Technical Program Manager
About The Position
The Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) is funding an opportunity to protect American economic interests, personnel, and national security by supporting the Government of Iraq’s (GOI) capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) threats while simultaneously advancing Iraqi security forces’ capability to protect critical infrastructure. This program, titled “Protecting U.S. Critical Energy Investments Through C‑UAS and UAS Surveillance Capabilities in Iraq,” will deliver concrete returns for American taxpayers by safeguarding U.S. commercial investments in Iraq’s energy sector and reducing threats to American personnel from Iran and Iran-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs). The Technical Program Manager (TPM) serves as the senior day‑to‑day lead responsible for execution, coordination, and delivery of all program activities. The TPM manages technical workstreams, oversees field implementation, ensures compliance with cooperative agreement requirements, and serves as a primary liaison with CT, U.S. Mission Iraq (USMI), Iraqi government counterparts, and implementing partners.
Requirements
- Senior‑level program management and coordination skills.
- Strong understanding of cooperative agreement management and CT approval processes.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in politically sensitive, high‑risk environments.
- Master’s degree in international affairs, security studies, engineering, public policy, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing U.S. Government–funded security cooperation, counterterrorism, or capacity‑building programs.
- Demonstrated experience managing multi‑stakeholder programs in fragile or conflict‑affected environments.
- U.S. and/or Iraqi Citizenship.
- Active Secret-level clearance or ability to obtain an interim Secret clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with the Department of State, U.S. embassies, or foreign security forces (ideally in Iraq) strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall technical and operational management of C‑UAS and UAS surveillance program activities.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for CT and USMI on implementation planning, scheduling, and coordination.
- Oversee integration of surveillance UAS and C‑UAS training activities to ensure alignment with approved operational concepts and response plans.
- Manage coordination with Federal Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) counterparts, including separate and joint engagement mechanisms.
- Ensure compliance with CT approvals, Leahy vetting requirements, export controls, and U.S. Government regulations.
- Supervise technical staff, subject matter experts (SMEs), trainers, and curriculum developers.
- Oversee preparation, review, and submission of technical reports, training plans, curricula, and briefings.
- Monitor progress against program milestones, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies in high‑threat environments.
- Coordinate closely with training sites, Iraqi institutions, and partners to ensure effective delivery and sustainability.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
