Senior Advisor (GDRP - Montenegro)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Advisor shall provide expert guidance and provide advice and technical assistance needed to develop, implement, and sustain cyber reforms and policies at the MPA and, when established, at the newly formed CSA. The Senior Advisor shall also support effective inter-ministerial coordination on cybersecurity and response within the Government of Montenegro.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with developing and strengthening cyber governance processes for the whole of government and critical infrastructure assets to mitigate and effectively respond to cyberattacks.
• Assist with developing and retaining the CSA cyber workforce to protect and respond to threats by malicious actors. This includes identifying core issues related to the recruitment, retention and training of cybersecurity personnel and developing strategies to address challenges in these areas.
• Improve operational and network resiliency to prevent future cybersecurity incidents and reduce vulnerabilities.
• Develop strong professional relationships with key stakeholders in the Ministry of Public Administration and National Cybersecurity Agency and act as a trusted advisor to Government of Montenegro senior cyber officials.
• Establish working relationships with main counterpart(s) in the MPA and CSA 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 to share information, expand connections, and bolster relevant projects underway. The Senior Advisor shall aim to coordinate regularly with the U.S. Embassy Political and Economic Sections. The Senior Advisor shall also brief the U.S. Embassy monthly, at a minimum, and as requested by embassy representatives.
• In close cooperation with senior MPA and CSA officials, identify existing gaps in cybersecurity. Consultations shall occur with officials from across the Government of Montenegro where relevant.
• Share expertise and recommendations with MPA and CSA, as relevant, on how to prepare for required reforms and to establish and manage cybersecurity. This may include providing recommendations to the government on any legislation, policy or procedures, doctrine, or training that may be needed to successfully align strategic documents and cybersecurity standards to improve Montenegrin cybersecurity operations and respond to future cyberattacks.
• Assist MPA and CSA 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 MPA and CSA to overcome them, and, where possible, work to address them in support of the desired end state.
• Draw on existing resources, best practices, and contacts from the USG, U.S. civil society, and U.S. private sector to strengthen the CSA’s efficacy as an institution.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. citizen.
• Master’s degree in areas such as Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a similar field AND at least six (6) years of U.S. military and/or U.S. civilian professional experience with cybersecurity.

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• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a similar field and at least ten (10) years of U.S. military and/or civilian professional experience working in cybersecurity.

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• 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 working on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Staff or another major U.S. staff, or within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, or equivalent cyber-responsible office in the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, or other U.S. agency.
• Experience in establishing and institutionalizing cyber programs and processes inclusive of management structure, procedures, and skills necessary to develop strategic plans in the cyber domain.
• Experience advising 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience conducting assessments of cyber defense and IT security procedures at the national and inter-ministerial or interagency, level.
• Experience working with USEUCOM, NATO, and/or the EU on defense or national security projects.
• Experience establishing and participating in working groups and cyber information sharing networks in terms of threat intelligence and best practices, and regulations.
• Recent (within the past five years) experience living or working in South Central Europe (including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and/or Serbia).

• Have received one of the following certifications: a. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• NIST Cyber Security Professional (NCSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CASP)
• Certified Chief Information security officer (CCISO)

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.