Program Advisor

Company: US Dept of State - ISN/CTR
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Personal Services Contract PositionPlease submit applications by midnight on May 29, 2023.The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation's Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) seeks to reduce threats to U.S. national security posed by malign states and non-state actors seeking to develop, acquire, or proliferate the materials, equipment, or expertise that could be used for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and WMD-related delivery systems. CTR leverages technical resources and experts from the U.S. interagency, universities, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to meet its objectives. CTR works with U.S. Embassies, host country governments, and donor nations to build international partner capacity to implement a variety of measures to prevent illicit diversion of CBRN material, dual-use equipment, and CBRN-related expertise for WMD purposes.CTR seeks candidates to fill up to two Program Advisor positions in CTR's Countering People's Republic of China (PRC)'s Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) Team at Department of State headquarters in Washington, D.C. The candidates will be responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating CTR programmatic efforts to advance U.S. policies to mitigate PRC MCF efforts around the world. The candidates will provide programmatic and technical oversight of activities in foreign countries and will work closely with other State Department and U.S. Government offices, counterparts in foreign governments, technical experts, and others to devise and execute program activities. CTR's programmatic efforts continue to evolve in response to the international security environment and seek to reinforce U.S. national security objectives in this dynamic environment. To this end, we welcome candidates who can develop and implement innovative strategies to address some of the most pressing non-proliferation and related malign activity challenges facing the U.S. and our partners. CTR seeks to counter the PRC's MCF strategy related to several advanced technologies of proliferation concern that are a priority for the PRC including artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technology and related fields (e.g., autonomous systems, human-machine interfaces, novel material sciences research, smart cities and the Internet of Things, semiconductors), biotechnology, biomanufacturing, agricultural biotechnology, distributive ledger technology/blockchain and related financial technologies. Duties and responsibilities under this opportunity include, but are not limited to:* Developing and implementing program strategies to PRC MCF efforts internationally.* Managing a large portfolio of projects and technical experts who conduct trainings and other activities to build capacity of partner countries on: o Research security, including public-private sector research collaborations, o Intellectual Property (IP) security for academic, private sector, and financial institutions to protect IP applicable to military and WMD-related applications, o Cybersecurity to secure, detect, and defend their systems and WMD-enabling information and technology against malicious PRC cyber activity, o Strengthen international norms to create regional governance structures and networks of like-minded allies to shape the strategic environment around WMD issues to advance the U.S. national security norms and bolster an open, inclusive international system, and, o Preventing semiconductor technology diversion, including identifying problematic links between academic and industry partners with the PRC, sharing risk mitigation resources and tools, and establishing consortia capable of amplifying best practices and promoting self-regulation of sensitive semiconductor research.* Reviewing threat reduction project proposals and making recommendations concerning the approval and funding of proposals.* Identifying and executing innovative approaches of capacity building to enhance due-diligence efforts by foreign entities involved in financing, procuring, or distributing WMD-enabling technology and expertise.* Briefing senior officials in the Department of State on CTR programmatic and/or policy issues.* Representing CTR in domestic and foreign meetings as required and completing additional tasks in support of CTR at home or abroad as assigned.* Cooperating with partners in the U.S. interagency to align CTR engagements with other U.S. Government nonproliferation programs.* Contributing to U.S. national security policy in areas relevant to countering PRC MCF threats internationally.Requirements:* Must be able to acquire and maintain a U.S. security clearance; active clearance is a plus.* Experience working on policy or programs in international security, advanced and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, economic and political issues in Asia is strongly preferred.* A Master's degree is strongly preferred.* Must possess and demonstrate outstanding communication, diplomacy, teamwork, and project management skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, small-team environment.* International travel is required, and foreign language ability is a plus.BenefitsAnnual & Sick LeaveThe individual selected will earn annual and sick leave in accordance with OPM regulations, the employee will be paid for federal holidays that fall within their regularly scheduled tour of duty. Those entering on duty with prior military service and/or federal civilian service can credit their years of service for higher annual leave accrual rates.Health & Life Insurance ReimbursementPersonal Services Contractor may be provided a maximum of up to seventy-two percent (72%) against actual costs of their annual health and life insurance premiums. Eligibility for reimbursement requires evidence of enrollment in a qualifying health insurance plan and proof of actual payment of the associated health premiums. Relocation Assistance Available: NoneHow to Apply:Please apply through Monster.com and submit the following as a single attachment:1) Cover Letter2) Resume3) A list of at least three professional referencesFailure to submit a complete package may disqualify the applicant from consideration.You will be evaluated against the requirements outlined in this announcement, so your resume and cover letter should demonstrate that you meet the required qualifications above to undertake this position. Your references will only be contacted after your permission following an interview. You may also be asked to provide a writing sample. ISN/CTR intends to review and interview candidates within 45 days of close of announcement. ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED. Offers of employment will be dependent on ability to obtain security clearance through the Department of State's Diplomatic Security bureau.There may be unanticipated vacancies that occur during the period of this job posting or soon after its close. Candidates that apply to this announcement will also be provided the same consideration for these vacancies. Note: This is a Personal Services Contract. This is NOT a federal direct-hire position.Vacancy announcement will close at midnight on May 29, 2023Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.PDN-99152655-4f83-4e3b-9b35-44b9fd8422aa

Keywords: US Dept of State - ISN/CTR, Washington DC , Program Advisor, Other , Washington, DC