Cultural Advisor (CA) - U.S. Citizen (required)

We are seeking U.S.-citizen Cultural Advisors to support U.S. Air Force operations at Al Dhafra Air Base (ADAB), UAE, in direct support of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing (380 AEW).

Cultural Advisors provide on-site cultural advisory, translation, interpretation, and Host Nation coordination services to U.S. military leadership and operational units. This is a mission-critical, non-personal services role requiring 24/7 on-call readiness and physical presence on or near the installation.

Primary Responsibilities

Cultural Advisory & Liaison

• Advise U.S. military leadership on UAE / Host Nation culture, customs, laws, and protocols

• Facilitate effective communication and relationship-building with UAE military and government counterparts

• Support key leader engagements (KLEs), official meetings, and joint activities

Translation & Interpretation

• Provide accurate Arabic–English interpretation, translation, and transcription (oral and written)

• Translate official correspondence, reports, agreements, and operational documents

• Support meetings, site visits, negotiations, and emergency coordination

Operational Support

• Support immigration, emigration, sponsorship, and base access coordination

• Assist contracting, logistics, medical, airfield operations, engineering, and public affairs units

• Coordinate with Host Nation entities including military, police, hospitals, and ministries

• Provide cultural briefs and institutional knowledge transfer to incoming U.S. personnel

Emergency & Crisis Response

• Respond to emergencies within 2 hours

• Respond to crisis situations within 20 minutes (24/7)

• Support real-time coordination during medical emergencies, security incidents, and high-level engagements

Mandatory Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)

Citizenship & Clearance

• U.S. Citizen (required)

• Active DoD SECRET security clearance (interim not accepted)

Language Proficiency

• Modern Standard Arabic – ILR Level 3+

• English – ILR Level 3+
  (Verified via DLPT or equivalent assessment)

Documentation

• Valid U.S. Passport

• Valid U.S. Drivers License

• International Drivers Permit

• Ability to obtain UAE residency/work visa

Background Requirements

• No felony convictions

• No pending criminal charges

• No alcohol-related arrests within the past 5 years

• No history of violence or moral turpitude

• No involvement in extremist or hate-based organizations

• Eligible for Host Nation base access approval

Experience Requirements

• Demonstrated experience as a Cultural Advisor, Interpreter, Linguist, or similar role

• Strong understanding of Middle East / Gulf region culture

• Experience supporting military, diplomatic, or government environments preferred

• Ability to operate effectively under pressure in high-tempo operational environments

Physical & Medical Requirements

• Ability to meet OCONUS deployment medical standards

• Ability to work extended hours during emergencies or crises

• Ability to operate in austere or high-stress environments

Professional Conduct

• Maintain professional appearance and culturally appropriate attire

• Adhere to U.S. Air Force, CENTCOM, and Host Nation regulations

• Maintain strict confidentiality and information security standards

Leadership Cultural Advisor (Additional Requirement – If Assigned)

For designated Leadership Cultural Advisor / Site Lead roles:

• Minimum 2 years Cultural Advisor or Interpreter experience

• Minimum 1 year supervisory experience

• Responsible for scheduling, coordination, and reporting across the CA team

• Provide weekly updates and monthly performance reports to U.S. Government leadership