Security Program Officer (SPO II)

Akima, LLC•Oliver Paipoonge, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Akima Data Management (ADM) is seeking a Systems Security Program Office II (SPO II) to join their team in Rosslyn, VA. This role provides managerial support for various security programs, including 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 of government officials and provides subject matter expertise in program management for these security initiatives. Responsibilities include developing program policies, providing oversight, reviewing exceptions, conducting program reviews, interpreting policies, recommending revisions, providing training and policy direction to overseas posts, analyzing budget requests, making funding recommendations, tracking funding and costs, reviewing contracts, planning and conducting post program reviews, reviewing expenditures, and preparing briefings for personnel assigned to overseas facilities. The SPO also establishes and maintains liaison with appropriate Department offices and agencies, provides guidance on facility standards and policies, and may oversee Surveillance Detection programs, including daily quality control of reporting cables and coordination with relevant personnel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 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.
OR An associate’s degree with 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.
The SPO II shall be capable of working effectively with others including those of diverse cultures.
Travel up to 50 percent foreign/domestic is required.
The SPO II shall not have any impediments to foreign/domestic travel that may be to regions that are dangerous or unhealthy.
An Active Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

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.
Experience in preparing and presenting briefing to senior executives, department heads or principle Governmental officials.

Responsibilities

Provide managerial support of the DS/IP/OPO’s programs.
Support programs such as Worldwide Protective Services (WPS), Global Canine (K9), DS Equipment Standardization, Drug Testing, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and Surveillance Detection programs.
Provide subject matter expertise and program management support to government officials.
Serve as a program manager for assigned worldwide or specific geographic areas.
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.
Assist 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.
Interpret existing policies, standards, and procedures governing various security programs and recommend appropriate implementation.
Review and recommend approval/disapproval of exceptions to standards.
Continually assess the effectiveness of standards, policies, and procedures; and recommend revisions or updates.
Provide program guidance, training, and policy direction to overseas posts.
Review and analyze post budget requests to identify posts exceeding standards and use professional judgment and risk management methodologies to maximize effectiveness of available resources.
Make funding recommendations for each post based upon standards, threat levels, funding availability, etc.
Recommend priorities and funding levels for various security programs.
Track funding allotments, program costs, and program administration for each post to ensure adherence to program objectives, and financial management policy and guidelines.
Review contract proposals to ensure that contracts are consistent with standards and with program and financial guidelines.
Provide guidance and assistance to posts in developing contracts.
Plan for and conduct post program reviews of various security programs.
Identify and report on problem areas and provide assistance to posts to correct problem areas and to bring them into compliance with applicable security standards.
Review budget requests for various security programs.
Periodically review expenditures and budget administration to ensure adherence to program objectives and financial management policy and guidelines.
Review contract invoice submissions for accuracy and make recommendations regarding approval for payment.
Plan and provide independent or group briefings for outgoing DS personnel assigned to embassy/consulate/DOS facility within SPO area of responsibility.
Prepare and may provide overview on various security programs within SPO II area of responsibility.
Establish and maintain liaison and serve 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.
Provide authoritative guidance and advice to Regional Security Officers, Ambassadors, Mission Officers, Department management, and tenant agencies on assigned program activities.
Provide guidance, support, and oversight to Surveillance Detection programs within a geographical region and to ensure these programs meet specific objectives.
Work with Regional Security Officers (RSOs), Assistant Regional Security Officers (ARSOs), and local nationals assigned to the SD program at post.
Provide management suggestions, operational guidance, constructive assistance with plans and procedures, and advice focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the SD program.
Monitor the performance of SD programs by conducting a daily quality control review of SD reporting cables.
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.
Review all requests from the field for SD resources.
Review and respond to incoming cables, correspondence, and inquiries regarding Personal Protective Services, Local Guard, Bodyguard, and the Surveillance Detection programs.
Interpret security standards and policies and provide guidance on their implementation at post.
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.
Coordinate with other DS elements and commercial vendors concerning security clearances; analyze resumes and biographical data to ensure candidates successfully meet the contractual requirements of the high threat and non-traditional local guard security programs.
May require International Travel as needed.