Information Security Specialist

Job Profile: 

Counterpart International is currently seeking Information Security Specialist for an “Internet Freedom” project focused on supporting civil society organizations, human rights activists, and independent media in Africa.  This is a full time position based in Africa. The Information Security Specialist will provide dedicated support and mentoring to organizations and activists helping them address their information security needs. Applicants should have preexisting relationships or experience with trusted parties working for such organizations such that he/she could provide immediate assistance to those in need.  Applicants should have a strong technical background in information technology and a firm understanding of internet security issues, including familiarity with methods of encryption for data during storage and transmission, circumvention of censorship, patch management, business continuity principles, social media security/privacy, mobile device security, and secure web hosting. This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Part (DCOP).   

Primary Responsibilities:

The primary responsiblities for this position are:

• Conduct organizational assessment, provide guidance, training, mentoring, and support on information security issues and topics to local partners.
• In partnership with the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party, develop a country strategy and action plan based upon the program’s annual work plan.
• Ensure that partners learn, internalize, use, and propagate appropriate information security practices.
• Disseminate knowledge on information security and potential uses of new technologies.
• Train local counterparts about information security.
• Stay-up-to-date on new technologies and emerging trends and issues related to information security.
• Write quarterly reports on the activities and the program implementation in the region.
• Participate in conferences, trainings, and other events as needed.
• Develop Training of Trainers cadre within CSO community.
• Attend and actively participate in the annual global conference and annual staff retreat.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Existing, trust-based relationships with a wide array of stakeholders working for civil society organizations, human rights organizations, and independent media.
• At least 3 years’ experience in information security, digital security principles, and safe computing practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information or Computing sciences.
• Fluency in oral and written English.
• Solid understanding of internet’s building blocks (DNS, SSL, IP, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills as well as experience developing solid professional relationships.
• Broad training experience.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of time to support local partners in approved countries.
• Familiar with both commercial and open source digital security tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple activities.

Preferred:

• Fluency in Portuguese, French and other regional languages.