(Full-Time): Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA) Advisor - Fluent Kurdish Speaker - U.S. Citizen/Secret Security Clearance in Erbil at Hoplite Group

Opportunity (Full-Time): Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA) Advisor - Fluent Kurdish Speaker - U.S. Citizen/Secret Security Clearance a Must
Bottom Line Up Front: The Hoplite Group is seeking an experienced Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA) Advisor to support the United States Military Group–Iraq (USMILGP-I) in Erbil, Iraq. The Advisor will provide strategic-level advice, assistance, coaching, mentoring, training, and liaison support to senior leaders within the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. This position supports U.S. security cooperation objectives by strengthening defense institutions, improving ministry governance, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and developing sustainable defense management capabilities through long-term institutional advising.

Location: Erbil, Iraq

Position Type: Full-Time / Contingent Upon Award

Availability: Anticipated contract award November 2026.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen with an active Secret Security Clearance.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Fluent in English and Kurdish.
• Thorough understanding of the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, including its organization, functions, processes, and operations.
• Previous strategic-level experience supporting U.S. Forces in Iraq since 2011, either as a uniformed service member or civilian contractor.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a strategic advisor, mentor, trainer, coach, or liaison to senior military officers, government officials, or ministry leadership.
• Significant knowledge of:
  • Civil-Military Relations
  • Democratic Governance
  • Defense Institution Building (DIB)
• Demonstrated ability to assess organizational performance and develop practical recommendations that improve institutional effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with senior Kurdish military leaders, government officials, U.S. Government personnel, and multinational partners.
• Demonstrated experience preparing executive-level reports, organizational assessments, briefings, recommendations, and other written products.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous service as a senior military officer or civilian official within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, Peshmerga General Command, Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, or other Kurdistan Regional Government defense institutions.
• Multiple years of continuous experience serving as an embedded strategic advisor within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs under a U.S. Government-funded institutional advisory program.
• Experience supporting more than one functional area within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (e.g., force development, logistics, strategic planning, resource management, personnel, intelligence, doctrine, or professional military education).
• Experience coordinating initiatives across multiple Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs Directorates, Peshmerga General Command, or other Kurdistan Regional Government defense organizations.