Close Protection Operations Centre Agent (+Reserve List)
🔍 Belgium
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RECRUITMENT/SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE NATO CLOSE PROTECTION UNIT
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK : https://www.nato.int/structur/recruit/2025/recruitment-2025-info-sheet-update.pdf
1. SUMMARY
The Joint Intelligence and Security Division (JISD), under the leadership of the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Intelligence and Security, comprises two principal pillars: Intelligence, headed by the Deputy ASG for Intelligence (DASG-I); and the NATO Office of Security (NOS), headed by the Deputy ASG for Security (DASG-S) / Director of NOS.
Within the NOS, the mission of the Close Protection Unit (CPU) is to protect the Secretary General (SG) at NATO Headquarters (HQ) or any other location, in Belgium or abroad, armed or otherwise, as the environment and circumstances demand. The CPU ensures a secure environment for the SG to include personal and physical protection against all forms of actual or potential threats.
The CPU is comprised of a management, administration and training structure as well as operational teams, which focuses either on close protection or physical protection of the official SG Residence. The incumbent works as part of a team, on a shift system basis, to ensure the physical security of the official NATO Residence of the SG. They perform physical protection duties at the Close Protection Operations Centre (CPOC), which includes, among other tasks, planning and execution of high-level visits and events at the NATO Residence. The incumbent supports the CPU close protection teams in their protection duties for the SG by real-time mission monitoring and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering and distribution. The incumbent is also responsible for monitoring the official Residence’s surroundings, alarm systems and technical installations according to assigned tasks. The CPOC Agent reports through the CPOC Coordinator and the Deputy Head to the Head of CPU.
2. QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
- have an educational background, equivalent to higher secondary level;
- have at least 4 years’ experience from national police, military institutions or other institutions similar to NATO and related to the post description;
- knowledge in the operation and use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), Intruder Detection Systems (IDS) and fire detection systems;
- have a good understanding and knowhow in first responder medical training and self-defence;
- be experienced in the use of firearms and be able to pass yearly shooting test;
- be in physical good condition to enable the agent to intervene in emergency situations and to be able to pass the yearly CPOC physical test;
- have a valid B category (or equivalent) driving licence;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages; (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.
- show good writing skills in one of the two NATO official languages;
- be able to work in a shift system outside normal office hours including weekends, holidays and nights - sometimes at short notice. Overtime will occur.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- demonstrated experience in physical security practices;
- knowledge of the Belgian police and judicial organisation and legislation, in particular in the areas of public security, public order, firearms, legal self-defence and priority vehicles;
- close Protection training and experience;
- possess an “Advanced” level in both the NATO official languages (English/French);
- knowledge of basic fire-fighting measures;
- certification in first-aid/medical training such as BLS-AED, TCCC, PHTLS, etc.;
- certification with regard to firearms skills;
- knowledge of and certification in advanced driving skills;
- good knowledge of MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook;
- basic understanding of Surveillance Detection Techniques;
- show interest in the basic understanding of using OSINT for security;
- knowledge in secure communication and GPS systems.
3.
Planning and Execution
Staff the CPU / CPOC and provide operational support to the CPU close protection teams deployed in Belgium and abroad through real time mission monitoring and OSINT gathering. Ensure the SG’s physical protection against all forms of actual or potential attacks/threats whilst he is within the official SG Residence. Take the appropriate steps according to CPU standard operating procedures (SOP’s) to provide protection in a crisis or a high-pressure situation. Protecting the SG may include the use of force and/or firearms as directed by the CPU SOP’s. Ensure the physical security of the official SG Residence and operate all security and communications equipment.
Stakeholder Management
Deal tactfully, politely and discreetly with members of the Office of the Secretary General, host nation support officials and other high-ranking members of the diplomatic community. Be beyond reproach in regards to individual professional standards and appearance. Demonstrate discretion when dealing with information pertaining to the SG’s personal and official life. Represent the Organization in a professional manner.
Expertise Development
Follow training courses organised by the CPU management, including training to operate equipment installed at the official SG Residence, OSINT courses, physical and tactical training, weapon handling, driver training, medical training, GPS navigation training, etc. When assigned by the CPOC Coordinator, assume the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one of the essential training domains related to the position of CPOC agent. Maintain currency on the developments within her/his domain of expertise and build up knowledge through external courses. Develop and prepare training tools in order to train the other CPOC agents of the team to the level required by CPU Management. Communicate to the CPOC Coordinator any gaps or inaccuracies that s/he has identified in the existing CPU SOP’s and propose changes to improve the efficiency of the Unit.
Information Management
Participate in the development and maintenance of the SOPs linked to the CPOC. Monitor the SG Residence mailboxes and react promptly to any communication addressed to the CPU team at the Residence. Inform CPU management in a timely manner of any information requiring their attention or action. Participate in the planning of visits, maintenance works and other happenings planned at the official NATO Residence of the SG. Reassure that they are all accurately and timely performed. Communicate all changes or updates to CPU management. Carry out administrative tasks assigned within the CPU.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The CPOC agent reports through the CPOC Coordinator and the Deputy Head of Unit to the Head CPU. When required, the CPOC agent interacts and coordinates events and arrangements with relevant staff at NATO, Belgian Police and any other actors involved in events at the Residence.
Direct Reports: N/A
Indirect Reports: N/A
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Achievement: Works to meet standards;
- Analytical Thinking: Breaks down problems;
- Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for correcting problems;
- Flexibility: Acts with flexibility;
- Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
- Organisational Commitment: Supports the Organization;
- Self-Control: Responds calmly;
- Teamwork: Cooperates.
In accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, the successful candidate will receive a definite duration contract of three years, which may be followed by an indefinite duration contract.
7. USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:
- For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
- For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment
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More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.
NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.
8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.
NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment, where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation, please inform us during your selection process.
Candidates will be required to provide documented medical evidence to support their request for accommodation.
Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.
Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.
Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.
The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements.
Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.
For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.
NATO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. For more info please click here.