Site Lead

Swan Global; Abadilah; On-site; AED 440,690 - 661,035; Full time

Job summary

Swan Global is seeking a Site Lead (Cultural Advisor) to oversee Cultural Advisory and Language Support Services for operations within the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility in the UAE. The role requires leading an on-site team and serving as the primary contact with the U.S.

Government, with extensive experience in cultural advisory work and Arabic-English interpretation. The successful candidate will ensure mission readiness, coordinate with Host Nation officials, and provide expert cultural

Qualifications

• Must possess U.S. citizenship and active SECRET security clearance.
• Strong knowledge of UAE culture, customs, and local protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Site Lead and primary liaison between Government and contractor personnel.
• Supervise and manage daily activities of the Cultural Advisor team.
• Ensure contract requirements, staffing, and performance standards are met.
• Monitor performance and provide guidance, mentoring, and operational support.
• Prepare and submit reports as required by Government.
• Coordinate scheduling, mission support and emergency response.
• Maintain compliance with Government policies, security requirements, and procedures.
• Advise leadership on UAE culture, customs, and local protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Arabic-English interpretation

Cross-cultural communication

Team management

ILR Level 3+ English/Arabic

USCENTCOM environment familiarity

Security clearance readiness

Job description

Job Description – Site Lead (Cultural Advisor)

Location: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Security Requirement: Active SECRET Security Clearance

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Site Lead to oversee the delivery of Cultural Advisory and Language Support Services in support of operations within the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility. The Site Lead will provide leadership to the on-site team while serving as the primary point of contact with the U.S. Government. The role requires extensive experience in military cultural advisory services, Arabic-English interpretation, and coordination with Host Nation military and government officials.

The successful candidate will ensure mission readiness, maintain operational excellence, and provide expert cultural guidance that enhances communication and collaboration between U.S. forces and Host Nation partners.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Serve as the Site Lead and primary liaison between the Government and contractor personnel.
• Supervise, coordinate, and manage daily activities of the Cultural Advisor team.
• Ensure all contract requirements, staffing, and performance standards are met.
• Monitor personnel performance and provide guidance, mentoring, and operational support.
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, and ad hoc reports as required by the Government.
• Coordinate scheduling, mission support activities, and emergency response requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Government policies, security requirements, and operational procedures.

Operational & Cultural Support

• Advise U.S. military leadership on UAE culture, customs, traditions, social norms, and local protocols.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with Host Nation military and government officials.
• Provide professional Arabic-English interpretation, translation, and transcription services.
• Support immigration, customs, contracting, engineering, logistics, medical, public affairs, and operational coordination activities.
• Conduct cultural awareness briefings for U.S. military personnel before and during mission activities.
• Support meetings, negotiations, key leader engagements, site visits, official ceremonies, and conferences.
• Respond rapidly to mission-critical and emergency operational requirements when directed.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive Government information.

Mandatory Qualifications

Candidates must possess the following:

• U.S. Citizenship (Mandatory)
• Active SECRET Security Clearance
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Valid U.S. Driver's License
• International Driver's Permit (IDP)
• Ability to obtain required visas and Host Nation installation access
• Arabic and English language proficiency at ILR Level 3+ (or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of UAE culture, customs, traditions, and local protocols
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within USCENTCOM operational environments

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Military Cultural Advisory Services
  • Cross-Cultural Military Training
  • Military Liaison Services
  • Government Interpretation and Translation Support
  • Support to U.S. Government or U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous deployment or overseas experience supporting U.S. military operations.
• Experience working with multinational military organizations.
• Familiarity with U.S. military structure, operational planning, and mission support.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in high‑pressure and rapidly changing operational environments.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and Team Management
• Cultural Advisory Expertise
• Arabic-English Interpretation & Translation
• Government and Military Liaison
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Mission Planning and Coordination
• Report Writing and Documentation
• Operational Readiness
• Decision-Making and Problem Solving
• Professionalism, Integrity, and Confidentiality