Technology Program Advisor (Ecuador)

Technology Program Advisor

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy, and the Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State's mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) keeps Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice & fairness by strengthening their police, courts, & corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

The INL Section at U.S. Embassy Quito is charged with developing strategies and programs to achieve international narcotics control, law enforcement, and justice sector foreign policy objectives. INL Quito requires the services of a Technology Program Advisor (TPA) to support technology-related foreign assistance programming with the Government of Ecuador (GOE), including the Ministry of Interior, Ecuadorian National Police, and other relevant GOE institutions. The program is a collaborative effort between the United States Government and the Government of Ecuador (GOE) designed to improve capacity to prevent, mitigate, interdict, investigate, prosecute, and punish narcotrafficking and related transnational organized crimes through modern technology.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

USGI is seeking a Technology Program Advisor to provide support to the INL Management Coordinator and coordinate closely with INL Program Teams and INL leadership to develop and coordinate the implementation of technical assistance, donation, and training projects across all INL Ecuador portfolios. The TPA will coordinate with national and local governments, the Ecuadorian National Police, and other GOE institutions to ensure successful implementation of INL-supported technology projects. The TPA will provide program management and technology advisory support to the INL Management Coordinator, INL Program Teams, and INL leadership, while leveraging specialized IT or cybersecurity resources when required.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides subject matter expertise in technology program planning, project management, & IT modernization to support INL Quito & GOE counterparts. Serve as a full-time IT architect or cybersecurity engineer but will oversee and coordinate efforts in those areas through project management, partner engagement, and by leveraging external technical resources as required
• Conducts research and makes recommendations to Team Lead regarding the management of programs
• Reviews and analyzes policy and programmatic documents and makes recommendations based on findings
• Aids in conducting program reviews and assessments of new and ongoing programs and makes recommendations based on findings
• Assists in strategic planning for programs
• Aids in reviewing budgets and providing program estimates; evaluates program effectiveness in relation to the funding expended; aids in assessing USG law enforcement assistance activities to determine funding requirements and whether funding is warranted and available
• Supports liaison efforts within organizations, other government agencies, and non-governmental organizations
• Advises Ecuadorian security, police, judicial, aviation, ground, and maritime institutions on the integration, implementation, and modernization of IT and communication systems
• Provides oversight and coordination for the evaluation, design, and implementation of hardware, software, and cybersecurity solutions, ensuring that external experts and vendors meet INL and GOE requirements. Advise on cybersecurity practices, secure networks, and bandwidth requirements, coordinating with specialized technical staff or vendors for in-depth implementation support. Final decision making for any policy changes is at the level of a Direct Hire
• Support the integration, interoperability, & appropriate information sharing across Ecuadorian security institutions & with international partners
• Provides advice and oversight on the procurement and implementation of IT-related equipment, software, and systems
• Coordinate end-user guides & training plans, & supports the delivery of training for GOE institutions to ensure sustainability of INL-supported technology
• Conduct visits & support end-use monitoring of INL-funded technology programs
• Provides written input to support INL reporting requirements such as monthly activity reports and DevResults
• Assists INL Quito in evaluating and leveraging Department-approved AI-enabled tools and applications for project management, reporting, workflow automation, and knowledge management, consistent with applicable Department policies and information-security requirements
• Designs and tailor SharePoint pages and dashboards to improve document management, workflow, and collaboration across INL Ecuador programs
• Develops and implements workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate or equivalent) to streamline approvals, reporting, and project tracking
• Supports training and knowledge transfer for INL Quito staff in the use of these technologies, ensuring adoption and sustainability
• Provides ad hoc technical advice on IT modernization strategies, data management, and emerging technologies

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Local National (LN)
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 6 to 10 years of professional IT and/or technology program management experience, including familiarity with system design, database integration, and cybersecurity
• Demonstrated knowledge of specific country issues, including specialized knowledge of crime and violence prevention, international narcotics and law enforcement, or similar type programs sufficient to ensure project work is in compliance with management policies and procedures and in conformance with the Foreign Assistance Act and other regulatory procedures and guidelines
• Proven knowledge of Federal policies and procedures including methods of providing assistance and the Federal budget process
• Communicate effectively, both orally & in writing, with a wide range of players
• Demonstrated ability to provide advice, guidance, and consultation with regard to the interpretation and application of analysis
• Experience drafting US government reports and documents, such as the INCSR, embassy cables, and other documents
• Demonstrated professional working proficiency in English proficiency (3/3)
• Demonstrated professional working proficiency in Spanish proficiency (3/3)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A master's degree from an accredited institution in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• A minimum of five (5) years in a supervisory management position
• Demonstrated familiarity with community policing technology, case management systems, or intelligence-sharing platforms
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and working with U.S. government agencies, foreign government interagency, United Nations, or international community on security sector development programs
• Demonstrated experience working with high-level government counterparts, departments, and ministries to further program objectives
• Demonstrated experience overseeing or supporting the tailoring of AI-driven workflows and applications for government or NGO program management
• Demonstrated advanced skills in Microsoft SharePoint, Power Automate, Power BI, or equivalent tools
• Experience providing IT training & producing technical manuals in Spanish
• Demonstrated familiarity with Ecuadorian government IT environments

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

The contractor will report to his/her contracting company and will receive directions from the CO, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and/or Government Technical Monitor.

LEVEL OF EFFORT

Hours for this full-time position will be the official work hours of the U.S. Embassy in Quito: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

TELEWORK

If applicable, telework is authorized only with prior INL Office Director, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer's Representative approval, in accordance with Department of State and INL policies.

SUPPLEMENTAL HOURS

Supplemental hours for this position are NOT authorized in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

POSITION LOCATION

The primary work location will be in U.S. Embassy Quito, with frequent travel to field sites.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

INL Quito will provide office space, laptop computers, cellphones, and other required equipment and supplies necessary to complete all job requirements. The U.S. Department of State will own and maintain all government furnished property.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT

A Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) is required for U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCN). The contractor may begin work with an interim MRPT. As a Local National, they will be required to meet security access requirements for the U.S. Embassy RSO local vetting. If applicable, badge issuance will be in compliance with Regional Security Office guidance.

TRAVEL

Travel is authorized for this position in accordance with the award and shall not exceed the designated ceiling.

TRAINING

This BPA Call provides for mandatory training for DOS-specific equipment, systems, and processes (reference 13 FAM 300 Agency Mandated Training), which shall be completed promptly and in accordance with Department policy. This training does not require INL Contracting Officer (CO) approval.

Travel-related mandatory training (e.g., FACT CT420, FACT CT650 Training) may be required at the discretion of the on-site supervisor and Regional Security Officer (RSO) at the OCONUS location traveling to and needs INL Contracting Officer approval.

TPCs are strongly encouraged to take orientation training to best integrate with INL and effectively contribute to the mission. Depending on their role they should attend either INL SOAR (Staff Orientation and Readiness) or PREP (Pre-deployment program) training. SOAR is for TPCs whose position is primarily to work with INL staff in support of INL programs and projects. PREP is for TPCs whose position is primarily to work with host government or foreign counterparts to train or advise them, or to support other TPCs in that work. TPCs are encouraged to take other INL-delivered training courses, and State-specific training through FSI in coordination with the program office, and with CO approval.

USGI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.