Senior International Capability Development SME

We greatly appreciate your interest in the Senior International Capability Development Subject Matter Expert position. Please note that at this time, this position is part of a contingent contract award effort. Recruitment outreach will begin upon contract award. Current personnel performing in this position are encouraged to apply. Unless otherwise stated in the job description, positions are expected to be performed on-site.

Those who apply at this stage will have preference over candidates who apply once the position is confirmed. We are actively reviewing the details and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this process.

About Valens Global

Valens Global provides analyses, strategies, and innovative solutions that anticipate and address critical threats to people, businesses, and governments. Our goal, simply put, is to empower clients with essential knowledge as they navigate complex security challenges rooted in a changing global society. We believe these twenty-first century challenges require analysts who are fiercely independent, forward thinking, and unafraid to challenge received wisdom. We foster an intellectually vibrant climate. We emphasize teamwork, transparency, meritocracy, accountability, and empowerment at junior levels. We are proud of our track record. Our products exceed our clients’ expectations and stand the test of time. At Valens, you would be part of a smart, talented, and confident team of people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and outlooks. We think Valens is a great place to work, and we think you’ll agree.

Valens is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior International Capability Development SME to join our team at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL. In this critical role, you will support the J3-I mission by advancing collaboration, integration, and interoperability among international Special Operations partners. Through these efforts, you will help strengthen partner capabilities and enhance the ability to deter strategic competition, respond effectively in crisis, and prevail in conflict.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research, collect and analyze data on PN SOF capabilities and gaps; draft and maintain PN SOF capability profile for each PN nation assigned to J3-I and with whom USSOCOM maintains a SOLO
• Support development of interoperability objectives for J3-I assigned PN SOF
• Draft and maintain roadmaps which track progress by each PN toward achieving their SOF Commander’s interoperability objectives
• Coordinate PN SOF participation in pre-mission training for ongoing operations; support and assist PN participation in US exercises and training in accordance with their established training objectives and interoperability roadmap
• Support PN efforts to obtain and align their SOF acquisition programs with the appropriate US security cooperation and assistance mechanisms; track all USSOCOM PN SOF security cooperation activities and cases
• Draft plans for and support TSOC efforts to support development of SOF-related defense institutions within J3-I countries, where applicable
• Develop planning products which enable us to track USSOCOM and SOF Component exercises and Pre Mission Training, and coordinate A/PN participation in accordance with J3-I priorities
• Perform the duties and responsibilities as Foreign Disclosure Representatives (FDR) for assigned PN personnel
• Perform close-out and escort duties as part of the Division’s Security Procedure

Minimum Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizenship
• 
  Graduate of US SOF component selection and assessment program such as US Army Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), Basic Underwater Demolition School (BUDS)or another SOF component equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in international relations or related field
• Graduate of a Joint Professional Military Education course, Intermediate Development Course or a Senior Professional Military Education Course
• Current DoW Secret clearance and eligible for SCI access
• Demonstrate the following experience:
  • a) completion of a formal program of instruction from a DoW training organization which covers the basic tenets of US Security Cooperation (examples include Defense Acquisition University, Joint Special Operations University, US Army Command and General Staff College, US Army or US Navy Special Warfare courses)
  • b) operational experience working with international military forces (joint combined exchange training, joint exercises, or joint combined operations such as Afghanistan or Iraq) or
  • c) assignment to an international military organization or coordination center, such as Joint Staff J7, or their Combatant Command (COCOM) staff organization which works with international partners. Demonstration of ability to work with and through international SOF partners is required. 15 years combined military SOF and Regional experience working special operations conducted in a joint, combined, and interagency environment
• Experience with Foreign Disclosure and working with international partner information exchanges

Required Application Materials: 

• Cover Letter  
• Resume or CV

Why Join Us:

• Impactful Work: Contribute to the strategic planning and coordination efforts that support national security and defense
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic and supportive setting