Cultural Service Advisor

Job Summary

The Cultural Service Advisor will provide expert advisory and assistance services to the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, specifically supporting the Special Operations Forces Liaison Element (SOFLE) Malaysia. This role enhances mission effectiveness and regional stability initiatives by offering in-depth linguistic, cultural, historical, and political insights.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cultural and Political Analysis

• Provide expert analysis of Malaysia’s cultural, historical, and political landscape.
• Monitor traditional and social media to identify key influencers and potential drivers of instability.
• Deliver regular briefings to SOFLE team members on current events, regional dynamics, and socio-political trends.

2. Continuity and Relationship Management

• Build and sustain relationships with civil society groups, government officials, academia, and security forces.
• Facilitate smooth knowledge transfer and continuity between incoming and outgoing SOFLE personnel.

3. Interpretation and Translation

• Translate written documents and communications between English and Bahasa Melayu.
• Provide accurate and professional interpretation during meetings, events, and field visits.

4. Meeting Coordination and Documentation

• Arrange and coordinate meetings on behalf of SOFLE.
• Prepare participants with necessary background information.
• Attend and document meetings, submitting concise summaries and actionable recommendations within 2 working days.

5. Operational Support

• Support the planning and coordination of events, exercises, and engagement activities.
• Provide logistical and administrative assistance to SOFLE operations.

6. Government Liaison and Documentation

• Prepare and submit diplomatic and operational documents (e.g., DipNotes, air/base access requests) to relevant Malaysian government entities.

Qualifications

• Experience: 7–10 years of professional experience, preferably with NGOs, government agencies, or civil society organizations.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of Malaysian history, culture, and socio-political structures; familiarity with ASEAN regional politics and international relations.
• Skills:
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Bahasa Melayu.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Other Requirements:
• Must be willing to travel extensively within Malaysia (up to 150 days/year).
• Must pass a background check to access U.S. Embassy facilities.
• Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, or expatriates with strong cultural expertise are encouraged to apply.

Work Schedule

• Monday to Friday, 0700–1900 hrs.
• Availability on weekends for emergencies or mission-critical tasks.

Security & Confidentiality

• All work is unclassified but sensitive in nature. The advisor must safeguard all data, records, and communications.
• Written approval is required before disclosing any involvement with SOFLE/CMSE programs.

Job Type: Contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: RM1,514.30 - RM2,500.00 per month