Cultural Advisor (OCONUS)

Founded in 1989, SOSi is among the largest private, founder-owned technology and services integrators in the defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted results to enable national security missions worldwide.

**This position is contingent upon award of contract** 

Overview

SOSi is seeking an experienced Cultural Advisor to support our customer at Al Dhafra Air Base (ADAB), United Arab Emirates. The Cultural Advisor serves as a liaison between U.S. personnel and host nation counterparts by providing cultural expertise, language support, and coordination to enhance mission effectiveness

Essential Job Duties

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of local HN culture and customs and conduct themselves accordingly. They will also educate and advise members of the 380 AEW on HN culture and customs, promoting cross-cultural understanding as directed by authorized representatives.
• Conduct work assignments and adhere to standards of conduct per the applicable Air Force Instructions (AFIs), this contract, and HN laws.
• Adhere to current HNCO processes for the proper tracking and completion of all CA tasks and duties.
• Coordinate with HN personnel to help US personnel understand and comply with local rules, regulations, and policies in support of 380 AEW mission objectives and priorities. This coordination includes, but is not limited to, matters related to: airfield operations, base operations support, immigration, emigration, sponsorship, customs, law enforcement, traffic laws/fines, logistics, medical services, contracting services, inspections, cooperation with HN military and government organizations, and use of HN resources, assets, and facilities.
• Advise 380 AEW military leadership at all levels on HN culture, customs, laws, and regulations. This guidance will facilitate discussions with military counterparts and ensure the success of mission requirements, including coordination of mutual support activities, integration into local and regional military exercises, and development of military capabilities.
• Function effectively during extended periods of high pressure and stress during an emergency or crisis.
• Operate contractor vehicles per 380 AEW community standards.
• Perform administrative services that consist of, but not limited, answering phones, processing documents, helping clarify local policy and procedures, and scheduling meetings.
• Provide accurate oral translation and interpretation, as well as transcription of English and Arabic documents, as required.
• Provide thorough cultural and institutional knowledge in/out brief for 380 AEW personnel within five (5) business days
• This brief shall include supporting materials (slides, PDFs, etc.) and provide thorough institutional knowledge transfer to the USG personnel based on the scope of the CA’s duties.
• Establish initial working relationships with HN counterparts for each assigned function. Additionally, seek to establish new relationships, as directed by US military leadership.
• In the absence of US military direction or guidance regarding HN relationships, actively maintain existing relationships with HN counterparts. If applicable, communicate HN desires to work with US military forces to 380 AEW leadership to encourage cooperation or integration.
• As directed by US military leadership, assist in authoring local instructions, directives, and guides to document HN rules, regulations, laws, processes, or procedures relevant to the success of or facilitate US military operations or support functions in the UAE.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Secret Security Clearance as a minimum
• Must have a valid U.S. passport
• Must have a valid international driver's license and the capability to obtain a valid driver's license for any country, as needed.
• Must have a proficiency rating of 3+ in both Modern Standard Arabic and English from the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Language Proficiency Scale, Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT), or equivalent.
• Candidates must successfully pass a background investigation and meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • No pending criminal charges
  • No felony arrest record.
  • No alcohol-related arrests within the last five years.
  • No arrest record or history of moral turpitude (including, but not limited to, prostitution, pandering, voyeurism, or public indecency).
  • No involvement in hate crimes.
  • No history of violence.
  • No involvement in any group or organization that advocates extra-legal violence.
  • No past actions that pose a security concern.
  • No restriction of base or country access by the HN.

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Work Environment

• Work is performed in a combination of office and outdoor environments.
• Outdoor duties may require working in extreme heat and hot, dry, and dusty conditions typical of the UAE.
• Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 0800-1600. Contractor personnel will be on call outside of normal hours to respond to both emergent issues and crises
• Emergent Issues. Contractor personnel will respond as soon as possible, but no later than within 2 hours to any on-installation location 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Performance of Services During a Crisis. Services under this contract are essential during crises. Per Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1100.22 Policy and Procedures for Determining Workforce Mix and Air Force implementation the Contractor must be available to perform duties during crises up to 24 hours a day, including off-duty and holiday periods. The Contractor will be notified in person or by phone and must respond within 20 minutes of notification.
• Special/Cultural Event. All special/cultural events must be approved in writing by the applicable commander or designated representative and coordinated through the COR or designated representative. Special/cultural events that occur after normal duty hours or during off days will not be logged as work hours without the appropriate approval and coordination. These include, but are not limited to, tours of culturally significant sites in the UAE, planned military exercises or cooperation between US armed forces and HN partners, or other opportunities that may arise from US armed forces personnel or CA interaction with HN military or civilian partners.
• US Federal and HN Holidays. Work performance shall be required during US Federal and HN holidays. Only the CO may authorize minimal manning or off days during these periods, and will consider the operational tempo
• Ramadan Observance. The CO or COR may approve an altered work schedule provided a minimum of 20 hours are maintained per week, upon a written request by the Contractor during Ramadan.
• Position may require travel throughout the local area in support of operational requirements.
• May involve exposure to potentially hazardous duty environments.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended or irregular hours, as mission requirements dictate.
• Must be able to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced operational environment and changing priorities.

Working at SOSi:

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.