Cultural Advisor - U.S. Citizen

Swan Global; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural advisory firm seeks U.S.-citizen Cultural Advisors to support U.S. Air Force operations at Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE. This role involves providing cultural advisory, translation, and operational support, with a focus on UAE customs and laws. Candidates must have an active DoD SECRET security clearance, ILR Level 3+ in Arabic and English, and the ability to meet medical deployment standards. The position requires on-call readiness and a physical presence at the installation.

Qualifications

• Active DoD SECRET security clearance (interim not accepted).
• Modern Standard Arabic – ILR Level 3+.
• English – ILR Level 3+ (Verified via DLPT or equivalent assessment).

Responsibilities

• Advise U.S. military leadership on UAE culture and customs.
• Provide accurate Arabic–English interpretation and translation.
• Support emergency coordination and high-level engagements.

Skills

Cultural advisory

Translation and interpretation

Crisis management

Effective communication

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

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)

Active DoD SECRET security clearance (interim not accepted)

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

No felony convictions

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)

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