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