Position Summary:

Around the world, digital security is increasingly seen as a foundational component of national security, as nearly all facets of global financial, political, and social systems are rooted in deeply interconnected information & communications technology (ICT). A recent World Economic Forum policy note has identified data fraud/theft and large-scale cyberattacks as two of the top five most concerning international security threats, as governments, international organizations, corporations, and individuals race to strengthen their infrastructure, reduce network vulnerabilities, and safeguard broader operational systems from malicious actors.

As a central part of their national security strategy, the US government is investing heavily in protecting the critical infrastructure of our allies globally. In support of this strategy and building on our 25 years as a leader in global threat reduction, CRDF Global is implementing large-scale Cybersecurity programs in crucial geostrategic regions across Europe & Eurasia (including Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans) and Southeast Asia. CRDF Global is seeking a Central Asia Cyber & Digital Resilience Systems Engineer to serve as a thought leader and solution design specialist to support the organization in delivering effective, adaptive, and innovative Cybersecurity and host country capacity building programming in Europe and around the world. This position will require deployment to or residence in the Central Asian region (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan).

The ability to communicate effectively and to interact with subject matter experts in the government, academic, non-profit, and private sectors is essential. The ideal candidate will have spent 8-10 years in progressively more responsible technical positions, and will have transitioned into project and program management, design, and solutioning.

Major Responsibilities:

This position most closely aligns with the Cybersecurity Architect under the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF), and NICE Framework Work Role “Program Management” (work role OG-WRL-010, OPM Code 801).

1. Technical Leadership:

Serve as a leading technical specialist on Cybersecurity through strategy development, thought leadership, and programming recommendations for CRDF Global support to Governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Provide expert technical knowledge on evolving European Union cybersecurity standards, guidelines, risks, and trends in targeted regions of programmatic work

2. Programme Design and Development:

Provide technical leadership in the design, development, planning, and implementation of Cybersecurity projects Develop and present high quality and compelling technical program concepts Develop frameworks and tools for the design, implementation, and evaluation of specific technical components Inform and advise other CRDF Global Mission Areas on solution designs that include cybersecurity.

3. Programme Implementation:

Provide guidance to ensure that program implementation adheres to appropriate technical standards and guidelines, particularly EU / NIS2 and that programs are technically sound Maintain constructive dialogue and technical exchange with field counterparts and technical staff of implementing partners.

4. Portfolio Development:

Contribute to discussions with CRDF leadership in developing new business opportunities and required capabilities to expand our Cybersecurity footprint throughout Central and Eastern Europe Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with donor/client organizations, in-country partners (CERTs, universities), relevant and foreign government agencies, and other NGOs Represent CRDF Global at external events such as roundtables and business conferences, and make presentations to educate others about programs; remain current on relevant program topics Support other programs and staff as required Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field 10+ years of progressively responsible work experience in information security/cybersecurity or a related field in support of government clients Demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, current cybersecurity policies, trends, issues and challenges in a global context, including threat actors, recent vulnerabilities and breaches of note, mitigation strategies, and security policy frameworks Established international knowledge and relationship network, particularly in the Eastern Europe & Central Asia regions Strong conceptual skills combined with the ability to take ambitious ideas and to break them into manageable, specific sets of objectives in order to plan and successfully implement creative, ambitious organizational change strategies relevant to and effective in a complex, multinational organizational setting Demonstrated ability and track record in strategic, holistic and systemic thinking, managing resistance to change and understanding of organizational culture, learning and change Experience in solution design/proposal development and budgeting Advanced conversation and presentation skills that can influence senior decision makers Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to engage and influence a wide range of individuals from varied backgrounds at all levels within their organizations management Willing and able to travel internationally Fluency in spoken and written English

PREFERRED:

Master’s degree in computer science or related field Fluency in Russian and/or other regionally relevant languages Experience in implementation in a developing country context strongly preferred Industry certification(s), such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+, or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Knowledge of international development programming, particularly in the European Union

CRDF Global offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

CRDF Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). CRDF Global provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran, age, or disability status.