Specialist Advisor IV Port Security Advisor

Olgoonik is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview:

The Specialist Advisor IV - Port Security Advisor supports the U.S. Department of State's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) mission in Costa Rica. The role centers on advising U.S. and host-nation stakeholders on Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology and port security strategies to prevent illicit trafficking and enhance cargo and border security.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Advising INL leadership, Program Managers, Advisors, Specialists, and host country officials on the use and implementation of Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) X-ray systems.
• Providing guidance on the analysis of NII images to assist host government officials in the interdiction of illicit materials such as narcotics, weapons, nuclear material, undeclared goods, and other contraband at Costa Rican ports.
• Coordinating official visits to border regions of Costa Rica by U.S. Government officials or contract service providers in support of INL-NII funded projects.
• Maintaining current knowledge of relevant solutions/services in order to successfully meet client requirements and participating in tradeshows or conferences to identify new opportunities.
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring port security strategies and action plans based on INL priorities.
• Facilitating capacity building and knowledge sharing to enhance the ability of senior management at the Ministry of Security to oversee port security activities.
• Developing and implementing port security strategies based on INL/WHP objectives and INL/CR goals, including:
  • Monitoring and measuring the impact of the port security strategy and making adjustments accordingly.
  • Preparing and conducting port security needs assessments for the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section (INL) at U.S. Embassy San José.
• Advising and assisting on the implementation of complex, multi-site Non-Intrusive Inspection equipment, including container scanners, handheld scanners, image analysis, and interpretation.
• Maintaining strong working relationships with Costa Rican port security officials and police officers.
• Preparing reports and updates, including:
  • Monthly : Summaries of program activities, progress, recommendations, project highlights, and relevant statistical data.
  • Quarterly : Reports analyzing program trends, updates on progress toward INL's objectives, and recommendations.
  • Annually : A comprehensive report summarizing the year's activities and assessing progress toward handing over responsibility to the Government of Costa Rica (GOCR).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• In absence of a degree, at least ten (10) years of specialized experience in port security, including evaluating, analyzing, developing, managing, and improving port security systems and procedures.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in cargo port operations and security.
• Experience supporting law enforcement or military operations.
• Preferred: Experience working or coordinating with relevant U.S. government agencies and host nation entities.
• Preferred: Experience working as a Port Security Advisor with non-U.S. law enforcement agencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• U.S. Citizen

• Ability to pass a contractor background investigation and obtain/maintain a Secret Security Clearance for Embassy access and continued employment.
• Expert knowledge of port security technology and concepts, including Non-Intrusive Inspection.
• Ability to work independently on multi-million-dollar projects within budget and timelines.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and liaison skills to work with government and private sector officials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to undergo random drug and alcohol screening.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.
• Understanding of international outreach and advocacy.
• Language proficiency:
  • Spanish : Level 3/3 (written and spoken).
  • English : Level 4/4.
• Ability to present and articulate technical telecommunication issues effectively.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to build relationships with peers and external stakeholders.
• Preferred: Knowledge of Costa Rican port security policies and standard operating procedures.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Language - Foreign Service Institute (FSI) level 3/3 Spanish, English level 4/4.

Security Clearance:

Secret Clearance Required

• Must be able to successfully complete a U.S. government administered investigation for a Secret Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Must be able to maintain Secret clearance.

Physical Demands:

Ability to physically work and reside in Costa Rica.

Travel:

Conduct regular travel to Costa Rican sea and land ports to assess operations and provide technical assistance.

Olgoonik is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. As an Alaska Native corporation, Olgoonik provides hiring preference to Olgoonik shareholders, descendants, and their spouses to the extent allowed by law.