ISN/WMDT - Senior Advisor

About the job ISN/WMDT - Senior Advisor
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ISN/WMDT - Senior AdvisorOverviewOffice of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT) strengthens U.S. and international security by working with partners to counter the threat posed by non-state actors and terrorist groups acquiring and using chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials. WMDT advances global nonproliferation efforts, reinforces norms against CBRN use, and supports the National Security Strategy's "partner-led, U.S.-enabled" counterterrorism focus.

Company: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism

Location: Washington, DC 20520

Industries: Government

Job Type: Full Time

Years of Experience: 5+Education Level: Bachelor's in International Relations, National Security, or Related Fields

Career Level: Experienced (non-manager)

Salary: (GS 14/1 to 15/10 equivalency)

Job Reference CodeNumber of Positions: Multiple positions may be selected from this announcement

Job DescriptionTHIS IS A NON-PERMANENT POSITION. YOU DO NOT ACQUIRE COMPETITIVE OR EXCEPTED SERVICE STATUS FROM THIS POSITION.This position is located in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN), Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (ISN/WMDT), U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC. The Senior Advisor is responsible for developing and supporting the implementation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) related threat reduction strategies and response operations for assigned country partner countries and regions.

The individual(s) will focus on the following programming and operational areas:

• Develop, implement, and facilitate bilateral or multilateral exercises that test, evaluate, and strengthen at-risk partners' capabilities, protocols, and information sharing mechanisms;
• Research and analyze evolving CBRN terrorism threats, policies, and strategies and integrate into programming to address gaps;
• Lead the planning and execution of WMDT programming, and organize WMDT, ISN, and interagency meetings to coordinate and deconflict regional programming and policy priorities;
• Strengthen cross-team collaboration and use of exercises to reinforce other WMDT policy, operational, and programming priorities;
• Assist WMDT leadership with implementing outcomes of strategic reviews;
• Develop effective outreach and messaging strategies;
• Lead U.S. CBRN incident response in support of U.S. Embassies around the world.
• Coordinate international CBRN response efforts with U.S. partners such as the: Department of Defense (Geographic Combatant Commands, Joint Staff, Defense Threat Reduction Agency), National Nuclear Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Health and Human Services, and Department of Homeland Security
• Coordinate international CBRN response effort with international partners.

Within the assigned portfolio(s), the Senior Advisor is expected to: represent ISN/WMDT in policy, program, and operational coordination mechanisms to ensure that WMDT assistance conforms with and supports U.S. nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and response initiatives as well as country- or region-specific strategies; lead strategic planning processes specific to the country, region, or threat; ensure the timely and effective management of WMDT program funds, including compliance with all legal, financial, and reporting requirements; raise awareness with internal and external stakeholders of how WMDT can support key security priorities; and contribute to office-wide improvement initiatives in areas such as diversity and inclusion, distance learning, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management.

Specifically, The Individual(s) Shall

• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of bilateral and multilateral CBRN-related programmatic efforts designed to reduce CBRN threats in assigned partner countries.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with Department of State and interagency partners to develop, synchronize, and support CBRN-related threat reduction engagements, measures, and overseas response operations; including post incident forensics.
• Support the Department's foreign assistance budget planning and reporting processes to meet ISN/WMDT's objective of obtaining adequate funding to conduct priority activities.
• Assist in the timely and effective management of WMDT's program funds and the implementation of activities consistent with programmatic goals and objectives.
• Coordinate, advocate for, and publicize international response activities.
• Prepare policy papers, cables, briefing and background materials, talking points, press releases, reports to Congress, and other documents in response to taskers, and in support of general office needs, related to functional and regionally cross-cutting issues. Provide interagency coordination in support of the same.
• Travel internationally as needed to perform the aforementioned duties; include rapid deployment to support U.S. Embassies in need of CBRN response expertise to support no notice requests for assistance from international partners.
• Understand the U.S. Nuclear Enterprise, nuclear accident response plans for both nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors.
• Be familiar with the Department on Defense Joint Operational Planning process.

General

• Interact professionally and work cooperatively with team members and points of contact to accomplish assigned work in a timely and efficient manner.
• Seek to accomplish tasks in a manner to reduce the burden on senior management, while ensuring WMDT management and teams are kept fully informed.
• Receptive to training and critiquing of work output.
• Comply with appropriate regulations, internal controls, management directions, and SOPs to protect organizational integrity and prevent unauthorized use or misappropriation of classified and sensitive (but unclassified) material and equipment in assigned areas; and report security violations/problems to appropriate authorities.
• Serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative and/or Grants Officer's Representative, as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned by ISN/WMDT.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with U.S. embassies, interagency, international organizations, NGOs and/or foreign governments on countering WMD terrorism threats;
• Must have direct and demonstrable professional experience engaging senior government and/or private sector officials engaging on WMD terrorism policy, diplomatic, and programming topics;
• Experience writing and clearing State Department documents such as Action Memos, BCLs, opening remarks, and others;
• Experience supporting principals on trip planning and travel;
• Previous policy, program, or project management experience;
• Ability to weigh information and options and determine the most appropriate and high impact solutions to complex challenges; and
• Excellent communication, time management skills, collaborative work style, and strong interpersonal and team skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in program/project management, and previous experience working with U.S. and foreign government, NGO, and academia officials;
• Active Secret security clearance;
• Familiarity with U.S. nonproliferation and foreign policy objectives concerning non-state actors; and
• Familiarity with Department of State and/or USG processes.

Conditions of EmploymentU.S. Citizenship is required. Individuals must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Top Secret/SCI may be required based on specific portfolio needs. Individuals must be able and willing to travel, potentially to remote or hazardous locations.

BenefitsAnnual and Sick LeaveThe Contractor will accrue and request annual and sick leave (paid time off) in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations. For full-time employees, annual leave accrual rates start at 4 hours every biweekly pay period, while sick leave accrual is 4 hours every pay period. Those entering on duty with prior military service and/or federal service can credit their years of service for higher annual leave accrual rates.

The employee will also be paid for federal holidays that fall within their regularly scheduled tour of duty. While serving abroad, the Contractor will also be entitled to all holidays granted by the U.S. Embassy to U.S. citizen Civil Service and Foreign Service employees.

Health & Life Insurance ReimbursementIf eligible: The individual selected will be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 72 percent against the Contractor's health insurance premium costs toward either an individual or family policy, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution for direct-hire personnel as announced annually by OPM. The Contractor will also be provided a contribution (reimbursement) of 50 percent against the actual costs of an individual annual life insurance policy not to exceed $500.00 per year.

The Contracting Officer will confirm the individual's contribution is compliant with the contract requirements prior to submitting for reimbursement. Proof of health and life insurance coverage, including a receipt showing the individual's payment for coverage, shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer before any contribution is paid.

401K PlanA non-matching, privately administered 401(k) plan is available through the Department.

Relocation Assistance Available:None

How To ApplyPlease apply through BetterTeam.com and submit the following as a single attachment:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• A list of at least three professional references

Failure 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 with your permission following an interview.State/ISN/WMDT expects to screen and interview candidates within 7 days of close of announcement. ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED. Offers of employment will be dependent on the 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 who apply to this announcement may also be provided the same consideration for these vacancies.

Diversity and InclusionWMDT works to recruit, retain, develop, empower, and promote employees from diverse backgrounds at all levels. A team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including in leadership positions, is crucial to achieving WMDT's mission.

Note: This is a Personal Services Contract. This is NOT a federal direct-hire position.

THIS ADVERTISEMENT CLOSES ON NOVEMBER 17, 2024.