Ministry of Defense Advisor Job in Doha, Qatar

Vacancy No. DSCS-27-13083194-MP Department Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Salary $126,384.00 to $164,301.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/7/2026 Close Date 10/15/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Doha, Qatar


Ministry of Defense Advisor

Department of Defense
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Defense Security Cooperation Services

Summary

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.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Area of Consideration is Federal Wide. Federal employee means current permanent competitive service employees. Veterans eligibilities include 30% or more Disabled Vet and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA). Overseas Military Spouse and Family Member Preference eligibles, Appt of certain Military Spouse (EO) 13473), DoD Transfer (Army, Navy, etc), ICTAP (In the commuting area), Non-DoD Transfer (OPM, VA, Dept. of Labor, etc..) may also apply.

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.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a US citizen
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service, For more information please visit https://www.sss.gov
  • Resume and supporting documents (See: How to Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Subject to the 5 year foreign area limitation DODI 1400.25-V1230 72612
  • WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time
  • OVERTIME: Occasionally
  • TOUR OF DUTY: May be Authorized 36 Months
  • RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES: May be Authorized
  • FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Not Required
  • TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: This position is telework eligible
  • Must posses a valid driver's license
  • Must attain DoD SCW Certification IAW with the NDAA 2017, Title 10 USC, Section 384 and Security Cooperation Certification Program 2.0. requirements.
  • Employee will be subject to pre-employment medical requirements and must meet Foreign Service Medical Clearance requirements
  • This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the civilian Drug-Testing Program.
  • Employee is required to obtain an Official passport and Visa as specified in the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide for Qatar.
  • Employee must successfully complete Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) Training in accordance with Department of State, 13 FAM 301.4-2.
  • Employee must obtain and maintain a Special Sensitive/Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.

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 pastelink 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.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. 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

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.




Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

REVIEW OF APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (FOR ALL APPLICANTS):
To determine if you meet the qualifications, requirements and quality of experience required for this position, we review your resume, supporting documents and responses to the questionnaire. The score you receive is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required. If, after this review, we determine that you inflated your qualifications and/or experience we can and will adjust your score to more accurately reflect your qualifications for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully as errors or omissions may affect your rating.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc).

Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED
1. Your resume:


IMPORTANT UPDATE: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement. The resume and required supporting documentation should provide the minimum qualifications and relevant experience for the announced position. Must include the work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. If multiple resumes are submitted by an applicant, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed for qualifications and referred for selection consideration, if eligible. The resume must not be more than 5MB and should be saved and uploaded as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. Page margins should be 0.5 inches, and font styles must be legible. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text. We recommend using a font like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans.
Additional guidance on writing a federal resume can be found at: USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

2. Veteran's Documents

  • If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents:
  • DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
If you are claiming Military Spouse and Family Member Preference, you must submit supporting documents with your application package. These documents must provide acceptable information to verify: you reside within the commuting area of your sponsor's permanent duty station (PDS); proof of marriage to the active duty sponsor, proof of military member's active duty status, and other documentation required by the vacancy announcement to which you are applying; and must meet all pre-employment criteria and be eligible for immediate noncompetitive appointment to a position in the competitive service. Documentation required: Marriage Certificate or License, Veterans' Preference documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, Statement of Service, if applicable), Transcripts (if applicable). Additional documentation required if previously held a federal position: SF-50s (e.g., LWOP, highest grade held, overseas appointments, etc.), SF-75 Information, and documentation of performance rating of record (dated within the last 12 months)

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)" eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/FourthEstateRequiredSupportingDocumentation%2011-16-2020.pdf?ver=Lgkkn1HW9a8is7V2lyCS2Q%3d%3d

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. If your resume exceeds the two-page limit, you will be removed from consideration for this announcement.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/15/2026.
  4. After submitting your online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take any additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder. If you do not receive the email invitation to the assessment and you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you should contact https://apply.usastaffing.gov/HelpTicket to request the email be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received by https://apply.usastaffing.gov/HelpTicket BEFORE the close of the JOA.
  5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Click here for Computer System Requirements.
  6. NOTE: Set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/articles/29113644431764-Requesting-an-accommodation.

To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13084117.

Review the General Application Information and Definitions at: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Agency contact information

DSCS SERVICING TEAM
Phone
614-692-0252
Email
DHRS.D.DSCS@DLA.MIL
Address
Defense Security Cooperation Service
1225 South Clark Street
Arlington, VA 22202
US

Next steps

If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the PATCO Competency Based Assessments (CBA) system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the date of your application submission unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the PATCO CBA. Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same PATCO CBA. NOTE: If the PATCO CBA is altered within a year of your last application, you will be required to take the new PATCO CBA. If no additional online assessments are required, you will receive an OPM notification stating "It has been determined that you have completed all required online assessments and your application is complete. No further action is required."

Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive a notification of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements, and you will receive a notification. A review may be completed of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. Applicants that are found among the most highly qualified may be referred to the hiring official for consideration, and you will receive a notification of referral. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and as part of the selection process, applicants may be required to complete additional supplemental documents. Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy. Once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision. Be sure to check your USA Jobs account for your notification updates.

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

As required by 5CFR § 302106., DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Defense Security Cooperation Services. DSCS's mission is to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges. DSCS leads the broader U.S. security cooperation enterprise in its efforts to train, educate, advise, and equip foreign partners. DSCS administers security cooperation programs that support U.S. policy interests and objectives.

Agency contact information

DSCS SERVICING TEAM
Phone
614-692-0252
Email
DHRS.D.DSCS@DLA.MIL
Address
Defense Security Cooperation Service
1225 South Clark Street
Arlington, VA 22202
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Security Cooperation Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.dsca.mil/