Project Background
The Kosovo Critical Infrastructure Resilience (CIR) Activity is a five-year, USAID-funded activity implemented by DAI. CIR aims to protect Kosovo’s critical Infrastructure (CI) by improving cyber governance and building capacity to increase security and resilience to cyber-attacks at the national level and in key sectors. CIR will focus on the e-government, energy, and telecommunications sectors. More specifically, CIR will work with the Government of Kosovo (GoK) and CI stakeholders to strengthen cybersecurity governance in Kosovo and improve coordination; build short- and long-term technical and human capacity to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents; and enhance their ability to identify, prioritize, and procure appropriate cybersecurity technology solutions.
Position Purpose
The Technology and Cybersecurity Procurement Lead will manage the team responsible for supporting the Government of Kosovo (GOK) in identifying, prioritizing, and procuring critical Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) to enhance cyber resilience.
KEy Duties & Responsibilities
Monitor and advise on significant developments in the area of technology and procurement as related to cybersecurity in Kosovo, including global trends and incidents, as well as local developments in the public and private sector, especially key critical infrastructure sectors.
Strategically manage and ensure timely delivery of program inputs, deliverables, and reports as related to activity Objective 3, working closely with other objective leads, senior team members, and the Deputy Chief of Party.
Provide targeted technical assistance and, where necessary, training to government institutions, critical infrastructure operators, and other stakeholders to strengthen their ability to identify, prioritize, and procure secure OT/IT solutions aligned with international cybersecurity standards and best practices.
Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with activity stakeholder business requirements and organizational goals.
Negotiate and redline contracts with understanding of acceptable and preferred commercial terms and risk tolerance.
Collaborate with legal, finance, risk, and information security teams during supplier evaluations and contract reviews.
Manage and maintain effective contract and commercial terms with existing suppliers, aimed at reducing risk and achieving market competitive commercial terms.
Set strategic direction with suppliers, established Supplier qualification criteria, develop contract requirements and master agreements, model total cost of ownership, and negotiate contracts.
Ensure there are defined sourcing strategies.
Apply fundamental knowledge of sourcing processes to develop complex sourcing programs.
Appropriately assess risk and drive compliance with applicable DAI and donor laws, rules, and regulations, adhering to policy.
Ensure effective identification of, coordination with, and management of subcontractors and/or grantees including successful achievement of objectives and reporting.
Effectively build and manage a team of direct reports.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, science technology, international relations, economics or a related interdisciplinary field, or an equivalent number of years of experience. Master’s degree preferred.
At least 9 years of procurement experience with at least +5 years being technology focused.
Demonstrated experience negotiating complex deals for Software, SaaS, and Public Cloud commodities.
Proven experience in reporting and analysis.
Demonstrated knowledge of eProcurement tools/systems.
Demonstrated relationship management, influencing, and negotiation skills.
Proficient computer skills with a focus on Microsoft Office applications.
Strong communication skills both written and oral in English.
The Technology and Cybersecurity Procurement Lead will report to the Deputy Chief of Party.
DAI is a global development
company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU,
Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle
fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient
markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines
of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We
are committed to shaping a more livable world.
DAI and its employees are
committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive
change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in
which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the
best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become
a better development partner.
DAI upholds the highest ethical
standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse,
and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent
vetting and reference checks.
