Cultural Advisor U.S. Citizen

Swan Global; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 220,000 - 331,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense consultancy in the UAE seeks U.S. citizen Cultural Advisors to support U.S. Air Force operations. Responsibilities include providing cultural advisory, language interpretation, and coordination with UAE entities. Candidates must have a valid U.S. passport, citizenship, and an active security clearance as well as experience in military environments. The role requires 24/7 on-call readiness and the ability to operate in high-stress conditions.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with DoD SECRET clearance.
• Experience as a Cultural Advisor or similar role is required.
• Moderate proficiency in Arabic and English at ILR Level 3.

Responsibilities

• Provide cultural advice to U.S. military leadership.
• Translate and interpret documentation and conversations.
• Coordinate with UAE military and aid in crisis response.

Skills

Cultural advisory services

Arabic-English interpretation

Understanding of Middle East culture

Coordination with military/government entities

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 ArabicEnglish 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