GAS - Cybersecurity Advisor

The Department of State’s (DOS), Bureau of African Affairs, Office of Regional Peace, and Security (AF/RPS) and Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Global Programs and Initiatives (PM/GPI) and Office of Security Assistance (PM/SA) supports U.S. foreign policy goals through a variety of programs and policies designed to bolster peace, security and regional stability. Global Advisory’s goal is in support of partner nations’ ability to improve their security institutions and associated operational capabilities.

BlueForce Inc is seeking a skilled and experienced Cybersecurity Advisor in support of Global Advisory contract. The Cybersecurity advisor shall provide the host nation the necessary cybersecurity advisory services and maintenance of performance monitoring framework required to support their national security strategy. Work will be performed in the Balkans geographic region. In country and overseas travel may be required.

*** This position is subject to contract award ***

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide policy guidance and advise to enable an increase in cyber capacity and effectiveness at mitigating and managing malicious cyber activity across institutions.
• Provide specific assistance on agreed upon solutions to enhancing cyber governance standards, policies and protocols and increase the coordination on cyber roles and responsibilities.
•  Work with host nation clients to identify barriers to institutional change and make recommendations to overcome them.
• Assist host nation develop more efficient and effective processes for cyber defense and overall cyber strategy.
• Attend national-level and interagency meetings and planning sessions as requested by the partner.
• Meet at least monthly with senior representatives to discuss the project’s progress.
• Collaborate with U.S. Embassy and other U.S. interagency subject matter experts to support the cybersecurity effort and ensure effective interagency coordination (within the U.S. Government and the host government) around cyber reforms.
• Assess host nation cyber regulations, staff and current operating procedures, to identify strengths and gaps within existing cyber processes and develop approaches to optimize operations, policies and communication with cyber stakeholders.
• Manage the development and maintenance of the Performance Monitoring Framework to include performance indicators and Department of State reporting requirements.
• Work with State Department and host nation partners to determine project indicators, as well as the frequency of data collection and definition for each indicator in the corresponding framework.
• Begin data collection for all M&E indicators, as determined by the COR after approval of the initial Work Plan.
• Conduct data collection on a regular and continuing basis and report quarterly to the COR starting from the time that each Performance Monitoring Framework is approved until the task order is completed.
• Enhance security sector governance and build the institutional capacity of select U.S. partners at the service, ministerial, and national levels. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Active Top Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in computer science, cybersecurity, cyber operations, information management, information systems security, and/or related fields.  
• At least ten (10) years’ experience (or eight (08) years and a master’s degree) in the U.S. military (O-5 or higher) and/or civilian equivalent (GS-14 or industry equivalent) working in cybersecurity at the national level or large organizational level.
• Experience working for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) or other large enterprise-wide entity at the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, or other large U.S. government agency.
• Experience as the director or program manager for one or more projects implementing cybersecurity capacity building initiatives.
• Experience developing and communicating cybersecurity policies, strategies, organizational structures, technical concepts and procedures at the military service staff level, joint staff level or equivalent organizational level.
• Experience working with senior foreign military officials and/or senior foreign governments officials.
• Demonstrated understandings of cybersecurity challenges in emerging markets and teaching/coaching/mentoring professionals or fragile states and transitioning topics.
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative/quantitative research methods, problem solving, adherence to quality standards and program deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple contracts/task orders, coordinate activities in multiple locations and work well with customer/clients in a multi-cultural environment.
• Possess one or more of the following certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• NIST Cyber Security Professional (NCSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CASP)
• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

• Demonstrated fluency (spoken and written) in English language, when such is not the native language, including experience summarizing complex technical and programmatic issues in a concise manner for the U.S. government. Provision of Certification in English language through industry recognized provider (e.g., Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), etc.) is required.
• Proof of medical clearance (physical and mental fitness) equivalent to Department of State Level 1 as determined by a licensed healthcare practitioner.
• Active driver’s license to operate all vehicle or equipment necessary to perform work in the area of performance.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Demonstrated experience living and working overseas, specifically the Balkans geographic region.