Telecom Policy Subject Matter Expert, Dept. of State (Short-Term Consultant)

ZemiTek; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A woman-owned tech consulting firm seeks a Telecom Policy Subject Matter Expert to assess U.S.-funded 5G initiatives. The role requires telecom policy evaluation and experience in network engineering. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, report writing experience, and a U.S. Secret clearance. This is a remote position with international travel required.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in telecommunications regulation within the past ten years.
• At least five years of experience in network engineering, ending no more than two years ago.
• Minimum two years of professional experience in low- and middle-income countries.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate telecom policy, regulatory frameworks, and spectrum influencing 5G/Open RAN adoption.
• Conduct interviews and field research with stakeholders.
• Analyze outcomes related to market competition and cybersecurity.

Skills

Telecommunications regulation

Data analysis

Report writing

Field research

Interviews

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Overview

ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.

Position Description

Classification: Consultant

Work Environment: Remote

Project Duration: 3 -5 months

Location: USA (with international travel) Clearance: Active Secret Clearance (required)

ZemiTek seeks a Telecom Policy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support an ongoing independent evaluation of 5G/Open RAN engagements funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) under the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP).

The SME will assess how U.S.-funded initiatives advance secure, open, interoperable, and reliable digital ecosystems in partner countries. This includes analyzing telecom and ICT policy environments, evaluating 5G/Open RAN implementation, and identifying lessons learned to guide future U.S. foreign assistance in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate telecom policy, regulatory, and spectrum frameworks influencing 5G/Open RAN adoption.
• Conduct interviews and field research with CDP, implementers, partner governments, and industry stakeholders.
• Analyze policy-level outcomes related to market competition, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
• Contribute to evaluation design, data analysis, and report writing for senior U.S. Government audiences.
• Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen ICT policy and regulatory capacity in partner countries.

Qualifications

• Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in information technology, economics, public administration, or other relevant degree.
• Telecommunications Expertise: A minimum of five (5) years' experience in telecommunications regulation within the past ten years is required.
• Network Engineering: At least five (5) years' experience in network engineering or a closely related field, with this experience being current (having ended no more than two years ago).
• International Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience: The team leader must have experience in designing and leading performance evaluations, supervising data collection and analysis (both qualitative and quantitative), developing or teaching case studies, and preparing evaluation reports for U.S. Government audiences.
• Report-Writing: Demonstrated report-writing experience is essential.
• Government Experience: Experience in performing evaluations for the U.S. Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is highly desirable.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in the analysis of quantifiable data, including the use of industry-standard statistical analysis software packages.
• Clearance: Possess a U.S. Secret clearance and maintain it for the duration of the evaluation.

Desired Attributes

• Additional experience in telecommunications regulation within the past five years.
• Experience at the managerial or executive level of a telecommunications firm or supplier to the telecommunications industry.
• A degree in law.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Fluency in Arabic

What We Believe

ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].