TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGER (M/F)
DAI seeks a North Macedonia Technical Lead to support the implementation of a 5-year USAID-funded Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) program. The Technical Lead will manage CIDR activities in North Macedonia and provide technical and project management support to program design, implementation, and relationship-building with stakeholders in North Macedonia, and regionally as requested.
CIDR supports the Governments of E&E countries (including the Western Balkans, Black Sea region, and Caucasus region) in assisting critical infrastructure entities to incorporate cybersecurity best practices into organizational operations, planning, and procurement; prioritize cybersecurity investment needs; select appropriate mandatory or voluntary standards and corresponding security controls; and establish the basis for region-wide cybersecurity information sharing. Through a regional approach targeting improved policies and legislation, information sharing, workforce development, and capacity-building, the program targets sectors such as energy (electric, natural gas, oil, district heating), water (transmission, distribution), transport, healthcare, finance, and telecommunications.
The Technical Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day technical implementation of the CIDR activities in North Macedonia. He/she will undertake regular assessments of the broader political environment within which the project operates to ensure flexibility and rapid reprioritization of activities when necessary. The Technical Lead will act as the key liaison between DAI and project stakeholders in-country, representing CIDR and DAI in meetings, activities, and forums in North Macedonia.
The position requires a strong technical understanding of cybersecurity and broader issues related to ICT, excellent communication and coordination skills, in-depth understanding of national sociopolitical developments, experience in working with stakeholder of all levels of seniority and professional backgrounds, and an ability to ensure coherence and consistency of work in a challenging environment. The Technical Lead will work closely with other members of the team based throughout the region and the United States.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Oversee day-to-day implementation of program activities in North Macedonia.
- Provide technical program leadership to program implementing partners and key stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the country, including government, private sector, academia, civil society, international donors, and other cybersecurity-focused organizations.
- Design and implement program activities.
- Manage and advise staff and consultants, where applicable.
- Facilitate meetings and events with key national cybersecurity and critical infrastructure stakeholders.
- Facilitate and lead technical activities such as stakeholder mapping, legislation drafting, technical support to cybersecurity emergency response teams, and coordination of key cybersecurity stakeholders.
- Draft or contribute to program reports, workplans, monitoring and evaluation plans, and communications materials.
- Keep abreast of cybersecurity trends in country and region, including existing and emerging cybersecurity projects, campaigns, or tools being used to combat threats.
- Other tasks as directed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in information technology, engineering, social and/or information science, or related area. Master’s degree preferred.
- Familiarity with key cybersecurity and critical information infrastructure protection notions and policies; cybersecurity related certifications are a plus.
- At least five years of experience in implementing donor-funded programs in North Macedonia; 10 years of progressively responsible experience preferred.
- Substantial experience working effectively with counterparts at various levels of government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders in implementation of international development assistance projects.
- Experience serving as a client-facing liaison for technical projects.
- Experience in all stages of project management.
- Excellent communications skills (written and spoken) in English and Macedonian, including public speaking. Ability to speak Albanian is a plus. Ability to present and write concisely and accurately, even when describing complex issues.
- Ability to work with people of various cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
Preferred:
- Extensive networks and relationships with cybersecurity stakeholders in North Macedonia.
- Experience operating complex programs in a dynamic working environment, with multiple partners and teams and U.S. Government-funded project experience.
- Experience in or knowledge of information and communications technology (ICT) in international development programming.
Supervisory Requirements:
- The Technical Lead will be responsible for direct oversight of local technical consultants and will potentially oversee other local staff.
Interested candidates should submit their application at the following LINK
DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.
