GDIT and the U.S. Department of State are seeking a Program Advisor to oversee international capacity-building trainings aimed at 1) addressing pressing nuclear security, proliferation, safety, and sovereignty challenges posed by aggressive civil nuclear reactor exports; and 2) assisting displaced scientists, with WMD dual-use expertise, in becoming involved in civilian research.

GDIT is partnering with the Department of State’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) to support the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology (FIRST) program and the Science Centers and Scientist Engagement Team.

The FIRST Program is a multi-agency U.S. government initiative that provides capacity building support to help partner countries:

Establish a civil nuclear power program under the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation

Take advantage of next generation nuclear energy innovations and technologies in their  energy plans

Harness the power of public-private partnerships to expand universal energy access and promote economic and national security

Deepen relationships through government, industry, national laboratory, and university engagements

CTR funds, manages, and implements the FIRST and civil nuclear security programming efforts, which focus currently on the Asia/Pacific region, Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The Science Centers and Scientist Engagement (SC/SE) Team provides diplomatic outreach and programmatic oversight of two intergovernmental nonproliferation organizations:

The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) based in Astana, Kazakhstan

The Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), based in Kyiv

Through both these centers, as well as other technical implementers, CTR provides assistance to displaced civilian technical experts who are currently unable to work in their home institutes and who possess dual-use-relevant expertise related to WMD and missiles. 
 

The FIRST & SC/SE Program Advisor will serve as an on-site contractor at the Department of State and assist CTR in developing, managing, and coordinating capacity-building efforts for both programs. The Program Advisor will be responsible for providing programmatic, financial, and technical oversight to assigned projects and activities while actively contributing to strategically advancing the FIRST and SC/SE program’s objectives and programming. This includes working closely with and through the ISTC and STCU on programmatic and diplomatic efforts to advance the organizations’ peaceful scientific mission and strategy. CTR’s programmatic efforts evolve in response to the international security environment, requiring Program Advisors to develop, coordinate, and implement innovative strategies to address the dynamic environment. The Program Advisor will also be responsible for supporting relevant policy development and implementation within the Department of State and coordinating with other U.S. Government departments and agencies as needed. 

Responsibilities:

Developing and implementing country-specific, time-sensitive, and complex capacity-building projects and strategies in partnership with host government officials and in coordination with the interagency.

Manage complex and sensitive relationships with interagency partners such as the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Commerce Department, Department of Defense, and State Department partners from country desks, embassies, and within the ISN Bureau in a manner that advances CTR’s FIRST and SC/SE programmatic goals and directs complementary capabilities in a whole-of-U.S.-nuclear-sector effort.

Create and execute engagement strategies to advance CTR programming as well as U.S. involvement in the ISTC and STCU to counter proliferator state and non-state actor WMD threats.

Advance U.S. diplomatic and programmatic leadership of the ISTC and STCU, including providing written and verbal information to senior Department of State, U.S. Government, and international officials.

Participating in the review of threat reduction project proposals and making recommendations concerning the approval and funding of proposals.

Advising CTR’s budget planning process, to include the preparation of grants, cooperative agreements, and Interagency Agreement documents; financial monitoring; financial reconciliation; and financial close out.

Briefing high-level officials in the Department of State, interagency, foreign governments, and senior nuclear industry executives on CTR programmatic activities.

Representing CTR in domestic and foreign meetings as required.

Other activities as assigned by the CTR Office Director and Deputy Director, Team Chief, and Deputy Team Chiefs.

Qualifications:

Demonstrated prior experience working on USG international nonproliferation, nuclear energy, scientific, or other WMD nonproliferation programs.

General familiarity with civil nuclear reactor technology ideally including small modular reactors, threat reduction programming, the risks of nuclear proliferation, and implementation of capacity-building for foreign partners.

Outstanding written and verbal communication, diplomacy, teamwork, and project management skills.

International travel will be required, and foreign language skills are a plus.

The candidate must be able to receive and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5+ years’ relevant experience or Master’s degree and 3+ years’ relevant experience. An international affairs, policy, or technical background is preferred but not required.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

401K with company match

Comprehensive health and wellness packages

Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career

Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications

Cutting-edge technology you can learn from

Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

GDIT CAREERS

Opportunity Owned

Discover more at www.gdit.com/careers  

General Dynamics Information Technology is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.