Senior Cybersecurity and Defense Policy Advisor

Culmen International LLC is looking to hire a Senior Advisor in Cybersecurity and Defense Policy to support a Department of State contract in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The Senior Advisor will play a crucial role in developing, implementing, and sustaining cybersecurity reforms and policies at the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) and, once established, at the newly formed Cyber Security Agency (CSA). The advisor will also facilitate effective inter-ministerial coordination on cybersecurity issues and responses within the Government of Montenegro.

This position requires residing in Podgorica, Montenegro. Culmen provides local furnished housing, including utilities and high-speed internet in a safe and secure location, along with transportation accommodations, Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, and International SOS coverage.

• Assist in developing and enhancing cyber governance processes for the entire government and critical infrastructure assets, aimed at mitigating and effectively responding to cyberattacks. 
• Support the development and retention of the Cybersecurity Agency (CSA) workforce to safeguard against and respond to threats from malicious actors. This includes identifying key issues related to the recruitment, retention, and training of cybersecurity personnel, as well as developing strategies to address challenges in these areas.
  
• Improve operational and network resilience to prevent future cybersecurity incidents and reduce vulnerabilities.
  
• Establish strong professional relationships with key stakeholders in the Ministry of Public Administration and the National Cybersecurity Agency. Act as a trusted advisor to senior cyber officials in the Government of Montenegro.
  
• Build working relationships with primary counterparts in the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) and the CSA, and participate as an advisor in any relevant working groups or initiatives that contribute to the overall objectives.
  
• Integrate into the U.S. Embassy's political and security cooperation framework to share information, expand connections, and enhance relevant ongoing projects. 
  
• Coordinate regularly with the Political and Economic Sections of the U.S. Embassy. 
  
• Provide monthly briefings to the U.S. Embassy, at a minimum, and as requested by embassy representatives. 
  
• In close collaboration with senior officials from the MPA and CSA, identify existing gaps in cybersecurity. Consultations should involve relevant officials from across the Government of Montenegro. 
  
• Share expertise and recommendations with the MPA and CSA regarding preparations for necessary reforms and the establishment and management of cybersecurity. This may include advising the government on needed legislation, policies, procedures, doctrines, or training to align strategic documents and cybersecurity standards, thereby improving Montenegrin cybersecurity operations and enhancing responses to future cyberattacks. 
  
• Assist the MPA and CSA in promoting the effective, responsible, and accountable use of force by developing standard operating procedures that integrate domestic and international legal considerations into operational decision-making.
  
• When facing barriers to institutional change in strategic planning, the Senior Advisor shall identify these obstacles, make recommendations to the MPA and CSA for overcoming them, and, where feasible, work towards addressing these challenges to achieve the desired outcomes.
  
• Leverage existing resources, best practices, and contacts from the U.S. Government, U.S. civil society, and the U.S. private sector to strengthen the CSA's effectiveness as an institution.

• U.S. citizen.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Have reached, at a minimum, the rank of O-5 in the military or equivalent in a civilian capacity (i.e., FS-02/GS-14 or industry equivalent).
• Master’s degree in areas such as Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a similar field AND at least six (6) years of U.S. military and/or U.S. civilian professional experience with cybersecurity.

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a similar field and at least ten (10) years of U.S. military and/or civilian professional experience working in cybersecurity.
• Experience working on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Staff or another major U.S. staff, or within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, or equivalent cyber-responsible office in the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, or other U.S. agency.
• Experience in establishing and institutionalizing cyber programs and processes inclusive of management structure, procedures, and skills necessary to develop strategic plans in the cyber domain.
• Experience advising senior officials in a foreign government and/or foreign military.

• Experience conducting assessments of cyber defense and IT security procedures at the national and inter-ministerial or interagency, level.
• Experience working with USEUCOM, NATO, and/or the EU on defense or national security projects.
• Experience establishing and participating in working groups and cyber information sharing networks in terms of threat intelligence and best practices, and regulations.
• Recent (within the past five years) experience living or working in South Central Europe (including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and/or Serbia).
• Have received one of the following certifications:
  •   Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  •   NIST Cyber Security Professional (NCSP)
  •   Certified Information Systems Auditor (CASP)
  •   Certified Chief Information security officer (CCISO)

Culmen International is committed to enhancing international safety and security, strengthening homeland defense, advancing humanitarian missions, and optimizing government operations. With experience in over 150 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.

To learn more about Culmen International, please visit www.culmen.com.

At Culmen International, we are committed to creating and sustaining a workplace that upholds the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We believe in the importance of fair treatment and equal access to opportunities for all employees and applicants.  Our commitment to these principles is unwavering across all our operations worldwide.