Port Security Advisor

at  ATSG Corporation

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ATSG Corporation is searching for a Port Security Advisor to work with our team at the office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). The Port Security Advisor position will support the INL Border and Ports program at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica in support of the host nation under the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). To be successful as a Port Security Advisor, the candidate must be detail-oriented with strong teamwork and time-management skills. The successful candidate must be capable of completing tasks with limited follow-up, while demonstrating strong logical and critical thinking skills. The Port Security Advisor must maintain awareness of key issues pertaining to Costa Rica’s efforts to strengthen its borders, ports, and immigration capacity by evaluating capabilities, threats, vulnerabilities and needs of the host nation. In addition, the Maritime Assistant must have knowledge of Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) and equipment based on technologies such as X-Ray or Gamma radiation sources to recognize and advice on illicit material and/or contraband. The Port Security Advisor must be able to maintain regular contacts with working-level counterparts in the Costa Rican government, as needed, for administrative project support.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position is primarily located in San Jose, Costa Rica. Occasional work in the field in areas which may have high levels of criminal activity; therefore, the person must adhere to safety restrictions as provided by local police and embassy personnel to avoid highly hazardous environments. The Port Security Advisor shall not be in possession of any firearm or use, transport, or carry any firearm while on duty.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizen.
• The candidate must be able to pass an ATSG background investigation to begin employment and must obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance to gain Embassy access and be eligible for continued employment.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• In absence of a degree, a minimum of ten (10) years of demonstrated specialized experience is required. Examples of specialized experience include: evaluating, analyzing, developing, managing, and/or improving port security systems, procedures, and solutions.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of trends in port security technology and concepts, including Non-Intrusive Inspection.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in cargo port operations and security.
• Physically able to work and reside in Costa Rica.
• Demonstrated professional work experience supporting law enforcement or military operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on multi-million-dollar projects within budget and timelines.
• Demonstrated interpersonal/verbal communication and liaison skills appropriate to work with a wide variety of governmental, public, and private sector officials.
• Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Volunteer for random drug and alcohol screening.
• Demonstrated ability as a strategic thinker and ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data.
• Ability to conceive and implement telecommunications strategies.
• Strong understanding of outreach and advocacy at the international level.
• Have a 3/3 level in written and spoken Spanish.
• 4/4 level in English.
• Proven ability to present and articulate technical telecommunication issues effectively.
• Effective Interaction at all levels of the organization both horizontally and vertically.
• Consistently approaches work with positive energy and attitude in a constructive manner.
• Builds strong teams and robust relationships with peers and external stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Costa Rican port security policies and standard operating procedures.
• Experience working and/or coordinating with other relevant U.S. government agencies and host nation entities.
• Experience working as a Port Security Advisor with non-U.S. law enforcement agencies.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• All applications must be submitted in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format.
• Applications and resumes for this position are only accepted via electronic submission through ATSG Corporation’s Consolidated Applicant Tracking System (CATS).
• Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.
• The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from their electronic application and/or resume.

Within the scope of the INL Borders and Ports Program, the Port Security Advisor will be responsible for:

• Advising INL leadership, Programs Managers, Advisors, Specialists, and host country officials on the use and implementation of Non-Intrusive Xray inspection (NII) systems.
• Providing guidance on the analysis of X-RAY 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 Rica Seaports.
• Coordinating official visits to border regions of Costa Rica by U.S. Government officials or contract service providers to Costa Rica in support of any INL-NII funded projects.
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant solutions/services in order to successfully meet client requirements. Participate in tradeshows or conferences to identify new opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the port security strategy and action plans, based on the US Department of State’s (DOS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and Integrated Country Strategy priorities, aimed to reduce crime in Costa Rica and as appropriate, support other regional objectives, and help improve National Security.
• Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing to enhance the ability of Senior Management at the Ministry of Security to oversee port security activities.
• Develop and implement port security strategies based on the INL/WHP objectives and in line with the INL/CR goals to include:
• Monitor and measure the impact of the port security strategy and adjust accordingly.
• Prepare and conduct port security needs assessments for the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section (INL) at US Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica under the direction of INL leadership.
• Advise and assist on the implementation of complex, multi-site Non-Intrusive Inspection equipment, including container scanner, handheld scanners, image analysis and interpretation.
• Conduct regular travel to Costa Rican sea and land ports to assess their operations and provide technical assistance.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Costa Rican port security officials and police officers.
• This position requires a work plan.
• MONTHLY: Provide a summary of relevant program activity, progress toward desired impacts, recommendations for advancing program and U.S. objectives, project highlights, and other relevant significant information including metrics, milestones achieved, and other relevant statistical data.
• QUARTERLY: Quarterly Reports, quantitative data, an analysis of program trends, and an update on progress toward INL’s desired outcomes and impact goals, noting challenges, successes, future plans, and recommendations to INL.
• ANNUALLY: The candidate shall provide an annual report. This report shall be a summary of the last year, specifically an estimate of progress toward reaching the goal of turning over responsibility to the GOCR. It should also detail the results of each projected output, outcome, performance measurement, and impact.