Job Description

We are seeking U.S.-citizen Cultural Advisors to support U.S. Air Force operations at Al Dhafra Air Base (ADAB), UAE.
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

Skills Required