Country Director, Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) Program – Georgia At DAI Global

JOB TITLE: Country Director, Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR)

Program – Georgia

REPORTS TO: Program Director

LOCATION: Tbilisi, Georgia

DATE: Immediately

LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full-Time Employee (40 hours/week)

ORGANIZATION & VALUES

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

The five-year (October 2021 – September 2026) USAID-funded Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) program supports the governments of Eastern European 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.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Country Director, CIDR/ Georgia (CD) will manage CIDR activities in Georgia and provide technical and project management support to program design, implementation, and relationship-building with stakeholders in Georgia, and regionally as requested.

The CD is responsible for the day-to-day technical implementation of the CIDR activities in Georgia. 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 CD will act as the key liaison between DAI and project stakeholders in-country, representing CIDR and DAI in meetings, activities, and forums in Georgia.

The position requires a strong technical understanding of cybersecurity and broader issues related to ICT, excellent communication and coordination skills, understanding of national sociopolitical developments or experience in similar environments is preferable, experience in working with stakeholders of all levels of seniority and professional backgrounds, and an ability to ensure coherence and consistency of work in a challenging environment.

The CD works closely with other members of the team based throughout the region and the United States. The CD will also manage a Georgia-based team, likely to consist of less than five staff but still to be determined.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee day-to-day implementation of program activities in Georgia.
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.
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.
Represent the program and DAI at industry events, panels, and workshops, including in-person and online as permissible.
Conduct technical reviews of all deliverables and communicate feedback as needed
Assist the Program Director and Deputy Program Director on other time sensitive and priority tasks
Other tasks as directed.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Manage the country resources on all issues of financial, operational, and administrative management, in consultation with assigned local staff, Program Director and Senior Finance and Operations Director.
Ensure that accurate budget updates from the Georgia office are communicated to the core management team, including technical implementation and general administrative expenses.
Serve as the primary local bank signatory for payments originating in Georgia up to the threshold specified in CIDR’s Project Schedule of Authorities.
Provide a thorough review of documentation prepared by staff performing finance and procurement tasks, ensuring that necessary systems are put in place and actions are taken to procure, and pay local vendors contracted to provide technical and operational goods and services.
Ensure local staff and teams are adequately supported to execute program activities and have access to appropriate opportunities for mentoring and coordination with the CIDR’s core team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Country Director will be responsible for direct oversight of local technical consultants and will oversee other local staff and implementing partner resources.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

When needed, travel to countries in Europe and Eurasia will be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s or higher degree in information technology, engineering, cybersecurity, or social sciences.
At least 12 years of experience working in the sector.
Five years or more of experience in implementing donor-funded programs.
Networks and relationships with governmental and/or private sector entities in Georgia is preferable.
Experience with work plan development and implementing work plan activities ensuring results are achieved or exceeded.
Familiarity with key cybersecurity and critical information infrastructure protection notions and policies.
Experience working effectively with counterparts at various levels of government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders.
Networks and relationships with governmental and/or private sector entities in Georgia is preferable.
Experience operating programs in a dynamic working environment with multiple partners and teams.
Proven experience managing a team.
Ability to work with people of various cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.
Fluency in English is required, and local language is preferable
Cybersecurity related certifications or training preferred.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.