WPS Advisor - Q2 Impact

Job Description
Position: National Guard Bureau, J5 Advisory & Assistance, WPS Advisor
Location: Remote with some travel

ABOUT Q2 IMPACT

The QED Group, LLC (dba Q2 Impact) is a global consulting firm with more than 25 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways to sustainably address complex global challenges. Our work maximizes results using cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is open to U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the United States. This position is approved for remote work with travel, as directed.
The National Guard Bureau (NGB) is taking significant steps toward implementing the WPS Act of 2017, the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Section 1210E, and Department-level WPS plans, and advancing the meaningful participation of women in security; prevent, respond, and address gender-based violence; mitigate harm to civilians; and ensure gender and human security perspectives inform military planning and decision making. NORTHCOM J5/AS&S, seeks a creative, motivated, intellectually agile self-starter to develop, shape, influence, and oversee the implementation of WPS in a challenging and dynamic national security environment.

The DoD WPS program organizes the training, personnel, activities, and resources necessary for the Department to fulfill its statutory requirements outlined in the U.S. WPS Act of 2017, the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Section 1210E, and Department-level WPS plans. The DoD WPS program focuses on the integration of WPS principles and human security considerations and targeted activities in support of Department priorities, as outlined in the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Strategy and National Action Plan 2023.

The WPS Advisor will serve as the strategic leader, project manager, and advisor to National Guard (NG) leadership in conceptualizing and institutionalizing WPS across the NG. The individual selected will also provide advice and expertise to senior leadership and staff for incorporating gender and human security considerations into the planning and execution of NG operations, activities, and investments. The WPS Advisor will lead on strategy, training design and delivery, building and supporting the Gender Advisory Workforce (GAW), coordinating with State WPS Leads, develop and leverage related expertise, research, lessons learned, data, and partnerships (local, state, federal and international) to expand understanding and integration of NG experience and opportunities to impact gender transformative outcomes, particularly in DSCA/Domestic Operations. NG WPS institutionalization and State Partnership Program opportunities may also be an area of support, although the focus of this positions should be to build NG capacity to apply gender perspectives in domestic operations. Coordination, communication (internal and external), knowledge management, and training/learning will be the main focus areas for the WPS Advisor.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analysis and Advice. Serve as the go-to expert on the intersecting effects of gender and other human factors on national security problem sets. Provide on the spot gender analysis and insights to senior leaders and staff. Gather and provide informational reports pertinent to WPS-related data collection, reporting, and interview activities to support internal and external reporting, capture lessons learned and best practices, prepare executive-level documents to report the details and status of NG WPS initiatives, and assess and monitor WPS-related activities.
• Program Implementation. Lead WPS implementation of DoD’s WPS program. Coordinate with the NG GAW network across the component headquarters, subordinate components, and task forces. Support the integration of gender perspectives and analytical products within staffing and coordination procedures across NG missions and geographic AORs. Develop and implement innovative options for senior leadership for fulfilling the Department’s statutory WPS requirements in support of NORTHCOM’s mission.
• Policy & Plans Development. Conduct gender studies, analyses, evaluations, military utility assessments, and capabilities-based assessments in support of NORAD and USNORTHCOM missions to include Homeland Defense, Defense Support of Civil Authorities, and Theater Security Cooperation.
• Stakeholder Coordination. Represent NG equities and collaborate with other components during monthly WPS meetings organized by OSD(P) and the Joint Staff. Coordinate closely with relevant Domestic Operations partners and particularly USNORTHCOM given its Defense Support of Civil Authorities mandate.
• Research and Data Collection. Collect relevant demographic data to inform policies and practices that ensure gender inclusive teams, decision making and gender responsive outcomes. Provide in person presentations as needed and support and improve the development and execution of WPS-related relevant conferences and meetings, including research, preparation, and execution of senior leader forums and distinguished visitor events; preparing working group minutes, issue papers, briefings and agenda items; and tracking and monitoring WPS-related action items generated as a result of the working group actions.
• Public affairs and reporting. Gather data and track impact through the creation of press releases, storyboards, and public affairs stories to raise awareness and foster momentum.
Develop Communications playbooks for NG WPS activities leveraging existing and new lessons learned. • Engagement. Represent NG at relevant domestic and international events and engagements. Upon request, deploy in support of DoD operations to provide WPS advisory support.
• Assessment, Monitoring, & Evaluation. Work with the NG GAW to coordinate and aggregate annual data collection and reporting to measure component actions in support of the DoD WPS program.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

• Master’s Degree in national security, international affairs, political science, behavioral science, cultural studies, sociology, or national security-related discipline preferred.
• Degree in national security or international affairs with a specialization in women’s, cultural, or anthropological studies preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience working with clients in the areas listed above.
• Ideal applicants have already completed the Joint Staff Operationalizing WPS 100 and 200 course, United Nations, or Nordic Center for Gender and Military Operations Gender Advisor Course.

OTHER RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive understanding of and experience with NG authorities/statuses and related structures, policy and coordination, and operational spectrum is necessary.
• Ability to work effectively and independently with minimal guidance.
• Ability to provide high-quality written products and provide briefings to senior civilian and military leadership, often in short time periods.
• Ability to communicate civilian terminology into military terminology and vice versa.
• To be successful, the selected individual must be able to effectively communicate the relevance of gender and human security issues to national security problem sets.
• Successful candidates will be able to develop mechanisms and navigate organizational processes to institutionalize gender and human security information within the component’s objectives and mission.
• Previous experience serving as WPS advisor at another DoD component or U.S. government department or agency, or international organization at the operational and strategic level highly desired. WPS/Gender advisory support to international, non-governmental, and other civil society organizations also helpful.
•Familiarity with DoD processes, procedures, doctrine, and culture is helpful.

SECURITY CLEARANCE INFORMATION

•This position requires a secret level security clearance

BENEFITS OF JOINING Q2IMPACT

•A dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, committed to delivering high-quality results and making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
•An opportunity to lead and shape a growing firm that has a solid reputation in the industry and is poised for further expansion.
•A chance to work across development, diplomacy, and defense sectors, with a broad portfolio of projects and clients.
•A supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
•Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.
Join our team at Q2 Impact, where your talents, expertise, and passion can make a difference. Apply today and become part of a dynamic and growing organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the following equipment when working
•Computer (laptop or desktop)
•Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax
•Telephone
•Other (Specify if any)

The physical demands and work environment that have been described is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.
Q2 Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. AA/V/D. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.