PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR) is a five-year (October 2021–September 2026) USAID-funded program that supports the Governments of Europe and Eurasia countries (including the Western Balkans, Black Sea region, and South Caucasus) 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 banking, energy (electric, natural gas, oil, district heating), water (transmission, distribution), transport, healthcare, and telecommunications.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience activity in Georgia (CIDR/Georgia) is seeking a Program Specialist to support the implementation of the CIDR program. The Program Specialist will support developing and implementing the CIDR effort to develop more cyber-resilient critical infrastructure in Georgia. This will require working closely with government regulators, sector associations, donors, and other stakeholders.

The position requires strong project management skills, excellent communication and coordination skills, an in-depth understanding of national sociopolitical developments, experience 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 Program Specialist will work closely with other team members based in Tbilisi, Georgia, and throughout the region and the United States.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Development: The Program Specialist will support CIDR/Georgia’s effort to develop cybersecurity laws, regulations, and best practices impacting critical infrastructure in key sectors across Georgia.

Procurement: The Program Specialist will support the development of the technical specifications and procurement activities associated with strengthening specific enterprises supported by the program.

Workforce Development: The Program Specialist will support developing the training priorities needed for raising the quality of the cybersecurity workforce in Georgia by upgrading standards and instruction at educational institutions and training at select critical infrastructure.

Stakeholder Engagement: The Program Specialist will support engaging stakeholders, including government agencies, industrial associations, donors, and other relevant parties, to ensure buy-in and support for the program. This will include assisting in organizing meetings, workshops, conferences, and other events to communicate the program’s objectives, progress, and challenges.

OTHER TASKS:

• Support the Country Director in coordinating all program activities to ensure their successful implementation.
• Support organization of meetings and events with key national stakeholders.
• Support communications management in line with USAID and DAI requirements and prepare all communication materials.
• Assist with implementing the program’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework.
• Contribute to the preparation of program reports, work plans, and other program documents.
• Support overseeing sub-awardees, consultants, partners, etc.
• Collaborate closely with CIDR management, home office, and CIDR colleagues in other countries.
• Assist the Country Director with other time-sensitive and priority tasks.
• Other tasks as directed.

REPORTING:

The Program Specialist will provide regular progress reports to the Country Director and CIDR management.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

The Program Specialist might travel to support regional activities or related CIDR meetings and workshops as needed. Domestic travel within Georgia may also be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in business administration, communication, social sciences or any related field.
• At least four years of relevant professional experience, including project coordination and support experience in donor-funded programs.
• Familiarity with key cybersecurity and critical information infrastructure protection concepts and policies.
• Experience working effectively with counterparts at various levels of government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong Georgian and English language communication and presentation skills.
• Strong Georgian and English language writing skills.
• Ability to work with people of various cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.