POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Advisor shall provide strategic advisory support to either the Host Nation, U.S. Embassy, or Regional, or International Organization personnel, as specified by the Task Order, working in Defense Transformation Strategic Planning to develop a long-term strategic plan for defense transformation in conjunction with the MOD.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with ensuring defense transformation is governed by a unified body of senior-level decision-makers, or similar governance system. This may include a centralized defense transformation governance system, that could take the form of a working group or other partner-determined structure, that directs the prioritization, planning, and enforcement of defense transformation efforts.
- Assist with developing a long-term defense transformation strategy with a unified vision that outlines the strategic outlook for defense transformation and specific milestones that need to be achieved. This may include a document outlining a whole-of-MOD approach to transformation that includes prioritization and phasing of transformation plans; the offices/departments responsible for, and that need to be involved in, each transformation phase; and a mechanism to monitor the progress of transformation implementation.
- Ensure there is partner ownership over the processes developed and a sustainable structure that can remain in place after advisory support ends.
- Develop strong professional relationships with key stakeholders in the MoD and GS and then act as a trusted advisor to them.
- Establish a working relationship with main counterpart(s) in the Armenian MoD and GS and participate as an advisor in any related new working groups and/or initiatives already underway which contribute to the overall objective(s).
- Integrate into the U.S. Embassy political and security cooperation structure in order to share information, expand connections, and bolster relevant projects underway. The Senior Advisor shall aim to coordinate regularly with the U.S. Embassy Political/Economic Section. The Senior Advisor shall also brief the U.S. Embassy Political/Economic Section, ODC, and the Defense Attaché Office monthly, at a minimum, and as requested by embassy representatives. The Senior Advisor will also brief senior Embassy leadership as needed in consultation with the above Embassy contacts.
- In close cooperation with senior MoD and GS officials, identify existing gaps in defense transformation strategic planning. Consultations shall occur with officials from across the Armenian government where relevant, with embassy approval and coordination.
- Share expertise and recommendations with the MoD and GS as relevant on how to prepare for required reforms and to establish and manage defense transformation strategic planning. This may include providing recommendations to the government on any legislation, policy or procedures, doctrine, or training that may be needed to successfully develop a long-term strategic plan for defense transformation that is governed by a unified body of senior-level decision-makers, or similar governance system, and contains a unified vision that outlines the strategic outlook for defense transformation and specific milestones that need to be achieved.
- Assist the MoD and GS in promoting effective, responsible, and accountable employment of force by developing standard operating procedures for integrating domestic and international legal considerations into operational decision-making.
- Where other barriers to institutional change with regards to strategic planning exist, the Senior Advisor shall work to identify those barriers, make recommendations to the MoD and GS to overcome them, and, where possible, work to address them in support of the desired end state.
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- U.S. citizen.
- Fluency in Armenian, demonstrated via Foreign Service Institute (FSI) score of 3 or higher or a Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) Score of 3+/3+/3 or a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) score of C1 or higher.
- Master’s degree in areas such as National Security Policy/Affairs, International Affairs, Security Studies, Political Science, or a similar field AND at least six (6) years of U.S. military and/or U.S. civilian professional experience with strategic-level security and/or defense policy and strategy development.
—- OR —-
- Bachelor’s degree in areas such as National Security Policy/Affairs, International Affairs, Security Studies, Political Science, or a similar field AND at least ten (10) years of U.S. military and/or civilian professional experience with strategic-level security and/or defense policy and strategy development.
- 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).
- Two (2) years of experience advising senior officials in a foreign government and/or foreign military on transformation. Non-resident or intermittent travel experience may count toward some or all of the required years, if the advising took place in-person with the foreign government representative(s).
- Two (2) year of experience in assisting partner nations with drafting and implementing strategic-level security/defense strategies and relevant policy making procedures and assisting with national security frameworks.
- Familiarity with NATO standards and requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance issued by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) prior to contract/task order performance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One (1) year of experience assisting foreign governments to transition from Soviet systems to western systems and processes.
- One (1) year of experience implementing a change management system or process in a government institution.
- One (1) year of experience working in Armenia, or the Caucasus. Non-resident or intermittent travel experience may count toward some or all of the preferred year.
BENEFITS
Constellis offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects its commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is typically based in a busy office environment and subject to frequent interruptions. Business work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, however some extended or weekend hours may be required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
May be required to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 25 lbs. Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting, squatting, stretching, and bending throughout the workday.