Вакансія: Workforce Development Manager for Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity

1. Activity 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.  

Together the above components will improve short-term cybersecurity resilience in Ukraine and establish a solid foundation for long-term cybersecurity independence and leadership. Lessons and best practices from key critical infrastructure sectors will extend to all parts of the public sector, as well as to the private sector and civil society. 

2.ROLE’S PURPOSE: 

Under the supervision of the Component 2 Workforce Development Lead, the Workforce Development Manager (WDM) will be responsible for identifying the capacity gaps and opportunities for strengthening cybersecurity workforce in Ukraine under Component 2 Task 1 – Capacity and Quality of Cybersecurity Higher Education. The WFD will build the workforce development plans in close collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MoES), and Activity beneficiaries. The individual will be responsible for providing all the monitoring performance reports against the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MELP) targets and supporting the successful completion of cybersecurity workforce development activities.  

 3.TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Workforce Development Manager will be responsible for the following key areas and related tasks:

• Develop and implement the holistic collaboration program with Ukrainian HEIs teaching cybersecurity specialty (125 – Cybersecurity) focusing on improvement of current cybersecurity educational programs;
• Enhancing cybersecurity professional framework based on NICE Framework;
• Establish the exchange of experience between Ukrainian and foreign cybersecurity HEIs in the area of implementing of Ukrainian workforce framework;
• Expanding capacity among Ukrainian universities to deliver cybersecurity courses and degree programs;
• Provide practical training opportunities for HEIs student via experiential training virtual Cybersecurity Training Labs;
• Develop the range of ongoing activities to advance research and scholarship around critical cyber issues;
• Provide an experiential learning management program for HEIs instructors and students by leveraging an existing cloud-based, educational cyber range;
• Establish and develop the secure labs to host experiential learning/training programs as well as national inter-collegiate and private enterprise network security competitions;
• Develop recommendations for strengthening existing HEIs programs, and design a specific tailor-made HEIs development program;
• Ensure the practical labs and training opportunities are developed for the Ukrainian HEIs;
• Develop the workforce development programs to fill the gaps Critical infrastructure sectors to facilitate CI operators and HEIs collaboration.
• Develop, maintain, and update implementation plans for carrying out workforce development activities and initiatives.
• Assess/determine resources required for implementing workforce development activities and initiatives.
• Work closely with the selected consultants and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of specific workforce development activities and initiatives.
• Provide Workforce Development Lead, Chief of Party (COP), and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) updates on each activity’s progress on a weekly/monthly basis, as requested.
• Prepare and/or review monthly progress reports and presentations for key stakeholders including recipients/beneficiaries.

4.Output/deliverables:

At a minimum, the Workforce Development Manager will deliver the following, as well as additional deliverables as determined by the direct Manager:

1. Detailed annual work plans for Workforce Development program under Component 2
2. Regular briefings on all matters related to cybersecurity workforce development in Ukraine
3. Detailed presentations and briefings on Workforce development initiatives
4. Arrange and attend meetings and events related to cybersecurity workforce development in Ukraine
5. Needs assessment reports, capacity building plans, and educational activities programs and reports
6. Detailed and high-quality reports as required per the Scope of Work

5.Qualifications and Experiences

• Master’s degree in public policy or administration, economics, business, computer science, information systems, or related field;
• At least 2 years of program management experience.
• At least 3 years of experience with international technical assistance projects.
• At least 2 years of experience in the education services sphere.
• Experience managing a diverse group of stakeholders to deliver activity objectives.
• Solid communications skills, including technical writing skills.
• Ukrainian native
• Good command of English language is preferred.