Projects Implementation Manager – USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Аctivity

1. ACTIVITY BACKGROUND:

The purpose of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity (“the 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.

Under Component 1, the Activity is focused on delivering a proactive mechanism of cybersecurity technical assistance and project management that will serve as an assistance function to address GOU’s critical cybersecurity challenges in wartime. The Activity is focused on short- and medium-term technical projects which include procurement of necessary digital and cyber technologies for the benefit of GOU and CI operators. With built-in flexibility, the Activity identify and set priority procurements in response to war effects on CI and the evolving security dynamics on the ground.

2. ROLE’S PURPOSE:

Under the supervision of the Component 1 Enabling Environment Lead, the Projects Implementation Manager will coordinate and support the implementation of technical activities outlined in the Contract. This will include managing and maintaining the relationships with key Government of Ukraine (GOU) stakeholders, understanding their priorities, and determining areas where the Activity can / should provide technical support. The Projects Implementation Manager’s main activities will focus on implementing the technical projects in close collaboration with the GOU stakeholders. Those projects aim to assist cybersecurity initiatives and enhance technical capacity for MDT, SSSCIP, and NSDC.

3. TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Projects Implementation Manager will be responsible for the following key areas and related tasks:

• Provide oversight and manage the implementation of the technical projects under Component 1, including (but not limited):
  - technical cybersecurity projects in collaboration with MDT focused on improving the cyber resiliency of state registries;
  - technical projects to support NSDC and SSSCIP in technical and analytical capacity building;
  - technical projects to support other GOU and private stakeholders.

• Develop, maintain, and update implementation plan for assigned technical projects under Component 1.
• Provide administrative support in organizational efforts to implement the assigned tasks, including: planning meetings, following the project timeline, establishing points of contact, administering memoranda of understanding and non-disclosure agreements, etc.
• Prepare technical documentation and facilitate the procurement process under assigned technical projects.
• Manage efficiently the selected subcontractors to ensure successful delivery of specific activities and initiatives.
• Work closely with Activity beneficiaries and recipients to ensure alignment on technical projects with the current national cyber legislation.
• Hold regular weekly management check-in meetings with subcontractors on the assigned technical projects as well as the Activity consultants contributing to the implementation of projects.
• Establish and coordinate working groups work to support the assigned technical projects and engage Government of Ukraine in expert-level discussions, as needed.
• Identify resources needed for executing the assigned technical projects and define scopes for Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA) if needed.
• Develop, monitor, and report on deliverables, results and indicators on the assigned technical projects in close cooperation with the Activity’s MEL Manager.
• Provide Enabling Environment Lead, Chief of Party (COP), and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) with updates on progress under each assigned technical project on a weekly/monthly basis and upon an ad-hoc request.

4. OUTPUTS / DELIVERABLES:

At a minimum the Projects Implementation Manager will deliver the following, as well as additional deliverables as determined by the Enabling Environment Lead:

• Developed detailed implementation plans for the assigned technical projects under Component 1;
• Provided regular briefings to the Enabling Environment Lead and, as needed, COP and DCOP, on all matters related to the delivery of technical projects under Component 1;
• Arranged and facilitated efficiently meetings/events related to the implementation of technical projects under Component 1.
• Delivered in time and full the assigned technical projects in accordance to the approved implementation plan
• Maintained productive working relations with the GOU stakeholders

5. QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:

• An advanced degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, or other relevant field
• Experience working with the GOU in the field of cybersecurity
• Experience of managing a diverse group of stakeholders to deliver on project objectives
• Proven project management experience in the area of cybersecurity or IT
• Deepen understanding of the Ukrainian legal framework and EU legal framework and guidelines on cybersecurity (desired);
• At least three years of experience serving in a technical position, preferably with donor-funded activities;
• Strong interpersonal skills and written/oral communication skills;
• Fluency in Ukrainian and good command of English.

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