Africa Command (AFRICOM) Regional Expertise and Culture (REC) Instructor, Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP), Mansfield Center

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.  Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*. 

The Mansfield Center’s Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP) is one of the top language training centers in the nation. DCLCP provides intensive language and culture training for members of the U.S. military and other government agencies through a congressionally funded grant through the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO).  The position is located at Ft. Liberty, NC for in-person teaching; future other locations are possible dependent upon mission requirements or as determined by the Director of DCLCP.      

The Africa Command (AFRICOM) Regional Expertise and Culture (REC) Instructor will develop curriculum and instruct military and U.S. government personnel in the geopolitics, history, economics, and culture of African regions and specific countries in courses delivered over video-teleconferencing (VTC) and in-resident venues. The instructor may also be required to conduct regional studies courses on the European area of operations (EUCOM).

The AFRICOM REC Instructor will design courses and prepare briefings covering both broad regional and country-specific issues. The first focus is broad, regional overviews of the regions in terms of recent history, culture, geopolitics, economics, environmental issues, terrorism/insurgencies, and inter-state conflicts. The Instructor will also develop specific country modules for individual regional states focusing in particular on their political systems, foreign policies, militaries, and terrorism/insurgencies. 

The duration of each course ranges from one day to one year. Instructor should anticipate teaching 3-4 hours per day; the remainder of their time will be used for lesson preparation, classroom management, administration, and supplementary curriculum development.  When courses are not in session, the instructor develops new course materials for publishing and for in-class use. The Instructor may also participate in seminars or exercises with military or government partners, serving as a regional expert.

The Instructor must have a high level of knowledge in current teaching methodologies and be comfortable with teaching in person and through technology using Video-Teleconferencing (VTCs), Smartboards, and iPads. Instructors must be able to work productively in a group (team teaching and active coordination) and to work effectively in an independent mode.

Instructor proficiency in a language of this region is preferred. Instructor must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English. 

Due to multiple training sites some travel may be required. 

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Must have experience either in academia or government on cultural, political, and historical issues pertaining to Africa
• Must have knowledge of current teaching methodologies and practices in the classroom and experience utilizing advanced classroom technologies
• Instructors must be able to develop curricula and syllabi based on the needs of the program and as required by the Department of Defense (DoD)
• Must have outstanding written and oral communication
• Must have experience preparing and delivering PowerPoint and/or other formatted briefings and preparing written geopolitical analysis
• Must be able to work productively within a team and independently
• Must have maturity, responsibility, and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a U.S. government security clearance
• Individual must be able to pass a Criminal Background Investigation
• Applicants with language proficiency may be required to take the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) before selection; if required, must score advanced in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in African regional geopolitical and cultural instruction and/or analysis in a military or government setting
• Experience in European regional geopolitical and cultural instruction and/or analysis in a military or government setting
• Ph.D. in relevant field of study
• Instructor proficiency in a language of this region
• Previous U.S. security clearance or background check

About the Defense Critical Language/Culture Program (DCLCP) at the Mansfield Center

The Defense Critical Language and Culture Program (DCLCP), Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, is dedicated to providing superlative language and cultural training for Department of Defense customers. Our instructors and staff develop and present comprehensive language and regional studies/cultural awareness courses, courseware, and supporting materials designed to support national security mission needs.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility.  All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023

Screening begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Complete applications must include:

• A letter of interest addressing the required experience and qualifications for position.
• A current resume/CV listing education and describing work experience.
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 

**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.