Executive Level Cyber Security Advisor - Balkans (Deployed position)

Are you looking for a Challenge? Looking for an innovative organization and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? We can help! We are seeking an Executive Level Cyber Security Advisor to support the U.S. Department of State Bureau of African Affairs and Bureau of Political-Military Affairs in the Balkans Region.

I've never heard of Terrestris. What do you do?

At Terrestris, we leverage technology to create better mission outcomes through better human performance. We form strong client and team relationships through transparency and strive to create an environment where our team can let their excellence shine through. By finding, developing, and incorporating new ideas, we provide memorable services. Rooted in the USMC values of honor, courage, and commitment, Terrestris seeks to deliver extraordinary value to the American people by helping the Government become more efficient and effective.

So, what will the Executive Level Cyber Security Advisor at Terrestris do?

As the Executive Level Cyber Security Advisor, you will serve as a high-level advisor to host nation institutions, ministries, and national leadership in the Balkans region. This role supports the Department of State's Global Advisory initiative by strengthening cybersecurity governance, enhancing host nation capabilities, and supporting institutional reforms to counter malicious cyber activity. You will provide policy and technical guidance, lead capacity-building efforts, and support implementation of national-level cyber strategies.

What does a typical day look like for the Executive Level Cyber Security Advisor?

You will:

• Provide policy guidance and advice 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 enhance cyber governance standards, policies, and protocols, and increase coordination on cyber roles and responsibilities.
• Work with host nation clients to identify barriers to institutional change and make recommendations to overcome them.
• Assist the host nation in developing 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 the 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.
• Manage the development and maintenance of the Performance Monitoring Framework, including 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 definitions 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 starting from the time that each Performance Monitoring Framework is approved until the task order is completed.
• Submit an Initial Capability Assessment (ICA) within 90 days of deployment using a COR-provided template.
• Develop and maintain a Work Plan with clear milestones, training schedules, and mentorship activities.
• Coordinate with U.S. interagency stakeholders and international donors to avoid duplication of efforts.
• Include strategies for incorporating women into cyber training initiatives as appropriate.
• Participate in weekly coordination meetings with the Office of Security Cooperation (OSC).
• Submit deliverables including Monthly Reports, SITREPs, Quarterly Progress Reports, and After-Action Reports, in accordance with contract requirements.

What qualifications do you look for?

You might be the Cybersecurity professional we're looking for if you have:

• A Bachelor's degree with a concentration in computer science, cybersecurity, cyber operations, information management, information systems security, and/or other related fields
• Ten years of experience (or eight years with a Master's degree) in the U.S. military (CW4, O-5, or higher) and/or civilian equivalent (FS-02/GS-14 or industry equivalent), working in cybersecurity at the national level or within a large organization.
• Experience working for the U.S. Department of Defense's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) or other large enterprise-wide entity within the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, or another major U.S. government agency.
• Experience serving as a 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 experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring professionals on fragile states and transitional topics.
• Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, problem-solving, adherence to quality standards, and delivery of program outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple contracts or task orders, coordinate activities in multiple locations, and work effectively with clients in a multicultural environment.
• Possession of one or more of the following certifications:
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• NIST Cyber Security Professional (NCSP)
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)
• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)
• Demonstrated fluency (spoken and written) in English.

What kind of benefits does Terrestris offer?

We offer outstanding benefits, including health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.

Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.