Job Description

Position: Cybersecurity Advisor (Executive Level)

Location: the Balkans geographic region

ABOUT Q2 IMPACT

The QED Group, LLC (dba Q2IMPACT) is a global consulting firm with more than 25 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about bringing the right information to the right individuals at the right time and helping them make strategic decisions. Leveraging deep expertise in leadership development and partner nation engagement, we help our clients address complex global challenges through our exceptional subject matter experts and institutional support. Our work maximizes results by linking cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development and strategic advising, and evidence-based decision-making.

POSITION SUMMARY

Q2IMPACT is recruiting an experienced Cybersecurity Advisor to provide cybersecurity advisory services to enhance security sector governance and build the institutional capacity of select U.S. partners at the service, ministerial and national levels throughout the place of performance. The Activity will support U.S. foreign policy goals throughout the world through a variety of programs and policies designed to bolster peace, security and regional stability. The successful candidate will be submitted as Key Personnel as part of the bid process and onboarded upon successful contract award to Q2IMPACT and with DOS approval.

PRIMARY 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 nations develop more efficient and effective processes for cyber defense and overall cyber strategy.

• Attend national-level and interagency meetings and planning sessions as requested (permitted) 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.

• Maintain Performance Monitoring Framework and support data collection activities.

• 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

• Enhance security sector governance and build the institutional capacity of select U.S. partners at the service, ministerial, and national levels

MINIMUM EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in computer science, cybersecurity, cyber operations, information management, information systems security, and/or other related fields.

• 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).

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Top – Secret

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ten years’ experience (or eight years and a master’s degree) in the U.S. military (O-5 or higher) and/or civilian equivalent (FS-02/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 government officials.

• Demonstrated understanding of cybersecurity challenges in emerging markets and teaching/coaching/mentoring professionals on fragile states and transitioning topics.

• Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative/quantitative research methods, problem solving, adherence to quality standards and program deliverables.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple contracts, coordinate activities in multiple locations and work well with customers/clients in a multi-cultural environment.

• 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.

BENEFITS OF JOINING Q2IMPACT

• A dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, committed to delivering high-quality results and making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.

• An opportunity to lead and shape a growing firm that has a solid reputation in the industry and is poised for further expansion.

• A chance to work across development, diplomacy, and defense sectors, with a broad portfolio of projects and clients.

• A supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation, excellence, and collaboration.

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Join our team at Q2IMPACT, where your talents, expertise, and passion can make a difference. Apply today and become part of a dynamic and growing organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the following equipment when working

• Computer (laptop or desktop)

• Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax

• Telephone

• Other (Specify if any)

The physical demands and work environment that have been described is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.

Q2IMPACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. AA/V/D. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.