Maritime Security Program Manager / Lead Trainer

Summary

The Maritime Security Program Manager / Lead Trainer will serve as the lead implementer for Valar's maritime security program in East Africa. Based primarily at the designated training site, the role will oversee day-to-day program implementation while leading the design and delivery of training for regional maritime security partners. The position reports to the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and works closely with Valar leadership, partner governments, and international stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of maritime security initiatives.

The Program Manager will provide technical leadership on maritime information gathering, analysis, and operational planning while ensuring all activities meet client objectives, align with international best practices, and support long-term partner capacity development. The role requires a highly collaborative, responsive, and forward-leaning individual capable of operating independently in dynamic environments while maintaining strong relationships with government counterparts and external partners.

Responsibilities

Program Management and Leadership

• Serve as the organizational lead for implementation of Valar's maritime security, counterterrorism, and analysis activities.
• Manage day-to-day program execution, ensuring activities are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest professional standards.
• Report directly to the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives on program progress, challenges, opportunities, and strategic developments.
• Coordinate closely with Valar leadership to ensure activities align with organizational priorities and client objectives.
• Develop work plans, implementation schedules, and project reporting in accordance with established requirements.
• Maintain effective communication with government partners, identified external partners, and implementing stakeholders to ensure transparency and responsiveness throughout program implementation.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen or expand program activities in support of partner priorities and emerging regional maritime security, counter-illicit trafficking, counterterrorism, and multinational coordination requirements.

Training and Mentoring

• Serve as Lead Trainer for analysis-driven maritime security programs delivered to partner nation personnel.
• Design, update, and deliver training curricula focused on maritime security operations, information gathering, intelligence-informed decision-making, analytical methodologies, and operational planning.
• Mentor and advise partner nation personnel to improve operational effectiveness and institutional sustainability.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements based on participant performance and operational outcomes.
• Support the development of partner training capability to enable long-term self sustaining instruction.

Maritime Security Analysis

• Provide subject matter expertise on maritime security threats and trends affecting the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.
• Support development of analytical products, assessments, and briefing materials for Valar leadership, external partners, and partner governments.
• Assist partner organizations in improving information collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination processes.
• Monitor regional security developments and recommend program adjustments as required.

Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain productive working relationships with military, law enforcement, coast guard, and other security services.
• Coordinate activities with external and international partners supporting regional maritime security initiatives.
• Represent Valar professionally during meetings, training events, and senior-level engagements.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for expansion of the program.
• Foster a collaborative working environment that promotes professionalism, trust, and effective partnership across all stakeholders.

Qualifications Required

• Demonstrated expertise in maritime security, threat analyses, training, partner engagement, and related fields.
• Significant experience in information gathering, analysis, and analytical tradecraft.
• Experience designing and delivering professional training and mentoring programs for foreign government counterparts.
• Proven experience managing complex international programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to work independently in austere and dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with government officials and international partners.
• Willingness to reside at the designated training location.

Preferred

• Previous professional experience in East or Horn of Africa.
• Experience supporting government-funded programs.
• Experience working alongside U.S. military or partner nation military organizations.
• Experience advising or mentoring foreign security institutions.
• Familiarity with maritime security challenges in the Western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden/Red Sea, and East African littoral.
• Experience managing security assistance and/or analytic programs.