XLA is looking to grow and add new talent to our team. 

Location: Washington, D.C. (with potential for telework and international travel)

Reports To: Project Director, USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)

Position Type: Personal Services Contract (PSC)

 

Job Overview:

The Security Liaison will be responsible for managing security clearances, compliance, and protocols for personal services contractors (PSCs) hired under the RHAPSC project. The Security Liaison will work closely with USAID's security office and other federal agencies to ensure that all PSCs meet the necessary security requirements, including background checks, clearances, and compliance with federal security regulations. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with a strong understanding of U.S. Government security protocols and the ability to manage sensitive information and processes.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Security Clearance Management:

- Oversee and manage the security clearance process for all PSCs recruited under the RHAPSC project, ensuring compliance with USAID and federal security regulations.

- Coordinate with USAID’s Office of Security to initiate background checks and manage all stages of security clearance, from application to final approval.

- Track and maintain records of PSCs' security clearance statuses, ensuring timely renewals and updates as needed.

- Serve as the primary point of contact for security-related inquiries from PSCs, project staff, and USAID’s security team.

 

Compliance with Federal Security Protocols:

- Ensure compliance with USAID security policies, procedures, and federal regulations (e.g., HSPD-12, FISMA, NIST standards) for all personnel on the RHAPSC project.

- Develop and implement security protocols to protect sensitive project information and safeguard personnel in line with U.S. Government security standards.

- Conduct regular audits of security procedures and recommend improvements to strengthen security compliance and mitigate risks.

 

Liaison with USAID and Federal Security Offices:

- Act as the liaison between the RHAPSC project team and USAID’s Office of Security, ensuring clear and timely communication regarding security matters.

- Collaborate with federal agencies and contractors to ensure all necessary security measures are in place for PSCs working domestically and internationally.

- Provide guidance to project staff on the security requirements and procedures necessary for recruiting and onboarding PSCs in compliance with federal regulations.

 

Training and Awareness:

- Conduct security briefings and training sessions for newly hired PSCs, ensuring they understand USAID’s security policies and their personal responsibilities for maintaining security clearances.

- Stay up to date on changes in federal security policies and procedures, providing ongoing training to project staff and PSCs as needed.

 

Incident Response and Risk Management:

- Work with USAID and other relevant agencies to manage and respond to any security incidents involving PSCs, including the investigation and resolution of issues related to security clearances or breaches.

- Ensure that all incidents are documented and reported in accordance with federal regulations, implementing corrective actions where necessary.

- Assess and mitigate risks associated with the deployment of PSCs in high-risk or sensitive areas.

 

Required Qualifications:

- **Education**: Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a related field.

- **Experience**: Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing security clearances and compliance within a U.S. Government-funded program or similar environment.

- **Security Expertise**: In-depth understanding of U.S. Government security protocols, including the security clearance process (e.g., HSPD-12, SF-86, background investigations) and federal security standards.

- **Communication Skills**: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to coordinate with federal agencies and PSCs on sensitive security matters.

- **Technical Skills**: Experience with security clearance management systems, personnel tracking databases, and handling classified or sensitive information.

- **Security Clearance**: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience working with USAID or other U.S. Government agencies on security compliance.

- Knowledge of federal regulations such as FISMA, NIST, and other guidelines governing U.S. Government security practices.

- Familiarity with international security protocols, particularly in the context of humanitarian assi