Project Director, Improving Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, Mexico

Position Description

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.   

Position Overview

PADF is seeking a Project Director / Technical Advisor to serve as key personnel for a potential program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The anticipated initiative aims to strengthen the effectiveness of Mexican frontline law enforcement officers and prosecutors—particularly those assigned to vetted and special units—by enhancing investigative quality, evidentiary integrity, inter-institutional coordination, and legal sufficiency in cartel-related cases. This position provides senior technical leadership for the proposed assistance to vetted and special units, bringing specialized expertise in law enforcement operations, evidence handling, prosecutorial coordination, and cross-border cooperation. The role requires deep knowledge of U.S. federal law enforcement methodologies and demonstrated experience working with vetted units, preferably in Mexico or comparable operational environments.

The overall objective of this position is to provide expert technical leadership and guidance to strengthen the capacity of Mexican frontline law enforcement officers and prosecutors working with vetted and special units. The Project Director is expected to provide high-level technical direction in criminal investigations, evidence handling, and chain-of-custody standards, case preparation, prosecutorial coordination, and cross-border cooperation. The role will ensure that proposed project activities effectively enhance evidence documentation, legal compliance, investigative techniques, and operational coordination to support successful prosecutions of cartel-related crimes. This is a senior, strategic position focused on technical direction, quality assurance, and alignment with INL priorities, rather than day-to-day project management.

The position is anticipated to be based in Mexico City, with travel to relevant project sites as required.

Candidates from Mexico and other countries are welcome to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Strategic Direction:

• Provide overall technical leadership for the design and implementation of capacity-strengthening activities targeting vetted and special units.
• Advise PADF on investigative and prosecutorial best practices related to detentions, seizures, evidence documentation, and case-building.
• Ensure all technical approaches are aligned with U.S. federal law enforcement methodologies and applicable Mexican legal frameworks.

Design and Oversight of Technical Assistance:

• Guide the development and review of training curricula, simulation exercises, reference materials, and operational tools.
• Provide technical input into institutional coordination mechanisms between law enforcement and prosecutors.

Cross-Border and Inter-Institutional Coordination:

• Provide expert guidance on strengthening operational collaboration between Mexican vetted units and U.S. law enforcement counterparts.
• Advise on best practices for transnational investigations, information sharing, and evidence handling in cross-border cases.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Review and validate technical deliverables to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistency with INL priorities.
• Provide strategic recommendations to adapt activities based on operational realities and emerging needs.

Competencies

• Leadership – Provides strategic direction that strengthens team roles, risk-taking, motivation, delivering on results, and fosters mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and a positive work environment.
• Problem Resolution – Identifies needs, develops solutions with stakeholders and sees them through completion.
• Team building – Ability to manage and influence, empower individuals and groups to strengthen internal capacities; ability to coordinate and collaborate with internal PADF stakeholders and the headquarters support departments.
• Communications – Communicates effectively with program/technical staff maximizing the positive impact and fostering mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and a positive work environment; ability to communicate effectively in professional events, with media, and other public venues.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, International Relations, or related field. An advanced degree or specialized federal investigative training is preferred.
  

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in a premier law enforcement agency (e.g., United States candidates - DEA, HSI, FBI, ATF- Mexican candidates - AIC, PGR, PFM; other international candidates – INTERPOL, EUROPOL, comparable agencies at the country level).
• Demonstrated experience working with vetted or special investigative units.
• Experience supporting international law enforcement capacity building strongly preferred.
• Experience in Mexico or similar operational environments is highly desirable.
• Experience working in complex security environments.
  

Technical Competencies

• Expertise in criminal investigations, evidence handling, and case-building.
• Knowledge of legal standards governing evidence admissibility.
• Experience in operational coordination between investigative and prosecutorial entities.
• Familiarity with transnational organized crime and cartel-related investigations.
• Ability to provide strategic guidance in high-risk environments.
  

Languages

• Fluency in English and Spanish required.

More About PADF

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962.  www.padf.org

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

EEO Statement. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate based on ability, age, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record.

PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety.

PADF is an Equal Opportunity Employer