International SOF Integration and AssessmentSME

We greatly appreciate your interest in the International SOF Integration and Assessment 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 International SOF Integration and Assessment 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:  

• Assist in drafting, staffing, and coordinating plans, roadmaps, MOA/MOUs in accordance with USSOCOM partnership plan and Commander’s guidance


• Process, coordinate, and track to completion all staffing actions regarding international negotiations between USSOCOM and partner nations for Foreign Liaison Officer/ Exchange Officer presence; prepare engagement plans to ensure /FLO/EXO talking points are included in Key Leader Engagements


• Draft and maintain country plans for J3- partner nations that outline USSOCOM and respective partner nations Operations, Activities and Investments


• Conduct liaison with TSOCs and relevant Headquarter Directorates to ensure country plans are aligned with TSOCs and HQ priorities and objectives


• Provide quarterly updates and annual assessment of J3-I country plans


• Coordinate with other J3-I branches and sections to collect and maintain accurate information regarding J3-I country plans


• Provide Subject Matter expert to planning and coordinating international engagement events


•  Support development and staffing of engagement plans and strategies which support negotiation of MOAs for new countries


• Maintain a database of all USSOCOM international agreements affecting J3-I exchange and liaison officers and SOLO placement


• Prepare staff packages for Chief of Staff-level approval for all J3-I related international agreements


• Perform close-out and escort duties as part of the Division’s Security Procedure

Minimum Qualifications:  

• U.S. Citizenship  


• Master’s degree in international relations, economics, or related fie


• Graduate of Dept. of State Foreign Service Institute or equivalent US military program of instruction


• Current DoW Top Secret clearance and eligible for SCI access


• Served as Foreign Service or Foreign Area Officer with 10+ years’ experience as a member of a US embassy country team, deployed developmental worker, or other member of Dept. of State or US Agency for International Development


• 3 years’ experience in a federal agency, GCC, or service headquarters in policy development, international agreements, and strategy 


• 2 years’ experience or academic coursework in negotiations. Acceptable example would be experience negotiating Memos of Agreement or Understanding 

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