Background

The purpose of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity is to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks by establishing trusted collaboration between key cybersecurity stakeholders in the government, private sector, academia, and civil society. The activity aims to achieve this goal by implementing the following activity components:

Component 1: Strengthen the cybersecurity enabling environment

The legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for national cybersecurity in Ukraine needs to be strengthened and aligned with international standards and best practices. This component will strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure sectors by addressing legislative gaps, promoting good governance, enabling collaboration between stakeholders, and supporting cybersecurity institutions. This component will also build the technical capacity of key sectors through increased access to cybersecurity technology and equipment.

Component 2: Develop Ukraine’s cybersecurity workforce

Ukraine suffers from a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This component of the USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity will address workforce gaps through activities that develop new cybersecurity talent and build the capacity of existing talent. These activities will address the entire workforce pipeline, the quality of education received by cybersecurity specialists, and industry training programs to rapidly upskill Ukraine’s workforce to respond to immediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Component 3: Build a resilient cybersecurity industry

A growing cybersecurity industry in Ukraine will contribute directly to national security and prosperity. This component will seek to build trust and collaboration between the public and private sector to develop innovative solutions for future cybersecurity challenges; spur investment and growth in the broader cybersecurity market in Ukraine through greater access to financing; support smaller cybersecurity companies to rapidly increase the number of local cybersecurity service providers; and offer mechanisms for Ukrainian firms to connect with industry partners to enable better access to innovations and business opportunities.

Purpose

DAI is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the start-up and manage activities in support of a newly established National Cyber Center, in collaboration with USAID, and the Government of Ukraine. S/he will also provide senior level support for work planning, outreach with partners, building and maintaining key stakeholder relationships, sub-awardee and consultant management, and development of high-quality program deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), USAID, and the National Cyber Center Project Office Lead to scope and identify potential project activities that will contribute to the attainment of the program objectives;
• Establish and maintain relationships with target partners and beneficiaries throughout the period of performance;
• Develop clear and transparent communication with the National Cyber Center, summarizing meetings, agreements, and next steps for COP, DCOP, subcontractors, vendors and counterparts as appropriate and required;
• Oversee and manage program deliverables assigned to project subcontractors or vendors;
• Coordinate with the Cyber Center Project Office Lead and provide guidance, oversight, and ensuring all administrative and logistical arrangements are well managed;
• Support recruitment and streamlined onboarding of technical staff for the Cyber Center, as required;
• Support the Director of Finance and Operations on financial oversight for activities in support of the National Cyber Center, including developing and managing budgets;
• Provide inputs and support for drafting project deliverables and reports including weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc requests;
• Identify and draft success stories and talking points, as directed by the COP, in consultation with USAID and Government stakeholders;
• Provide inputs to monitoring and evaluation activities and communications products as required;
• Carry out other duties that are consistent with overall focus of the assignment as assigned by the DCOP, in consultation with USAID.

Work Location: The Cyber Center Project Manager will be based in Kyiv, Ukraine and will report directly to the DCOP.

Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced degree in public policy or administration, international relations, political science, computer science, information systems, or other relevant field, and at least five years of experience working on programs of similar technical scope; or a Bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of years of experience working on programs of similar technical scope;
• Experience serving as a technical leader on cybersecurity, digital policy, capacity building or related topics;
• Experience building relationships with and working with government officials, critical infrastructure operators, and other stakeholders;
• Experience working in Ukraine with familiarity of its cybersecurity landscape desirable;
• Experience managing a diverse group of stakeholders to deliver on program objectives;
• Prior experience working on USAID-funded activities and knowledge of USAID policies, strategies and regulations preferred;
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, collaborative, and creative;
• Strong writing and communications skills;
• Fluency of English and Ukrainian required; proficiency in Russian strongly desired.

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to [email protected] and submit both CVs and cover letters in English. Only short-listed candidates will receive notice requesting additional information.