Cultural Advisor and Linguist

Overview

SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking a Cultural Advisor (CA) and Linguist in support a U.S. Government program in Iraq. The primary mission of the program is to advise and assist senior U.S. military and civilian personnel engaged in mentoring and assisting various Iraqi government security ministries and other offices that support U.S., coalition, and foreign military Sales programs. The goal is to help these organizations improve performance and capabilities to organize, train, equip, and sustain all Iraqi Security Forces.

Essential Job Duties

• Advisor to senior Ministry of Defense (MoD) officials.
• Advise and assist the Office of Security Cooperation - Iraq (OSC-I) with the development of ministerial engagement strategies to enhance the systemic capability and continued functional development of an effective Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
• Assist OSC-I in the development of strategies to facilitate timely and effective decision-making, and information sharing capabilities, through daily observation and written reports.
• Develop solid professional and cultural relationships with MoD senior officials, and other ministries and agencies, to enhance and further OSC-I's efforts to foster a sound working relationship with Iraqi counterparts.
• The CA shall be responsible for frequent personal contact with MoD leadership and officials to establish relationships built on trust, confidence, and confidentiality.
• The CA will assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures to enhance the professional effectiveness ministry officials in the execution of their official duties.
• Conduct travel by military air or ground transportation within Iraq.
• Conduct Temporary Duty (TDY) internationally in support of OSC-I and Government of Iraq officials.

Minimum Requirements

• Active in Scope Secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Native fluency in Arabic and full professional fluency in English (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing).
• Possess a sound and current working knowledge of Iraqi MoD, Ministry of Interior, Prime Minister's National Operations Center, and Counter-Terrorism Service organizational structure and operations.
• Previous strategic experience with U.S. Forces in Iraq since 2011 as a civilian contractor or as a uniformed service member.
• Significant knowledge, education, and experience in civil-military relations in a democratic government.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to translate written documents from English to Arabic and Arabic to English for senior US military leadership. This may be done in memorandum or slide presentation formats.
• Proficiency in other Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies/Culture, National Security Affairs, or related discipline.
• One (1) year or more of experience working with Iraqi MoD officials.

Work Environment

• Working conditions are normal for an office environment.
• May require periods of non-traditional hours including nights or weekends when necessary.
• Travel may be necessary to attend occasional off-site engagements, community events, workshops, and meetings with stakeholders.

Working at SOSi

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