatial intelligence, compliance, export controls, and treaty interpretation.
• Mission Support: Support global geospatial intelligence operations and homeland security activities, directly impacting national and international policies.
• Supervisory Leadership: Lead a team of attorneys across various regions, ensuring the highest quality of performance and execution of duties.
• External Collaboration: Engage with Department of Justice, State Department, Department of Defense, and other government agencies to support domestic and international legal efforts.
• Policy Development: Shape and advise on legal frameworks supporting future geospatial intelligence missions, ensuring compliance with constitutional laws and related policies.
• Agency Representation: Advocate NGA’s interests in inter-agency forums, legal tribunals, and collaborative efforts with allies.

This position emphasizes leadership, strategic vision, and legal expertise as the foundation for mission success.

Who Should Apply?

This executive position requires a distinguished legal professional with substantial credentials and experience. The role is open to U.S. citizens, specifically targeting individuals who demonstrate extensive knowledge of national and international law, intelligence policies, and senior-level legal expertise.

Mandatory Qualifications:
To qualify for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with an active license to practice law in the U.S. or its territories.
• At least seven years of post-licensure experience as an attorney.
• Expertise in U.S. and international laws as they relate to intelligence operations, treaties, and geospatial activities.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing and directing legal teams or departments.
• Superior ability to analyze legal issues, mediate complex problems, and communicate legal advice effectively to senior officials and policymakers.

Desirable Skills:

• A postgraduate degree (LL.M.) in national security law, international law, space law, or related disciplines.
• Advanced understanding of current technologies, such as satellite systems, artificial intelligence, and data privacy regulations.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for the Associate General Counsel position is highly competitive and commensurate with federal senior executive pay scales. NGA offers a robust benefits package, which includes the following:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Federal retirement and pension benefits.
• Paid leave and holidays that encourage work-life balance.
• Travel reimbursement and possible relocation assistance (subject to mission needs).

Successful candidates may also access professional development resources and gain unparalleled experience working at the cutting edge of legal and technological advancements.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in this prestigious legal role must follow the formal application process through NGA’s official career portal. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Prepare Your Application Documents:

   • A comprehensive resume highlighting leadership, legal expertise, and related career accomplishments.
   • Responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Intelligence Community Senior Officer Core Qualifications (SOCQs) criteria.
   • Copies of academic and law licenses, confirming eligibility.
   • References providing insight into your professional contributions and character.

2. Submit Your Application:

   • Navigate to the NGA Career Portal or USAJOBS to access the official job posting.
   • Upload all required documentation in compliance with submission guidelines. Ensure your application includes detailed narratives for ECQs, SOCQs, and relevant technical qualifications.

3. Monitor Your Application Status:

   • After submission, ensure frequent follow-ups via the application portal to stay informed about interview timelines and additional documentation requests.

Why Join NGA?

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency offers a unique opportunity for legal professionals to apply their skills to mission-critical and international initiatives. Beyond professional development, this role provides the satisfaction of contributing to national security, fostering global cooperation, and addressing complex international legal challenges.

Whether advising on treaty obligations, supporting intelligence operations, or leading legal innovation in new technological frontiers, the Associate General Counsel role offers unmatched diversity in responsibilities and impact.

If you’re ready to bring your vision, leadership, and expertise to a dynamic setting, apply now to join NGA in shaping the future of geospatial intelligence through responsible and effective legal counsel.

Submit NGA Internship Application