(Full-Time): Somalia Cultural & Political Advisor (CULAD) in at Hoplite Group

Opportunity (Full-Time): Somalia Cultural & Political Advisor (CULAD) – Top Secret (SCI eligible) Required.

Bottom Line Up Front: Hoplite Group is seeking three (3) Somalia Cultural & Political Advisors to support Joint Special Operations Task Force – Somalia (JSOTF-SOM). These advisors must have with experience supporting United States Joint Special Operations Forces, and who possess the aptitude, knowledge, interpersonal skills, linguistic ability, and established relationships necessary to provide access, influence, and operational support. Advisors shall provide cultural context, arrange, and facilitate high level key leader engagements and provide linguistic support while serving as liaisons.

Location: Mogadishu, Somalia

Schedule / Level of Effort:

• Full-time role; 8-hour shifts, anticipate rotational schedules based on mission demands.
• Periodic regional travel may be required in support of engagements and operational activities (via U.S. Military provided transportation).
• 15-day holiday per 6 months of support.
• Annual bonus for enduring service.

Availability: Mid-September 2026

Objective: Provide cultural, political, and linguistic advisory support to senior U.S. Government personnel by enabling effective communication, supporting high-level engagements, advising on local dynamics, and improving operational understanding of the socio-cultural and political environment. CULAD will use their knowledge and experience to identify, evaluate, provide analysis, and advise on best practices, and has analyzed the needs and assist in defining opportunities for improvement as it relates to JSOTF-SOM ongoing interactions with the FGS.

Required Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility security clearance required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of cumulative experience serving as a Cultural Advisor in Somalia in support of USSOCOM/AFRICOM efforts.
• Ideal candidate has existing relationships or experience engaging with government, civic, and tribal stakeholders in the Federal Government of Somalia and demonstrated experience supporting U.S. Joint Special Operations Forces.
• Demonstrated experience supporting U.S. Joint Special Operations Forces.
• Required to have Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 3 proficiency in English and Somali. Fluency must bet at levels making it possible to provide Somali-to-English and English-to-Somali interpretation and translation support.
• Demonstrated understanding of Somali cultural, political, tribal, and governmental dynamics and ability to apply knowledge of U.S. military operations/policy to develop research products and prepare reports associated with JSOTF-SOM.
• Experience advising senior leaders during high-level engagements, relationship management, and liaison activities.
• Ability to operate in austere and dynamic environments and support mission requirements involving travel.
• Existing relationships or experience engaging with government, civic, and tribal stakeholders in the region.