Program specialist Jobs in Washington, DC

Program Support Specialist (Policy Support)

Location: Arlington, VA Clearance: Top Secret with SCI Eligibility

Position Overview

Seeking an experienced Program Support Specialist (Policy Support) to provide comprehensive programmatic, policy, and technical support services in alignment with CD/CTOC/CTF mission requirements. This position supports the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), The Joint Staff, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), Military Departments, and Defense Agencies in advancing Department of Defense (DoD) counterdrug and counter-threat network objectives.

The selected candidate will operate in a high-visibility environment supporting senior DoD and U.S. Government (USG) leadership and will contribute directly to national security policy development and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of changes in the international political-military environment and evaluate potential impacts on DoD and USG efforts to counter global drug trafficking and illicit threat networks affecting U.S. national security interests.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to USG decision-makers regarding implications of existing or proposed changes to international agreements, foreign military sales, security cooperation investments, and related activities on CD/CTOC/CTF policies and programs.
• Analyze national security policy issues related to DoD support of National Drug Control Program objectives; identify stakeholder equities and assist in the development of coordinated CD/CTOC/CTF programs.
• Coordinate across OSD offices, The Joint Staff, CCMDs, Military Departments, Defense Agencies, the USG Intelligence Community, other federal departments, and U.S. and foreign law enforcement partners.
• Provide decision-support analysis to ODASD (CN>) and USG personnel by evaluating ongoing and proposed CCMD and Defense Agency CD/CTOC/CTF programs and recommending investment or programmatic adjustments in accordance with USG guidance.
• Support legislative, budgetary, and policy initiatives as required, demonstrating subject matter expertise in designated focus areas.
• Prepare and deliver high-level briefings, reports, and written products for senior general/flag officers and SES-level leadership.
• Translate complex, technical policy information into clear, concise language for senior leadership and interagency stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience providing direct support to senior general/flag officers, Senior Executive Service (SES) leaders, or corporate executive equivalents within DoD, other government agencies, or industry.
• Demonstrated experience successfully executing tasks in specialized focus areas such as legislative affairs, budgeting, policy development, or program analysis.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present complex information clearly and effectively.
• Proven ability to operate in a high-tempo, interagency environment with senior-level stakeholders.

Education

• Master's degree in a relevant field aligned with policy, national security, international relations, public administration, defense studies, or a related discipline.

Security Clearance

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility is required.

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