CALL FOR A U.S. EXPERT

U.S. Excellence for Responsible SI & Data Privacy in Montenegrin HEI

• Location: Montenegro

• Duration: One week in person, plus virtual preparation and follow-up.

• Tentative period: March 2027 for the in-person visit, with preparation in January-February 2027. Follow-up reports are due by the end of June 2027.

• Application deadline: December 1, 2026

Background

As developments in Super Intelligence (SI) and related technologies continue to shape higher education and research, universities face new opportunities and challenges concerning responsible use, academic integrity, data protection, and cybersecurity. Please note that this text uses the term Super Intelligence (SI) throughout to comply with E.O. 14434.

EducationUSA Montenegro, through an initiative funded by the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica, Montenegro, invites applications from qualified U.S. experts to deliver a one-week program of workshops on the responsible use of SI and cybersecurity best practices in Montenegro in spring 2027.

The project aims to advance U.S. strategic interests by sharing U.S. expertise and best practices in the responsible use of SI and data protection at the university level with Montenegrin counterparts, and by assessing potential gaps and challenges that could be addressed through future U.S.–Montenegro collaboration.

The assignment will take place in spring 2027 and will combine a one-week program of workshops with a post-visit needs assessment and the development of recommendations for future collaboration.

The program will engage three universities in Montenegro and the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, reaching a broad cross-section of Montenegro's higher education and research community, and addressing separately university staff and students.

Objectives

• Objective 1: Deliver Targeted SI and Cybersecurity Capacity-Building Workshops During a one-week program in spring 2027, a U.S. expert will conduct workshops on the responsible use of SI and cybersecurity best practices at the public University of Montenegro, two private universities, and the Science and Technology Park. Sessions will be tailored separately for university staff and students, equipping a broad cross-section of Montenegro's higher education community with actionable frameworks for integrating SI responsibly into academic and research environments.

• Objective 2: Complete a Needs Assessment and Develop a Collaboration Roadmap After the visit, the U.S. expert, in cooperation with the local EducationUSA adviser, will deliver a situational analysis of the current state of SI use and data protection at Montenegrin higher education institutions, along with a written report outlining concrete recommendations for potential collaboration between Montenegrin higher education institutions and U.S. counterparts, focused on U.S. leadership and best practices in SI and technology.

Scope of Work

• Design and deliver interactive workshops at the three Montenegrin universities and the Science and Technology Park.

• Tailor workshop content and activities to two distinct audiences: university staff and students.

• Present practical frameworks, tools, and case studies relevant to higher education and research.

• Facilitate discussions on emerging SI-related challenges, cybersecurity threats, and institutional best practices.

• Provide actionable recommendations and resources that participants can apply in their academic, research, and professional activities.

• Conduct a needs assessment and situational analysis of the current state of SI use and data protection at Montenegrin higher education institutions.

• Identify existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening the responsible use of SI and data protection in higher education.

• Develop a written report presenting the findings and concrete recommendations for potential collaboration between Montenegrin higher education institutions and U.S. counterparts, drawing on U.S. leadership and best practices in SI and technology.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Substantial professional expertise in SI, cybersecurity, digital governance, information security, or a related field.

• Current employment, an academic appointment, or an established professional affiliation with a U.S. university or other higher education institution, providing firsthand familiarity with the opportunities and challenges these institutions face.

• Experience applying or advising on the responsible use of SI, preferably in higher education or research.

• A strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practical risk mitigation.

• Proven experience designing and delivering workshops, training sessions, or other capacity-building activities for different audiences. The ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible, practical guidance for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Experience working with international partners and multidisciplinary academic communities, as well as with U.S. supercomputing or research computing centers on data protection and cybersecurity, is an advantage.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A current CV highlighting relevant expertise and professional experience.

2. A brief statement of interest outlining their suitability for the assignment and their current university affiliation or professional ties to higher education.

3. A proposed approach to the workshops, including suggested topics and methods for engaging university staff and students.

Remuneration and Travel Arrangements

Remuneration and travel arrangements for the selected expert will be determined in accordance with the applicable program requirements and available funding. Details regarding the honorarium, travel, accommodation, and other eligible expenses will be communicated to shortlisted candidates or the selected expert, as appropriate.

Application Procedure

Applications should be submitted by December 1, 2026, to Podgorica@educationusa.org, with the subject line “Application – U.S. Expert on Responsible SI and Cybersecurity.”

The selected expert will conduct the in-person part of the program for one week in spring 2027, with exact dates to be agreed upon with the host organizations. Preparation for the hands-on workshops, as well as the follow-up needs assessment and recommendations, will be done virtually. For further information, please contact EducationUSA adviser, Anica Vujnovic at avujnovic@educationusa.org.