**This position is contingent upon contract award**

SOSi is seeking a Cultural Advisor, Ministry of Peshmerga in support of the Security Assistance Mentors and Advisors program at the U.S. Consulate in Erbil. The objective is to assist the U.S. government customer   to improve the Ministry of Peshmerga (MoP) build and maintain the capability to organize, train, equip, and sustain security forces. Emphasis will be given to providing the MoP advice and assistance to maximize the effectiveness of their FMS purchases to arrive at solutions to the various issues they face in building the effectiveness of the MoP.

There are three main objectives for this role:

1. Improve Processes to develop and implement policies, processes, and procedures to allow their respective directorates to fulfill their assigned responsibilities in the context of providing security forces capable of securing the populace, providing internal security, and possessing the foundations for defense against external threats.
2. Expand Integration within the MoP as well as with other governmental and societal institutions.
3. Foster Long-term Resiliency and Sustainability that contribute to Iraqi National Objectives (Ways); and identify the resource streams necessary to make those capability concepts a reality (Means).

Essential Job Duties

• Assist the U.S. government customer with the responsibility to manage and execute the duties at the ministerial level.
• Advise and assist the U.S. government customer with the development of Ministerial engagement strategies to enhance the systemic capability and continued functional development of an effective Ministry of Peshmerga.
• Assist the U.S. government customer in the development of strategies to facilitate timely and effective decision-making, and information sharing capabilities, through daily observation and written reports.
• Develop professional and cultural relationships with MoP senior officials, and other ministries and agencies, to enhance and further the efforts to foster a sound working relationship with our Kurdish and Iraqi counterparts.
• Conduct daily and frequent personal contact with MoP leadership and officials to establish a relationship built on trust, confidence, and confidentiality.
• Support in the development, implementation, and oversight of policies and procedures to enhance the personal and professional effectiveness in execution of official duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Active in Scope Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s Degree Middle Eastern Studies/Culture, International Relations, or related field. SOSi may waive the requirement for a four-year degree on a case-by-case basis when it determines a candidate has significant experience that could overcome the lack of a four-year degree.
• Proficient in operating a personal computer and experienced in the use of Microsoft Office software (including, at a minimum, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Demonstratable expertise and knowledge to conduct oneself and operate effectively with respect to Iraqi political structure and Kurdish and Iraqi cultural concerns and sensitivities.
• Minimum Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Level III (Fluent speaking/reading/writing) of English, Arabic, and Kurdish required. Each candidate will be required to complete an exam to obtain current ILR certification.
• Possess a sound and current working knowledge of MoP organizational structure and operations.
• Previous strategic experience with U.S. Forces in Kurdistan and Iraq since 2011 as a civilian contractor or as a uniformed service member.
• Significant knowledge, education, and experience in civil-military relations in a democratic government.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Must be able to complete MOD 15 medical screening.

• Master’s Degree in Middle Eastern Studies/Culture.
• One (1) year or more experience working with Iraqi Ministry of Peshmerga Officials. 

• Standard office work environment.
• Standard work hours Sunday - Thursday.
• Frequent travel within Erbil to meet with MoP Officials.

DISCLAIMER

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classificaiton.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

SOSi is an equal employment opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or protected veteran status. SOSi takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance diversity and inclusion of individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.