Duties

The Director assures that ACSS programs are consistent with DoD policy toward the Africa region as determined by the USD(P)and his/her designated regional representatives and that ACSS programs are executed in support of the U.S. National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, Guidance for Development of Alliances and Partnerships, DoD Security Cooperation Guidance, other DoD policies and programs, and Geographic Combatant Commands' (GCC) theater and country plans.

The Director exercises authority, direction, and control over the Center with support from staff and faculty. The incumbent establishes internal policy objectives and formulates short and long­ range plans, programs and major initiatives for approval by the USD(P) or his/her representatives. The Director manages and supervises all activities in support of DoD policy and security assistance for the region. The Director ensures that the Center shall provide a professional academic program for foreign senior military officers and civilian officials and select U.S. officials concentrating on: counterterrorism and regional security issues where USG and African security interests intersect.

Program Planning

As directed by the USD(P), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (ASD(ISA)), and in coordination with Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Security Cooperation, organize the resources necessary to develop, implement, and assess resident and non-resident classroom-based activities and outreach in accordance with 10 USC 342.

Position Evaluation

Overseeing an academically based program for foreign mid- and senior-level civilian officials and military officers from regional states to stimulate student thinking about strategy, policy, and defense decision-making; deepen their understanding of security threats, challenges, and regional and global cooperation; promote understanding of the security policies and concerns of partner nations of the U.S. and foster enduring relationships with U.S. partner nations.

Program Direction

Exercises executive direction over all aspects of the Center; directs the resident, non-resident, and outreach programs offered by the Center in accordance with DoD policies; supervises the selection of international participants for programs offered at the Center; represents the Center in discussions of Center-related issues identified by OSD Policy, and informed by the GCC, and other DoD components.

Resource Management

Oversees all budget and programming activities for the Center. Coordinates the budget with DSCA and other relevant DoD departments. Determines need for financial, manpower and other resource changes based on OSD and GCCs and on corporate level knowledge of current and long-range priorities for resident programs, outreach, and research for approval by the USD(P) or his/her designated representative.

Personnel Management and EEO

Exercises overall direction and management of all civilian and military positions. Responsible for selecting all faculty and administrative staff, and for all aspects of personnel management to include ensuring that organizational objectives are translated into individual performance plans. Determines manning requirements and revises organizational structure to fit planning objectives and resource allocation. Develops an effective EEO program in coordination with DSCA, to include conducting routine climate surveys to ensure that equal opportunity underlies all personnel and supervisory actions.

Organizational Representation/Liaison

Provides advice and assistance to senior officials throughout the U.S. Government, Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and foreign governments as requested and under the guidance of the USD(P) and his/her designated representatives and in coordination with the appropriate regional policy officials in OSD.

Policy Interpretation and Implementation/Adaptation

Interprets and establishes policies to implement DoD, OSD, DSCA, and Joint Staff regulations and directives and OSD policy guidance for the Center. Responsibilities includes ensuring implementation of policies through extensive evaluation and direct management of the Center's resident offerings, research, and outreach programs

Professional/Technical Leadership

Prepares and delivers lectures and seminars on subjects associated with the Center's curricula. Assigns responsibilities and approves procedures for reporting the Center's academic and outreach activities to DSCA and OSD. Assumes responsibility for all matters relating to the morale, welfare, and management of the Center. Encourages long-term cooperation with regional governments by facilitating contacts between defense and military officials and other security professionals.

Performs other duties as assigned by OSD.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship or National
• Suitable for Federal Employment
• Registered for Selective Service (if applicable)
• This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• Pursuant to the Executive Order on Requiring COVID 19 Vaccination for Federal Employees, new DoD civilian employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19 prior to entry on duty, subject to such exceptions as required by law.
• More details regarding vaccine requirements can be found at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/. Selected candidates will receive further information during the job offer process.
• Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Extensive travel to developing countries is required
• Required to file Standard Form 278 Public Financial Disclosure Report
• Drug Testing required; drug testing designated position.

Qualifications

Basic Education Requirement: A Master's degree is required in accordance with the National Defense University Regulation 690-4, however, a doctoral degree or equivalent terminal or professional degree in an appropriate discipline (International Affairs, International Security, or related field) is preferred.

In addition to the education requirement, the following specialized experience is required to qualify for this position:

Executive level skills or equivalent at the general officer, flag officer, or SES level or in management of senior level training and education programs and knowledge of how these programs operate within DoD.

Knowledge of executive level DoD Defense operations in support of national security policy and objectives, and ability to apply such knowledge to an international education mission.

Knowledge of African security, and policy issues to include U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and international security affairs in the African theater

Ability to develop cooperative relationships with executive and ministerial level leaders of the African [Africa Center's Area of Responsibility (AOR)] governments and international organizations.

Ability to acquire, integrate, and administer resources necessary to accomplish a complex international educational mission.

Ability to lead an educational institution

Additional Qualifications

Demonstrated success in building teams and leading collaboratively, working effectively with others in a diverse environment; ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Center personnel and representatives of various external agencies.

Demonstrated ability for innovation, critical, strategic, and analytical skills, and operate with the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

Demonstrated ability to act with discretion, maintain confidentiality and display a professional demeanor at all times.

Extensive senior professional level experience relevant to the mission and the region it supports.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education is not substitutable for specialized experience for this grade level.

Education Requirement: A Master's degree is required in accordance with the National Defense University Regulation 690-4, however, a doctoral degree or equivalent terminal or professional degree in an appropriate discipline (International Affairs, International Security, or related field) is preferred.

Official transcripts will be required at time of selection to verify educational requirements are met.

Additional information

• ACSS has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings; health, life, and long term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. ACSS employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and the opportunity to telework.
• Initial Probationary Period: A two year probationary period may be required.
• Supervisory Probationary Period: 18 months, required regardless if the incumbent previously served in a probationary status in the Federal government or at NDU/DSCA/ACSS.
• Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf