Вакансія: Workforce Development Coordinator for USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine

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.

1. Role’s purpose:

Under the supervision of the Workforce Development Manager, the Workforce Development Coordinator (WFDC) will support the implementation of tasks under Component 2 Task 1 –  Capacity and Quality of Cybersecurity Higher Education. The WFD Coordinator will closely work with the WFD Manager to implement workforce development plans. The Coordinator will contribute to reporting, collecting necessary data and writing updates and success stories.

3. Tasks/responsibilities: 

The Coordinator will support the successful implementation of Workforce development tasks and interventions, including:

• Implementing the collaboration program with Ukrainian HEIs teaching cybersecurity specialty (125 – Cybersecurity) focusing on improvement of current cybersecurity educational programs;
• Updating cybersecurity professional framework based on NICE Framework;
• Developing the range of ongoing activities to advance research and scholarship around critical cyber issues.
• Establishing 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;
• Developing experiential training virtual Cybersecurity Training Labs;

The Coordinator will be tasked to:

• Coordinate the HEI Cyber Ranges initiative implementation, including managing universities’ access to the selected cyber polygon, adding/removing students, communicating with universities’ coordinators on their needs within the platform, monitoring students’ success on the platform, developing reporting documents and preparing recommendations how to improve students results on using the platform;
• Assist in the process of the update of educational programs (hold coordination meetings, confirm timeline, ensure deliverables reports progress, etc.);
• Assist the WFD Manager in implementing the HEIs EDUCATION PROGRAMS UPDATE activities, including, but not limited to: working with Activity STTAs to coordinate the progress educational programs update process, and providing support to the STTAs on the educational programs update process;
• Assist in carrying out administrative steps required in support of implementation, including developing documents such as activities concepts, programs;
• Assist in identifying and developing scopes of work for resources (e.g. firms, consultants, etc.) needed to support or carryout tasks;
• Assist with outreach activities (in close coordination with HEIs and GOU stakeholders) for public presentation of updated educational programs;
• Assist with developing reports, presentation tools, materials, including toolkits, quick reference guides, flow-charts, brochures, one-pagers, etc;
• Assist with preparation and organization of discussions/panels, workshops, roundtables, conferences, online and offline meetings, to develop materials, presentations, assessments reports, comparative analyses, and policy briefs;
• Provide inputs and assist in developing content for reports to USAID, communications related to events and Activity as whole;
• Assist with executing other cross-component tasks, coordinate with other components teams, MEL (monitoring, evaluation, and learning) team, communications manager, other staff under the Activity as needed;
• Assists WFD Manager with performing other tasks as needed;
• Monitor developments in Ukraine and globally as related to the cybersecurity professional development.

1. Qualifications/Experience:

Degree, preferably a Master’s in public policy or administration, economics, business, computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, or  related field;

• Proven technical skills set and experience with various training platforms;
• Strong knowledge in IT / cybersecurity area:
• Previous experience with educational or training projects is preferred; development/assistance/management/coordination;
• Previous work experience with GOU stakeholders, technical assistance projects is preferred; 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to details; 
• Strong analytical and active listening skills; 
• Solid core skills including- communication, collaboration, multitasking; 
• Solid writing skills; 
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English required. 

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to [email protected]. by 31 May 2023 6:00 pm Kyiv time. Only short-listed candidates will receive notice requesting additional information.