Office of Export Control and Cooperation

Overview: The Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction seeks to prevent proliferator states from developing or acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) materials, equipment, expertise, and delivery systems that could threaten the U.S. homeland and U.S. interests abroad.

 

General Background: This is a personal services contract position located in the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ACN/CTR) at the U.S. Department of State. ACN/CTR manages several security assistance programs to reduce the threats posed by proliferator states seeking to develop or acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) material, equipment, or expertise, advanced conventional weapons, and delivery systems.  

As part of that effort, ACN/CTR funds, manages, and implements the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology (FIRST) program – a multi-agency U.S. government initiative that harnesses the power of public-private partnerships and the innovation of the U.S. nuclear industry to help partner countries:

·         Establish a civil nuclear power program under the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security, 
and nonproliferation. 

·         Take advantage of next generation nuclear energy innovations and technologies from responsible vendors in their energy plans to strengthen energy security and promote economic and national security.

·         Deepen relationships through government, industry, and national laboratory engagements.

 

ACN/CTR funds, manages, and implements the FIRST and civil nuclear security programming efforts, which focus currently on the Western Hemisphere, East Asia Pacific, South Central Asia, European, Near East, and African regions.

 

This FIRST Program Advisor will assist ACN/CTR in developing, managing, and coordinating FIRST and civil nuclear security programming. The Program Advisor will be responsible for providing programmatic, financial, and technical oversight to assigned projects and activities while actively contributing to strategically advancing the FIRST team’s objectives and programming. ACN/CTR’s programmatic efforts evolve in response to the international security environment, requiring Program Advisors to develop, coordinate, and implement innovative strategies to address the dynamic environment. The Program Advisor will also be responsible for supporting relevant policy development and implementation within the Department of State and coordinating with other U.S. Government departments and agencies as needed.  

 

Candidate should possess skills and experience in process improvement, change management, and organizational development, demonstrating creative ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, implementing concepts, and consulting with senior leadership in the facilitation of meaningful results during problem-solving.
 

The ACN/CTR headquarters is in Washington, DC. International travel will be required.

 

Responsibilities:

 

·         Developing and implementing country-specific, time-sensitive, and complex projects and strategies in partnership with host government officials and in coordination with the interagency.

 

·         Manage complex and sensitive relationships with interagency partners such as the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Commerce Department, Department of War, and State Department partners from country desks, embassies, and within the ACN Bureau in a manner that advances ACN/CTR’s programmatic goals and directs complementary capabilities in a whole-of-U.S.-nuclear-sector effort to address these threats.

 

·         Review threat reduction project proposals and make recommendations for funding based on geographical and subject matter expertise.

 

·         Support ACN/CTR’s budget planning process, to include the preparation of documentation for grants, cooperative agreements, and Interagency Agreement documents; financial monitoring; financial reconciliation; and financial close out.

 

·         Collaborate across the State Department and with partners in the U.S. interagency to align ACN/CTR national security programs with U.S. government (USG) nonproliferation priorities and related activities to ensure effective and efficient implementation.

 

·         Briefing high-level officials in the Department of State, interagency, foreign governments, and senior nuclear industry executives on ACN/CTR programmatic activities and related policy perspectives.

 

·         Representing ACN/CTR in domestic and foreign meetings as required.

 

·         Other activities as assigned by the ACN/CTR Office Director and Deputy Director, Team Chief, and Deputy Team Chief.

 

·         At least five years of demonstrated prior experience working USG international nonproliferation, nuclear energy, scientific, or other WMD nonproliferation programs and national security programs, including the design, development, implementation, and facilitation of exercises and workshops.

 

·         General familiarity with civil nuclear reactor technology ideally including small modular reactors, threat reduction programming, the risks of nuclear proliferation, and implementation of programming for foreign partners.

 

·         Possess strong writing skills and experience in analysis, research, strategy development, interagency coordination, and implementing international programs in a culturally sensitive manner. 

 

·         A Master’s degree or better is required. An international affairs, policy, or technical background is preferred but not required.

 

·         International travel will be required, and foreign language skills are a plus.

 

·         The candidate must be able to receive and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Benefits:  

Annual & Sick Leave

The individual selected will earn annual and sick leave in accordance with OPM regulations. The employee will be paid for federal holidays that fall within their regularly scheduled tour of duty. Those entering on duty with prior military service and/or federal civilian service can credit their years of service for higher annual leave accrual rates.

 

Health & Life Insurance Reimbursement

Personal Services Contractor may be provided a maximum of up to seventy-two percent (72%) against actual costs of their annual health and life insurance premiums; life insurance reimbursement is capped at $500 annually. Eligibility for reimbursement requires evidence of enrollment in a qualifying health insurance plan and proof of actual payment of the associated health premiums.

 

Relocation Assistance Available: None

 

Please apply through Monster.com and submit the following as a single attachment:

 

·         Cover Letter that outlines why the applicant is motivated to seek the position and why their experience is particularly relevant to the role.

·         Resume

·         Writing sample, ideally in a professional or policy context, although academic writing samples are also acceptable.

·         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 after your permission following an interview. 

 

ACN/CTR expects to screen and interview candidates within 45 days of close of announcement. ONLY APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED. Offers of employment will be dependent on 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 that apply to this announcement will also be provided the same consideration for these vacancies.  Multiple PSCs may be selected from this announcement.

 

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

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.