Senior Advisor (GDRP - Kosovo)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Advisor shall provide expert guidance and provide the advice and technical assistance needed to develop, implement, and sustain cybersecurity structures, policies, processes, mandates, resources, and workforce at the Office of the Prime Minister and, when established, at Kosovo’s National Agency for Cyber-Security. The Senior Advisor shall also advise and support effective inter-ministerial coordination on cybersecurity and response within the Government of Kosovo.

This position is in anticipation of a contract award. Please note the location of this position will be in Kosovo full-time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with strengthening the country’s cybersecurity framework through the development and implementation of strategies and legislation that are in line with the EU Network and Information Systems directive
• Assist with increasing capabilities of competent authorities to protect, respond, and recover from cyber threats by malicious actors
• Assist with increasing involvement and participation in implementing cyber-security best practices of concerned stakeholders with a focus on private sector and civil society
• Assist with enhancing international cooperation in cybersecurity by securing Kosovo’s membership in regional and global cybersecurity organizations
• Develop strong professional relationships with key stakeholders within the Office of the Prime Minister and, when established, within Kosovo’s National Agency for Cyber-Security and then act as a trusted advisor to them as they work to build Kosovo’s cybersecurity capacity
• Support any Government of Kosovo-led related new working groups and/or initiatives already underway which contribute to the overall objective(s)
• Integrate into the U.S. Embassy political section and security cooperation structure in order to facilitate a culture of information sharing, mutual networking, and reinforcing support for relevant projects underway. The Senior Advisor shall aim to coordinate regularly with the U.S. Embassy Political-Economic Section. The Senior Advisor shall also brief the U.S. Embassy Political-Economic Section, ODC, and the Defense Attaché Office monthly, at a minimum, and as reasonably requested by embassy representatives
• In close cooperation with senior officials within the Office of the Prime Minister and, when established, with Kosovo’s National Agency for Cyber-Security, identify existing gaps in cybersecurity within the Government of Kosovo. Consultations shall occur with officials from across the Government of Kosovo where relevant
• Share expertise and recommendations with the Office of the Prime Minister and, when established, with Kosovo’s National Agency for Cyber-Security as relevant on how to prepare for required reforms and to establish and manage cybersecurity legislation and policies. This may include providing recommendations to the government on any legislation, policy or procedures, doctrine, or training that may be needed to successfully institutionalize interagency coordination and collaboration on cyber best practices required to counter malign foreign influences
• Assist the Office of the Prime Minister and, when established, Kosovo’s National Agency for Cyber-Security in promoting effective, responsible, and accountable employment of force by developing standard operating procedures for integrating domestic and international legal considerations into operational decision-making.
• Where other barriers to institutional change exist with regards to strategic planning, the Senior Advisor shall work to identify those barriers, make recommendations to the Office of the Prime Minister and, when established, to Kosovo’s National Agency for Cyber-Security to overcome them, and, where possible, work to address them in support of the desired end state
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. citizen.
• Master’s degree in areas such as Computer Science, Cyber Security, Cyber Operations, Information Management, Information Systems Security, or a similar field AND at least six (8) years of U.S. military and/or U.S. civilian professional experience in cybersecurity at the national level or large organizational level.
• Have reached, at a minimum, the rank of O-5 in the military or equivalent in a civilian capacity (i.e., FS-02/GS-14 or industry equivalent).
• Prior demonstrated experience developing cybersecurity policies, strategies, organizational structures, and procedures at the senior organizational level.
• Prior demonstrated experience communicating cybersecurity policy and technical concepts to senior government stakeholders.
• Prior experience as the director or program manager for one or more projects implementing cybersecurity capacity building initiatives.
• Prior, long-term demonstrated experience working with senior officials in a foreign government and/or foreign military.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance issued by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) prior to contract/task order performance.

--- OR ---

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Cyber Operations, Information Management, Information Systems Security, or a similar field AND at least ten (10) years of U.S. military and/or civilian professional experience working in cybersecurity at the national level or large organizational level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in Albanian demonstrated by a Foreign Service Institute (FSI) score of 2 or higher, a Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) score of 2/2/2 or higher, or a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) score of C1 or higher.
• Have received one 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)

• Two (2) years, within the last ten, experience living and working in in Southeastern Europe (including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and/or Slovenia).

BENEFITS

Constellis offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects its commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically based in a busy office environment and subject to frequent interruptions. Business work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, however some extended or weekend hours may be required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

May be required to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 25 lbs. Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting, squatting, stretching, and bending throughout the workday.