Officer, Nuclear Policy
🔍 Belgium
1. SUMMARY
The Defence Policy and Planning (DPP) Division has the lead role on the defence-related aspects of NATO's fundamental security tasks at the political-military level. Within the DPP Division, the Nuclear Policy Directorate (NPD) is responsible for all aspects of NATO nuclear deterrence.
NPD is responsible for planning the work of, and providing support to, the Nuclear Planning Group (NPG) and its subordinate bodies, primarily the NPG Staff Group.
Within NDP, the incumbent serves as an officer and assists in the development of documents related to, inter alia, nuclear policy, planning, posture, capabilities, consultations, exercises and strategic communication. This also includes close coordination and enhancing coherence within broader deterrence and defence policy activities, and with other relevant NATO bodies, such as those focused on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation (ADN). The incumbent therefore closely works with NATO Allies, other divisions of the NATO International Staff, and with NATO Military Authorities to advance NPD policy areas and activities.
As required, the incumbent provides other support, including drafting reports for seminars, symposia and conferences, or other events conducted and/or supported by NPD, including for example the annual Nuclear Policy Symposium. In addition, they perform additional duties as required by the Director.
The incumbent will work in a Division which considers diversity and inclusion as essential to the way it works. At DPP, Diversity and Inclusion is considered to be as important as our programme of work and the number of staff who support it. DPP is a workplace which values each staff member for their contributions, perspectives and potential. At DPP, staff members feel equally involved in and supported in all areas of the workplace.
2. QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
- possess a university degree in political science, international affairs, or defence policy from an institute of recognized standing;
- have at least five years’ experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of defence policy and planning, preferably with knowledge of various aspects of nuclear deterrence;
- demonstrate a general understanding of current political and defence issues and priorities affecting the Alliance;
- have experience in presenting to senior audiences and the general ability to communicate clear, logical, persuasive and succinct arguments;
- be able to draft quickly, clearly and concisely in one of the official languages;
- possess a sound knowledge and understanding of the Alliance processes and procedures, including the NATO committee structure, and the respective responsibilities and functions of, and relationships between, the North Atlantic Council / NPG and the Military Committee; and the International Military Staff (IMS) and International Staff (IS);
- have experience working in a multi-national environment;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficiency”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- understanding of NATO policies and procedures; the civil and military structure of the Alliance, particularly the responsibilities and roles of the NATO civil and military bodies involved in nuclear policy and planning;
- similar work experience gained through service at a national administration or international organisation or in the military;
- a relevant post graduate degree.
Policy Development
Take a lead role in the development of NATO nuclear deterrence policy, consisting of all aspects of NATO nuclear deterrence (i.e., policy, planning, posture, capabilities, consultations, exercises, and strategic communications), including drafting policy documents, strategic communications messaging, speech-writing, and studies on nuclear policy and posture.
Project Management
Prepare for and support meetings of the NPG Staff Group, the NPG, and other relevant committees. Plan and organise NATO nuclear symposia, seminars and other events, including Nuclear Consultation Meetings. Support meetings for NPG Ministers, Permanent Representatives, and the High-Level Group (HLG). Ensure high quality policy and products are developed and delivered from NPD.
Knowledge Management
Lead the preparation of documents and publications relating to nuclear policy as directed, and exchange knowledge and information with colleagues on relevant issues. Work with Allies, other International Staff Divisions, and NATO Military Authorities to ensure timely and appropriate implementation of NPG decisions and directives.
Stakeholder Management
Maintain close and frequent contact with NPG Staff Group members, including Allies, the International Staff, and the NATO Military Authorities, relevant to the accomplishment of Committee work and related projects. Support activities of other NATO committees concerned with nuclear policy matters and other divisions within the IS as required. Coordinate closely with colleagues in DPP and other Divisions to ensure nuclear policy developments align with other defence and deterrence activities.
Expertise Development
Keep abreast of ongoing issues and developments within the NATO nuclear deterrence mission and maintain general knowledge of the Organization and its structure, together with political awareness and familiarity with current developments in international affairs, nuclear developments, and deterrence and defence in general. Apply professional experience in order to advise and assist Committee Chairs and officers to ensure prompt and orderly conduct of Committee business. Mentor newcomers as required.
Representation of the Organization
Plan, participate in, and contribute to conferences, seminars and exercises related to NATO nuclear deterrence and related issues. Draft and develop public-facing materials, including press points, speeches, and strategic communications on NATO nuclear deterrence. Give presentations and lectures on subjects related to NATO nuclear deterrence, as required.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports to the Director, Nuclear Policy and maintains close working relationships with other Nuclear Policy Directorate colleagues, as well as with other representatives from the NATO International Staff, NATO Military Authorities, Allied governments, and international or non-governmental organisations undertaking activities relating to the field of nuclear policy, arms control, non-proliferation and related deterrence and defence matters.
Direct reports: N/A
Indirect reports: N/A
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Analytical Thinking: Makes complex plans or analyses;
- Clarity and Accuracy: Checks own work;
- Conceptual Thinking: Applies learned concepts;
- Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for correcting problems;
- Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
- Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
- Organisational Awareness: Understands organizational climate and culture;
- Teamwork: Solicits inputs & encourages others.
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.
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