Partner Security Liaison Advisor

The QED Group, LLC is a full-service international consulting firm that provides practical solutions to social problems through sound analysis, proven management techniques, and creative implementation. We focus our efforts on core practice areas: Monitoring and Evaluation, Knowledge Management, Health, Democracy and Governance, Economic Growth and Professional Services. We work with U.S. agencies and overseas governments, international donors, private-sector clients, and PVOs/NGOs in more than 80 countries around the world.
QED’s USAID/Iraq-funded Manpower II Project directly supports USAID’s strategy of supporting the political, economic, and social conditions necessary for a stable, prosperous, and democratic Iraq.

QED is seeking a Partner Security Liaison Advisor (PSLA) to assist the USAID Mission with its Armored Vehicle Disposition and Destruction program and to provide safety, security, and operational support to the USAID Mission and USAID Implementing Partners (IPs). Visits to project implementation sites and other travel throughout Iraq for USG staff is tightly regulated and monitored by the Embassy’s Regional Security Office (RSO). In accordance with Embassy policy concerning movements and safety of Mission staff, it is imperative that all precautions and measures are taken to ascertain—and minimize—threats to safety and security. The PSLA position will be based in Baghdad. The PSLA will live and work principally outside the Embassy Compound, but will require frequent access to the Embassy Compound. All life support will be provided by QED to include office space, housing, meals, and movement support. The PSLA will report directly to the QED Chief of Party.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The PSLA is responsible for performing a full range of safety, security and operational activities, including:

Armored Vehicles

• Maintaining an accurate inventory of all USAID armored vehicles issued to implementing partners and determining the location of all vehicles.
• Traveling to vehicle location sites and inspecting armored vehicles for condition and categorization.
• Performing a visual inspection of armor condition and determining the level of armor protection.
• Ensuring the holders of vehicles provide required documentation.
• Liaising with Government of Iraq (GOI) representatives to facilitate ease of transfer of vehicles.
• Assisting the USAID Mission and IPs in obtaining all necessary documents required for vehicle transfer and destruction (if necessary), as required by the GOI and Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and USAID.
• Monitoring the vehicle transfer process until armored vehicles reach pre-determined locations, including escorting.
• Tracking, monitoring, and attempting to secure Diplomatic Security (DS) approved armored vehicles seized by the GOI.
• Providing guidance to IPs regarding methods and vendors capable of transporting AVs to designated locations.

Safety and Security

• Advising USAID on security and risk factors affecting USAID operations throughout Iraq;
• Reviewing and testing IP organizations’ Emergency Action Plans and providing feedback, as needed;
• Providing timely information to IPs to ensure critical life/safety decisions are made
• Relaying IP concerns to the Mission regarding how the local security environment affects program progress;
• Serving as the security liaison between the Mission, the RSO, other USG entities, and Host Nation security elements and providing a pro-active flow of information between all elements;
• Assisting IPs, as requested, in obtaining GOI International Zone badges.

Operations

• Develop a systematic plan for USAID to implement an armored vehicle inventory, inspection, transfer, and destruction program including guidance on required documents, GOI vehicle transfer regulations, and potential difficulties that may be encountered during transfer;
• Provide technical expertise and skills for the implementation of USAID operations in high-risk environments.

Key Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen and in possession of a Secret level clearance. Additionally, the candidate must be able to obtain Department of State Building Access/ Employment Authorization and a Department of Defense Common Access Card;
• High school diploma and a minimum of five to seven years of relevant work experience. This includes the following: experience in a Critical Priority Country (CPC), with some of it in Iraq; experience working with GOI entities; and knowledge of GOI regulations, rules and practices pertaining to International Zone badging and Private Security Contractors;
• Training as an Emergency Medical Responder or First Responder (or the equivalent) and knowledge of U.S. Embassy regional security office operating policies and procedures is required;
• The PSLA must be a Subject Matter Expert on armored vehicle inspection procedures, GOI requirements for the transfer of vehicles, and armored vehicle destruction policies; must have knowledge of and/or management of logistics contracts for ground transportation; and must be a Subject Matter Expert on physical and operational security, vehicle anti-terrorism, and security driving;
• Fluency in English and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports is required. Proven ability to communicate effectively in cross-cultural settings;
• Basic Arabic proficiency (2/1 equivalent or higher) required.

How to apply:

To apply to this position, please submit an updated resume and cover letter athttp://qed.devhire.devex.com/jobs/326532. Follow the application instructions. Applications submitted by other means will not be considered. Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please.

The QED Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Visit our website at www.qedgroupllc.com for additional information about our company.