Ministry of Defense Advisor

This position is part of Department of War. The incumbent will be responsible for serving as the principal Subject Matter Expert (SME) to the Minister/Chief of Defense (MoD/CHOD) and the Commander, Military and Security Authority (MISA) on all aspects of national-level Security operations. Oversees and approves contractor military security SMEs work concerning development of security infrastructure and Mil. security officer training within the MISA, partners Armed Forces, and Mil. installations.

Major duties

This position is located in the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Defense Security Cooperation Service (DSCS). As a Ministry of Defense Advisor you will be responsible for the following duties: Ability to select and apply appropriate evaluation and measurement techniques to determine partner nation's progress, measure Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) accomplishments, and align outcomes with Combatant Command (CCMD) theater campaign goals and DoW policy direction. Mastery Knowledge of interpersonal relations, diplomatic tact, and political-military acumen required to establish credibility and exert peer-to-peer influence within complex, multi-national environments. Possess expert knowledge of ICB core processes (strategy and policy, force management, human resources management, acquisition and logistics, resource management, and defense governance) and the focus areas supporting security cooperation. The ability to work independently, with a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness, to develop solutions to complex and sensitive problems that are not subject to treatment by commonly used methods. The incumbent is recognized as an expert in developing and interpreting guidance on Security program planning and evaluation. The incumbent must be highly original and use sound judgment to formulate, evaluate, and ensure implementation of programs and policies pertaining to Ministry of Defense Advisor (MoDA)/ICB issues.

Qualifications

Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions for positions https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0300/miscellaneous-administration-and-program-series-0301/ for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 10/15/2026 You must have one year Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private/military sector) giving the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position. Experience must be reflected in your resume. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Specialized experience required for this position is: Serves as the principal subject matter expert to the Minister/Chief of Defense (MoD/CHOD) and the Commander, Military and Security Authority (MISA) on all aspects of national-level Security operations. Advise the Minister/Chief of Defense and MISA Commander on national security strategy, threat landscape, and security level postures. Collaborates enterprise-wide security program change management efforts across the national security enterprise to achieve mission assurance. Facilitates planning and readiness for the partners security enterprise, crisis response efforts, incident management, and joint exercises. Coordinates with U.S. federal agencies, DoW to include the military departments, and other U.S. private organizations to implement the partners Military Security Officer training program. Analyzes and evaluates issues regarding development in terms of impact to broader U.S. SC and security assistance goals and objectives. Provides ICB input into long-term DoW ICB planning. Prepares written assessments and reports, coordinating ICB visits and representing DoW as a primary Security point of contact for ICB efforts with MoD counterparts. * For additional information on the Ministry of Defense Advisor (MoDA) Program, copy paste link https://dscu.edu/icbd Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS: For more information on overseas allowances and benefits, please visit: https://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/ - Overseas tour of duty for is projected to be 36 months. - You may be required sign a Transportation Agreement. - Incumbent may be subject to the 5-year foreign area limitation according to the DoDI 1400.25-V1230, dated 26 July2012. - Applicants who are currently stationed overseas, must have enough time to meet the initial tour stated above. - Applicants, who have returned from an overseas tour, and have not been physically present in the United States (CONUS) or Non foreign area for 2 continuous years, may require a waiver. NOTE: If you have not completed 5 years overseas and return to a CONUS assignment, that time spent overseas counts towards the 5 year limitation, unless you have been in the States for at least 2 continuous years. - Medical Care: Applicants who have family members with special medical needs should ensure that prior to accepting a position overseas their family members' medical needs can be met. Access to care in a military treatment facility may not be available to civilian employees except on a space available basis. Consequently, host nation medical facilities may be the only care available. The availability and level of care at host nation medical facilities will vary by location. - Applicants hired from the Continental United States (CONUS) and their family members (who are US citizens) are required to obtain Official Passports prior to departure to the overseas area. - Citizenship/Ordinarily Resident Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are not considered Ordinarily Resident under the applicable Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). An ordinarily resident is anyone who has lived in the host country longer than the allowed number of days without being a member of the forces assigned, civilian component or a family member of either the aforementioned or who has obtained a work permit for any duration. Ordinarily Resident restrictions apply and vary depending on the host nation. - May be subjected to a variety of environmental conditions typical of the overseas areas in which traveling, to include the potential for exposure to acts of terrorism. - Payment for travel and transportation expenses may be authorized. This includes government paid travel transportation, shipment and temporary storage of household goods, and possibly other entitlements based upon the JTR and agency policy. You may be required to sign a transportation agreement. Most civilian permanent change of station travel entitlements are taxable. - For additional information on the tax impact, please visit: https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.html - For more information on overseas allowances and benefits, please visit: https://aoprals.state.gov/

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. Certifications Incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Certification and complete related continuous learning requirements in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017, Title 10 United States Code, Section 384 and Security Cooperation Certification Program 2.0 requirements. Requirements for Proficiency Level 3 -At least 1 year of successful SC work experience with a performance appraisal rating of 3 or better. Incumbent must complete DoD SCW Expert level certification requirements within two years of entering the SC position. In addition, 80 hours of continuing education (CUE) every two years. Selectee or incumbent must be able to obtain the appropriate certification level for their position. This is a DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Level 3 Certified position. IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017, Title 10 United States Code, Section 384 and Security Cooperation Certification Program 2.0 requirements. Candidates must meet the medical and suitability standards both prior to and during employment in this position.