Established in 2004, Culmen International is committed to enhancing international security, strengthening homeland defense, optimizing government operations and providing humanitarian assistance around the world.  We provide technical and management expertise, develop innovative technology solutions, and deliver youth care services, logistics, training and language services worldwide.  With experience in over 126 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.

Culmen International LLC is seeking to hire a Senior Advisor for Defense Force Transformation for a future opportunity supporting a Department of State contract onsite in Georgetown, Guyana.

The Senior Advisor will provide support to the Defense Secretariat and Guyana Defense Force (GDF) to develop, implement, and sustain an effective and professional defense force.  In this role, they will support the GDF, Defense Secretariat, Defense Board, and other relevant institutions establish and transform itself into a credible defense force through the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities and Policy (DOTMLPFP) spectrum and other organizational management and budgeting processes.  

• Assisting the Government of Guyana to develop and/or refine GDF force management laws, strategies, and policies. This could include incorporating a diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility lens and component.
• Developing and implementing an updated organizational structure that supports a modern, professionalized GDF. This could include establishing new or expanding existing civilian entities such as the Defense Human Resource Management, procurement, budgeting).
• Assist in developing and finalizing a transformation plan on how it will modernize and transform into a professional defense force. This could include how the GDF will target under-represented population groups and/or specific skillsets and become a more inclusive force.
• Developing strong professional relationships with key stakeholders in GDF, Defense Secretariat, Defense Board, Office of the President, and others as appropriate and then act as a trusted advisor to them.
• Establishing a working relationship with main counterpart(s) in the GDF and Defense Secretariat and participate as an advisor in any related new working groups and/or initiatives already underway which contribute to the overall objective(s).
• Integrating into the U.S. Embassy political and security cooperation structure in order to share information, expand connections, and bolster relevant projects underway.
• Work to coordinate regularly with the U.S. Embassy Political-Economic Section.
• Brief the U.S. Embassy Political-Economic Section and MLO monthly, at a minimum, and as requested by embassy representatives.
• In close cooperation with senior GDF and Defense Secretariat officials, identifying existing gaps in Guyana’s national defense architecture. Consultations shall occur with officials from across the Guyana government where relevant.
• Sharing expertise and recommendations with the defense sector as relevant on how to prepare for required reforms and to establish and manage a sustainable, effective, and professional defense force. This may include providing recommendations to the government on any legislation, policy or procedures, doctrine, or training that may be needed to successfully transition the GDF to a credible and professional defense force.
• Assisting GDF and Defense Secretariat in promoting effective, responsible, and accountable employment of force by developing standard operating procedures for integrating domestic and international legal considerations into operational decision-making.

• U.S. citizen.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Have reached, at a minimum, the rank of O-5 in the military or equivalent in a civilian capacity (i.e., FS-02/GS-14 or industry equivalent).
• Master’s degree in National Security Policy/Affairs, International Affairs, Security Studies, Organizational Development, Organizational Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy or a similar field AND at least six (6) years of professional experience with strategic-level defense policy and strategy OR
• Bachelor’s degree in National Security Policy/Affairs, International Affairs, Security Studies, Organizational Development, Organizational Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Public Policy and at least ten (10) years of professional experience with strategic-level defense policy and strategy.
• Experience communicating with senior officials in a foreign government and/or foreign military.
• Experience developing national-level strategies and respective policies.
• Experience with major organizational transformation in the security sector.

• One (1) year of experience working with or in Commonwealth countries.
• One (1) year of experience establishing and/or advising emerging and/or nascent organizations.
• One (1) year of experience incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into organizational-wide plans.
• One (1) year of experience advising senior government officials (foreign or domestic), who do not have defense experience, on security topics.
• One (1) year of experience developing or advising others to develop new or updated organizational structures for entities with over 100 employees.

• Local furnished housing to include utilities and high-speed internet
• Transportation accommodations
• Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance
• International SOS coverage

At Culmen International we are committed to creating, promoting, and sustaining a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment to these values is unwavering across all our work around the world.  We include and celebrate employees of diverse races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic statuses, languages, (dis)abilities, ages, and religious commitments. These differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our employees and clients. Culmen is an equal opportunity employer.