Project Description:
IFES seeks a Senior Global Election Technology and Cybersecurity Advisor to design programs and make policy recommendations that will counter evolving threats to democracy from election technology and cyber vulnerabilities. This individual will work closely with frontline defenders and election experts around the world to help democratic institutions flourish in the face of rising anti-democratic trends.
New election technologies are increasingly offered as a solution to overcome trust deficits with voters and increase efficiency of electoral processes, but approach also creates new domains for electoral manipulation. Even as cyberattacks become more frequent, electoral processes are becoming increasingly reliant on the types of technology that are ripe for exploitation. This means that electoral administrators and other stakeholders must expand their limited conceptions of security and proactively address evolving threats that can jeopardize the integrity of elections.
IFES is a global leader on the ways in which election technologies can be applied in each part of the electoral process (from delimitation to voter registration, polling, results transmission, and complaints management), and the challenges arising from the use and misuse of election technology. Our long-standing bilateral, regional and global partnerships with election management bodies and other institutions of democracy around the world uniquely position us to provide sound advice and assistance on technology and cybersecurity that is grounded in comparative experience. Job Responsibilities: POSITION SCOPE: The Senior Global Election Technology and Cybersecurity Advisor will represent IFES externally on relevant technology and cybersecurity issues, design programs and make policy recommendations that will counter evolving threats to democracy. He or she will track next generation technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing – and the challenges they might pose for the electoral process. He or she will maintain strategic relationships with a range of actors, such as governments, donors, EMBs, judiciaries, INGOs, foundations, technology vendors and other technology actors. The Senior Global Election Technology and Cybersecurity Advisor will report to the Vice President, Global Strategy and Technical Leadership.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senior Global Elections Technology and Cybersecurity Advisor will be expected to provide strategic vision and leadership in the following areas:
Outreach and partnerships
Maintain and enhance academic and institutional connections and partnerships in the areas of election technology, and cybersecurity**Technical Advancement and Innovation**
Advance IFES’ mission and competitive advantage through innovation in the area of election technology and cybersecurity
Lead internal working groups on election technology and cybersecurity and provide mentorship and coaching to program staff on the subject matter**Technical Assistance Quality Assurance**
For projects that incorporate assistance around election technology, conduct direct technical assistance in country programs, provide advice on and oversee of the work of technical consultants
In consultation with regional experts, provide ongoing advice and recommendations for program activities and conduct program reviews as necessary. Business Development and Program Design
Organize institutional response to critical issues surrounding cybersecurity and election technology
Provide advice and recommendations to regional business development strategy discussions and execution
Contribute to and review IFES’ program design efforts, including proposals, concept notes and options papers, and lead the development of topic-specific proposals, in consultation with regional experts
Actively maintain relationships with USAID, the Department of State, and other core donor contacts relevant to the areas of election technology, cybersecurity, and open data
Qualifications:
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Education: Master's degree required.
Experience: Minimum 10 years of overall work experience with a mastery of the field of cybersecurity. Proven record of strategic development and engagement. A successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise and innovation in analyzing cybersecurity threats and proposing and implementing solutions to mitigate or manage those threats in electoral contexts. He or she will ideally understand the institutions and processes involved in elections, have demonstrated an ability to partner closely with relevant actors globally, and is oriented toward countering current challenges as well as anticipating future threats. He or she understands the cross-cutting nature of election technology in other technical fields such as legal/regulatory reform, inclusive political processes, and strategic communications.
Language Skills: Fluency in English required.
Travel: Ability to travel up to 40% of the time
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”
This vacancy is archived.