Research Analyst - West & Central Africa
NOTE: APPLICANTS MUST ALREADY HAVE AN ACTIVE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITY CLEARANCE. If you do NOT indicate that you already have a clearance on your resume, your application will not be considered.
Summary:
The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC, at www.OSAC.gov) is a Federal Advisory Committee with a U.S. Government Charter to promote security cooperation between American business and private sector interests worldwide and the U.S. Department of State. Selected candidate will provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the Research & Analysis Unit of OSAC’s Research and Information Support Center (RISC). The primary objective is to provide services through performance of managing security projects with the purpose of providing security and threat related information, analysis, and advice on overseas security matters to U.S. private-sector organizations operating abroad.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
- Manage security projects within assigned area of responsibility
- Develop, prepare and forward responses to written or telephonic queries, questions and requests for overseas security information from OSAC members and over 5,000 OSAC constituent organizations including U.S. corporations, educational institutions, and faith-based and non-governmental organizations
- Maintain a working dialogue on international security matters with appropriate officials of the State Department's regional/functional bureaus, Foreign Service posts, private-sector organizations and security professionals, and over 150 OSAC Country Councils at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world
- Perform research and produce timely information briefs and other analytical products for OSAC.gov, with a readership of private-sector representatives and U.S. government officials. Conduct security- and threat-related briefings for each, and for OSAC Country Councils. As required, coordinate OSAC-related activities and provide professional presentations to the OSAC Executive Council and Committees
- Scan and assess all-source information for relevance as potential sources of OSAC website material. Evaluate information retrieved from such sources for applicability and relevance to written reports and in-person briefings, and for other purposes, as directed.
- Coordinate meetings with U.S. government officials, private-sector officials and groups, and OSAC Country Councils. Interact with U.S. government agencies and private-sector representatives to promote OSAC goals, objectives, and mission. Conduct briefings for selected groups on the workings of OSAC and OSAC RISC operations
- Develop analytical products and participate in project management. Complete assigned projects in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
- Travel on a regular basis to support country councils at U.S. diplomatic posts around the world, and support OSAC public-speaking initiatives at home and abroad.
- Maintain broad analytical expertise and develop a global perspective on security trends and their consequence to U.S. private-sector organizations operating abroad, while developing and retaining deep expertise in West & Central Africa, to include the countries south and west of a line running from Mauritania east to Chad, and south to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Approximately 10% worldwide travel required, including to the region of responsibility.
Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree in an associated technical, security or management discipline; preferably Political Science, International Affairs, International Law, International Economics, Government or a related field of study, with three to five years related specialized security experience. Degree not required with five to seven years of specialized experience.
- Specialized experience includes security policy and security standards development, security-related risk analysis and scheduling, logistics, budget analysis, and project management planning responsibilities. Experience with applicable security requirements and practices in the civilian sector of the Federal government. Must have demonstrated experience consistent with security principles and best practices with applicable Federal regulations and guidelines.
- Experience in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of foreign affairs/international relations information is required. Such experience specific to West & Central Africa is preferred.
- One year of specialized experience and a demonstrated record of achievement in the fields of foreign affairs/international relations.
- Must be able to travel to any region of the world, as needed.
- Must demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a member of the team.
- Ability to interact effectively with personnel at all levels in a dynamic work environment is required.
- Mandatory Requirement: Applicants selected for this position may be subject to a Government Security Investigation and must meet eligibility for access to classified information, Top Secret/SCI clearance level. Hiring managers are currently only considering candidates who already possess an active Secret-level clearance at minimum.