Cultural Advisor (SOFLE Malaysia, U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur)

Terrestris Global Solutions; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative advisory firm is seeking a Cultural Advisor in Kuala Lumpur to provide essential advisory and assistance services for the U.S. Embassy. The role requires bilingual translation, deep knowledge of Malaysia's culture, and experience in supporting international programs. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and strong analytical and communication skills. The firm offers comprehensive benefits and values diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Health and life insurance

Paid leave

Professional development programs

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. government, military, diplomatic, or international programs preferred.
• Prior knowledge of Malaysia's history and culture, and its impact on contemporary issues.
• Experience with U.S. Special Operations Forces or similar organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide translation services between Malaysian and English.
• Offer cultural advice related to Malaysia and engage with various stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities and submit documents to Malaysian entities.

Skills

Fluent in English

Fluent in Malay

Strong analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Cross-cultural effectiveness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Cultural Studies, Regional Studies

Job description

Are you looking for a Challenge? Looking for an innovative organization and the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? We can help! We are seeking a Cultural Advisor to provide advisory and assistance services in support of the Special Operations Forces Liaison Element (SOFLE) Malaysia (MYS) at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I’ve never heard of Terrestris. What do you do?

At Terrestris, we leverage technology to create better mission outcomes through better human performance. We form strong client and team relationships through transparency and strive to create an environment where our team can let their excellence shine through. By finding, developing, and incorporating new ideas, we provide memorable services. Rooted in the USMC values of honor, courage, and commitment, Terrestris seeks to deliver extraordinary value to the American people by helping the Government become more efficient and effective.

So, what will the Cultural Advisor at Terrestris do?

SOFLE conducts a variety of programs with the intention of identifying and prioritizing

civil vulnerabilities and drivers of instability for the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur. These programs allow the U.S. Government to facilitate NGO/IGO collaboration to implement projects and programs that enhance the Government of Malaysia’s capacity to provide essential services to populations and promote regional security. As Cultural Advisor, you will advise, assist, review, evaluate, analyze, and report on the cultural, linguistic, historical, and political environments within Malaysia in support of the Special Operations Forces Liaison Element (SOFLE) Malaysia (MYS) at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The contractor support services play an integral part in the furtherance of SOFLE’s mission and objectives.

What does a typical day look like for the Cultural Advisor?

You will:

• Interpretation and Translation Services.
  • Translate from Malaysian to English and from English to Malaysian. These translations include but are not limited to articles, emails, classes, programs of instruction, and reports.
  • Conduct either a verbatim verbal translation or interpretation based on the SOFLE’s choice.
  • Provide either a summarized interpretation or a verbatim translation when translating the other party’s message.
• Cultural Advice and Analysis.
  • Provide historical, cultural, and political information as it relates to Malaysia and the greater region.
  • Interact with civil society organizations, security forces, academia, Government of Malaysia officials, and senior members of the U.S. Country Team and others in a professional setting.
  • Provide a briefing, as requested, to incoming members of the SOFLE team to orient them to contemporary Malaysia.
• Maintain Continuity.
  • Serve as the continuity and maintain connections and open lines of communication, both email and phone, among all personnel met through interactions with civil society organizations, security forces, academia, the Government of Malaysia officials, and senior members of the U.S. Country Team.
  • Assist the new SOFLE transition into his role within Malaysia.
• Schedule Meetings.
  • Schedule meetings on SOFLE’s behalf. This ensures familiarity amongst the partners, building long-term trust.
• Submission of documents to correct Malaysian Entities.
  • Submit a variety of documents to the Malaysian government to ensure the success of the mission, its JCETs, and exercises. These documents can include Diplomatic Notes (DipNotes), air clearance requests, customs clearance requests, and base access requests. Each document requires submission to its specific department, and the advisor must understand and submit it to the appropriate department.
• Coordination.
  • Be responsible for coordinating all necessary activities at the request of SOFLE, including the coordination of meetings, assorted engagements, donations, JCETs, exercises, and events. Oftentimes, these events must be planned harmoniously with SOFLE.

What qualifications do you look for?

You might be the professional we’re looking for if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Cultural Studies, Regional Studies, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Fluent in English and Malay and be able to perform both verbal and written translations.
• Strong working knowledge of Malaysia's history and culture, as well as how it affects contemporary politics, economics, and social organizations.
• Prior experience supporting U.S. government, military, diplomatic, or international programs strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of marketing methodologies, basic fiscal management, and procurement procedures to assist the SOFLE in executing operations of various scopes and sizes.
• Lived in Malaysia for a minimum the last five years.
• Strong analytical, communication, and briefing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural, diplomatic, and military environment.

We are extra impressed by folks with:

• Experience working with U.S. Special Operations Forces or other military organizations.
• Familiarity with Southeast Asian regional security dynamics and U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.
• Ability to provide clear, actionable recommendations in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders at multiple levels.

What kind of benefits does Terrestris Offer?

We offer outstanding benefits including health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.

Terrestris is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

DILBERT 2018 Scott Adams. Used By permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.