Job Information
Akima Security Program Officer (SPO) in Rosslyn, Virginia
Overview
Akima Data Management (ADM), an Akima company, is seeking a Security Program Officer to provide managerial support to Department of State DS/IP/OPO's programs.
Responsibilities
The SPO is responsible for providing managerial support of the DS/IP/OPO’s programs. The SPOIII’s may be assigned to support any of the following programs: Worldwide Protective Services (WPS), Global Canine (K9), DS Equipment Standardization, Drug Testing, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs.
The SPO works under the technical guidance and direction of government officials and other Security Program Officer IIIs as necessary, in DS/IP/OPO.
The SPO will provide subject matter expertise and program management support to government officials responsible for the Worldwide Protective Services (WPS) and associated support contracts, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs.
The SPO will serve as a Worldwide Protective Services (WPS), Global Canine (K9), DS Equipment Standardization, Drug Testing, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and/or Surveillance Detection program manager for an assigned worldwide or specific geographic area. The SPO III may also be required to assist the Regional Security Officer at a contract or task order location in providing temporary support during the absence of the assigned OPO Government Technical Monitor.
The SPO assists in developing program policies and standards; providing management guidance and oversight for assigned security programs; reviewing exceptions to standards; and conducting program and operational reviews of programs at posts. Carries out these security- related matters in accordance with applicable laws and Executive Branch, Department of State, and other pertinent policies. Responsible for assisting posts with the tracking of their budgetary and local guard contractual requirements as well as assist with contract oversight and assurance of contract compliance for OPO’s programs.
The SPO interprets existing policies, standards, and procedures governing the WPS contract, associated WPS task orders and support contracts, Bodyguard, Local Guard, and Surveillance Detection programs and recommends appropriate implementation. Reviews and recommends approval/disapproval of exceptions to standards. Continually assesses the effectiveness of standards, policies, and procedures; and recommends revisions or updates to standards, policies, and procedures when necessary.
The SPO provides program guidance, training, and policy direction to overseas posts to assist them in the management of their security-related programs and in adherence to standards and policies. Reviews and analyzes post budget requests for WPS, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs to identify posts exceeding standards and uses professional judgment and risk management methodologies and processes to maximize effectiveness of available resources.
The SPO makes funding recommendations for each post based upon standards, threat levels, funding availability, etc. Recommends priorities and funding levels for the WPS and associated support contracts, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs.
Tracks funding allotments, program costs, and program administration for each post to ensure adherence to program objectives, and financial management policy and guidelines. Reviews WPS and associated support contracts, and local guard contract proposals to ensure that contracts are consistent with standards and with program and financial guidelines. Provides guidance and assistance to posts in developing contracts.
The SPO plans for and conducts post program reviews of WPS and associated support contracts, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs. Identifies and reports on problem areas and provides assistance to posts to correct problem areas and to bring them into compliance with applicable security standards.
The SPO reviews budget requests for WPS, local guard, bodyguard, and surveillance detection programs. Periodically reviews expenditures and budget administration to ensure adherence to program objectives and financial management policy and guidelines. Reviews WPS and associated support contract invoice submissions for accuracy and makes recommendations regarding approval for payment.
The SPO plans and provides independent or group briefings for outgoing DS personnel assigned to embassy/consulate/DOS facility within SPO area of responsibility. The SPO III prepares and may provide overview on WPS and associated support contracts, local guard, bodyguard, and surveillance detection programs within SPO III area of responsibility
The SPO establishes and maintains liaison and serves as the focal point for coordination and communication with appropriate Department offices, overseas posts, and interested foreign affairs and intelligence agencies regarding facility standards and policies and their implementation. Provides authoritative guidance and advice to Regional Security Officers, Ambassadors, Mission Officers, Department management, and tenant agencies on assigned program activities.
The SPO may also be assigned to provide guidance, support, and oversight to Surveillance Detection programs within a geographical region and to ensure these programs meet specific objectives. The SPO III will work with Regional Security Officers (RSOs), Assistant Regional Security Officers (ARSOs), and local nationals assigned to the SD program at post.
The SPO, when assigned Surveillance Detection program responsibilities, will work with each post to provide management suggestions, operational guidance, constructive assistance with plans and procedures, and advice focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the SD program.
When not actually engaged in program reviews and assistance, incumbent will monitor the performance of SD programs by conducting a daily quality control review of SD reporting cables.
The SPO, when assigned Surveillance Detection program responsibilities, will contact the RSO/ARSO responsible for managing the SD program at post and/or the SD Coordinator and reference any follow-up needed in terms of operational issues or report quality. Reviews all requests from the field for SD resources.
The SPO reviews and responds to incoming cables, correspondence, and inquiries from Regional Security Officers, Ambassadors, etc., regarding Personal Protective Services, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and the Surveillance Detection programs. Interprets security standards and policies and provides guidance on their implementation at post.
The SPO shall be involved in the process of validating commercial Contractors for duty under the Worldwide Protective Services contract (or other protective services contracts) and other Worldwide Protective Services Division tasks as directed. Coordinates with other DS elements and commercial vendors concerning security clearances; analyzes resumes and biographical data to ensure candidates successfully meet the contractual requirements of the high threat and non- traditional local guard security programs.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
Three (3) years of experience, one (1) year of which must be specialized in administration, management, and supervision of security-related programs, remaining two (2) years of experience may be generalized in security related programs.
Strong knowledge of federal security laws, regulations, intelligence community directives, guidelines, and/or Department of State security regulations, standards, and policies and their application.
OR
An Associate’s degree.
Four (4) years of experience; one (1) year of which must be specialized in DS/IP/OPO programs with remaining two (2) years of general security related experience
Strong knowledge of federal security laws, regulations, intelligence community directives, guidelines, and/or Department of State security regulations, standards, and policies and their application.
US Citizen with eth ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
Desired Qualifications:
Active Secret clearance.
The ability to provide sound guidance to overseas posts, Ambassadors, and interested foreign affairs and intelligence agencies.
Comprehensive knowledge of overseas post functions, operations, and political and physical environments to determine personal protective services, local guard, bodyguard, and surveillance detection needs.
Knowledge of state-of-the-art security technologies, systems, devices, and measures to test and introduce cost saving measures.
Knowledge of security evaluation techniques and practices to plan and manage periodic assessments and reviews of various security operations.
Experience in conducting in-depth security analyses, formulating solutions, proposing viable alternatives, and harmonizing technical and operational solutions to security problem areas.
Experience in assessing and interpreting the intent of security requirements.
Proven ability to be innovative and use mature judgment in minimizing security vulnerabilities in a resource constrained environment.
Experience in providing leadership guidance, program management, and oversight for security programs (preferably in an international environment).
Experience in managing, approving, and reviewing/tracking annual budgets of multiple security programs.
Experience in reviewing invoices.
Experience in preparing Statements of Work and reviewing contract proposals.
Experience in assessing adherence/compliance of security programs and supporting contractual instruments to federal Government regulations, policies, and guidelines; and
Experience in preparing and presenting briefing to senior executives, department heads or principle Governmental officials.
The SPO III shall be capable of working effectively with others including those of diverse cultures. Travel up to 50 percent foreign/domestic is required. The SPO III shall not have any impediments to foreign/domestic travel that may be to regions that are dangerous or unhealthy. To begin contract performance, the SPO III shall possess a Secret clearance.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, or have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at job-assist@akima.com or 571-353-7053 (information about job applications status is not available at this contact information).
Job: Security, Intelligence & Defense Analysis
Travel: Yes, 25% of the time
Organization: ADM - Akima Data Management
Clearance: SECRET
Work Type: On-Site
Remote: No
ReqID: 2024-13069