As a Cybersecurity Governance Lead, you will play a mission critical role in strategic project management and act as a liaison in advancing the establishment of a permanent Security Operations Center (NSOC) in Costa Rica.

This dynamic position requires a proven track record of successful management experience leading and delivering complex projects, cybersecurity governance experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and familiarity with government stakeholder management. A technical background in cybersecurity is not required but foundational knowledge and experience are preferred. This role will establish relationships with local stakeholders, facilitate communication between the CRDF Global team and local government entities, support capacity building activities, and help set up a governance board framework. This role will engage senior leadership across government, NGO institutions, and cybersecurity vendors supporting timely and high-quality project deliverables. To succeed in this role, you will establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, provide advisory services to facilitate cross-ministry collaboration, and develop NSOC governance SOPs while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and standards.

This project aims to build on Costa Rica’s existing cybersecurity infrastructure, while enhancing its policies, strategies, and capabilities at the institutional and country level. We are looking for a qualified individual with government experience already living in Costa Rica or willing to relocate for a 1-year temporary assignment. U.S. and Costa Rican nationals encouraged to apply.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Work in coordination with SPLs to promote collaboration between entities and oversee the delivery of cybersecurity capacity building project deliverables, ensuring quality, timeliness, and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including federal agencies, partners, vendors, and internal teams. Act as the primary onsite contact for the CRDF Global team in Costa Rica.
• Advise the Cybersecurity Director and Deputy on strategic management of the NSOC and provide solutions to enhance operational sustainability and effective governance of the NSOC.
• Facilitate cross-ministry stakeholder communication, collaboration, and development of SOPs to ensure sectoral SOCs are integrated effectively into the NSOC.
• Draft a governance board framework and facilitate leadership convening, training, and community of practice knowledge exchange.
• Monitor and report on the performance and progress of project efforts, including financial, operational, and technical metrics for auditing purposes.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Government Affairs, International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Cybersecurity, Information Security, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: At least 6 years in cybersecurity governance, regulatory compliance, and/or government relations with at least 3 in project management.
• Expertise: Experience working with government agencies, policymakers, or regulatory bodies; particularly on technology or cybersecurity matters.
• Cybersecurity Knowledge: Demonstrated experience in leading the development of cybersecurity policies, procedures, and management frameworks.
• Client Relations: Proven ability to form strong client relationships. Skills include active listening, effective communication, identifying the root cause of customer issues, and navigating diplomatic sensitivities.
• Skills: Excellent communication (oral and written), presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to diverse audiences. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills with the ability to handle multiple and competing priorities. Project management skills including time management and reporting. Fluency in English and Spanish required.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Technical Frameworks: Knowledge of industry-standard frameworks such as ISO, NIST, and PCI, along with best practices.

CRDF Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). CRDF Global provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, rigin, protected or disabled status.