Senior Advisor (GDRP - Guyana)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Advisor shall provide expert guidance and provide the advice and technical assistance needed by the Defense Secretariat and GDF to develop, implement, and sustain an effective and professional defense force.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Government of Guyana to develop and/or refine GDF force management laws, strategies, and policies. This could include incorporating a diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility lens and component.
• Advise the Government of Guyana on developing and implementing an updated organizational structure that supports a modern, professionalized GDF. This could include establishing new or expanding existing civilian entities such as the Defense Secretariat, as well as operational structures (e.g. Human Resource Management, Procurement, Budgeting)
• Assist the GDF in developing and finalizing a transformation plan on how it will modernize and transform into a professional defense force. This could include how the GDF will target under-represented population groups and/or specific skillsets and become a more inclusive force.
• Develop strong professional relationships with key stakeholders in GDF, Defense Secretariat, Defense Board, Office of the President, and others as appropriate and then act as a trusted advisor to them.
• Establish a working relationship with main counterpart(s) in the GDF and Defense Secretariat and participate as an advisor in any related new working groups and/or initiatives already underway which contribute to the overall objective(s).
• Integrate into the U.S. Embassy political and security cooperation structure in order to share information, expand connections, and bolster 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 and MLO monthly, at a minimum, and as requested by embassy representatives.
• In close cooperation with senior GDF and Defense Secretariat officials, identify existing gaps in Guyana’s national defense architecture. Consultations shall occur with officials from across the Guyana government where relevant.
• Share expertise and recommendations with the defense sector as relevant on how to prepare for required reforms and to establish and manage a sustainable, effective, and professional defense force. This may include providing recommendations to the government on any legislation, policy or procedures, doctrine, or training that may be needed to successfully transition the GDF to a credible and professional defense force.
• Assist GDF and Defense Secretariat 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 with regards to strategic planning exist, the Senior Advisor shall work to identify those barriers, make recommendations to the GDF and Defense Secretariat 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.
• 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).
• Experience communicating with senior officials in a foreign government and/or foreign military.
• Experience developing national-level strategies and respective policies.
• Experience with major organizational transformation in the security sector.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance issued by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) prior to contract/task order performance.
• Master’s degree in National Security Policy/Affairs, International Affairs, Security Studies, Organizational Development, Organizational Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy or a similar field AND at least six (6) years of professional experience with strategic-level defense policy and strategy.

--- OR ---

• Bachelor’s degree in National Security Policy/Affairs, International Affairs, Security Studies, Organizational Development, Organizational Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy and at least ten (10) years of professional experience with strategic-level defense policy and strategy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year of experience working with or in Commonwealth countries.
• One (1) year of experience establishing and/or advising emerging and/or nascent organizations.
• One (1) year of experience incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into organizational-wide plans.
• One (1) year of experience advising senior government officials (foreign or domestic), who do not have defense experience, on security topics.
• One (1) year of experience developing or advising others to develop new or updated organizational structures for entities with over 100 employees.

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.