I figured I would put this one out there if anyone was interested. No word on how much they would pay and if you would be traveling. My guess is that you would be working out of their headquarters, but you never know. I am not the POC for this, and follow the link and directions below if you would like to apply. Good luck. –Matt
Career Vacancy: Pirate Cultural Advisor
August 11, 2011
The EUNAVFOR Operation Headquarters (OHQ) is currently recruiting a pirate cultural advisor. Please see below for further details including the principal duties the post-holder will fulfil and the experience required for the role. Instructions for those wishing to submit an application can also be found here. Applications are to be received by the OHQ before close of business on 24 August 2011.
Post Description: To provide the Operation Commander (OpCdr) and OHQ staff with pirate cultural and religious advice and in particular to advise on pirate trends and weaknesses, including their perceived role in Somalia.
Principal Duties:
1. Advisor to the OpCdr on pirate culture, business model and modus operandi in the Indian Ocean.
2. In conjunction with the Overseas Support Group garner information on negotiations for ships being held by pirates.
2. Provide and/or prepare written and verbal advice.
3. Provide guidance to the OHQ and EU on pirate culture.
Additional Duties:
1. Work with Specialist Staff and the intelligence team in order to develop possible pirate cases for prosecution (in the region or through a Member State).
Professional Experience: Military or ex-military who has worked with the CP Forces and/or other parties involved in CP (industry/insurers/negotiators).
Education: NA
Security Clearance: EU Secret
Desirable:
Professional Experience: Working in Maritime Operations.
Responsible to: Op Cdr, through the Deputy Operation Commander and the Chief of Staff.
Authorised to: When authorised engage with all other agencies, as required to achieve your principal tasks and responsibilities.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applicants should send a CV and a covering letter or mail to our Executive Officer using the details below. The letter or email should explain how the individual’s experience will enable them to perform in the role, and how it meets the requirements in the job description. Applications should be received by close of business on 24 August 2011.
Contact details for the Executive Officer:
Address:
Commander Conleth Burns (Royal Navy)
Executive Officer
European Union Operational HQ
European Union Naval Force
Northwood HQ
Sandy Lane
Northwood
Middlesex
HA6 3HP
United Kingdom
Email:
cspxo@mschoa.org
Telephone:
0044 (0) 1923 958 605
Link to job here.
I came across this today and was wondering what you'd recommend or have seen out there as a solution to hostages in-country. In the case of the South African couple, they remain hostages even though the pirates responsible may already be in custody or convicted. So basically, as successful as anti piracy operations that led to the capture of the Al-Shabaab tools, what of their victims? Who goes to their rescue if governments are unable or unwilling to deal with the problem.
FYI: I wouldn't say that this is a particularly well written or informative piece, and perhaps you have more detailed versions:
http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/frantic-appeal-o…
Comment by Morgan — Monday, August 15, 2011 @ 2:08 AM
Well, there are three ways to go. First, pay the ransom through a K&R company that specializes in that kind of thing. The second way is to apply pressure on South Africa to get them to act on releasing these hostages. They have special forces and assets that could do the job of rescue. The third and final way is to contract it out. A professional K&R company would be able to suggest a company or individuals that could do such a task. But this last one is tricky, and it would take a lot of shopping around, and a crew that would be willing to take the risk. The HALO Corp. is one example of the type of company I am talking about. (although I am not endorsing them, and really have no information about them other than what is already out there) .
Comment by Feral Jundi — Tuesday, August 16, 2011 @ 10:39 AM
Well, unless the family can find a very generous donor, they just can't pay a ransom. Which means they probably wouldn't be able to pay a group like HALO either. But the South African government has a notoriously inadequate foreign affairs department. Although the SASF battalion are capable of pulling off a hostage rescue, government will be unlikely to give such an order. The last time the government negotiated for the release of a South African journalist being held hostage by Libyan forces, he had already been dead for nearly a month. Authorities had no idea Gaddafi's forces were lying. (Shock… horror… Libyan police lying?)
I hope things aren't so stuck between a rock and a hard place for other families of pirate hostages.
Comment by Morgan — Wednesday, August 17, 2011 @ 1:51 AM