- SHAPE
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Senior Assistant (Language Testing)
- SHAPE
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: April 6, 2025
- SHAPE
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: April 6, 2025
POST CONTEXT/POST SUMMARY:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework, employing a multi-domain and multi-region focus to create a 360- degree approach, with the flexibility to enable, upon direction, a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE). SHAPE supports the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe (SACEUR) in fulfilling his terms of reference, as directed by the North Atlantic Council.
The Management Directorate (MGT) primary focus is to provide all the necessary staffing and real-life support functions to enable SHAPE to deliver its critical outputs as a Strategic Military HQ. The Directorate acts as the HQ’s conduit to member nations (through National Military Representatives (NMRs) and to host nation authorities.
The Base Support Group (BSG) ensures an adequate infrastructure exists to support the operational requirements of all NATO and NATO related entities located within the SHAPE campus.
The Resource Management Branch (REM) provides overall management support and coordination in all branches within BSG. The Linguistic Services Section (LIN) ensures that SHAPE is able to communicate internally and externally in more than one language.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
The incumbent's duties are:
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential
Professional/Experience
Education/Training
Higher Secondary education and completed higher vocational training in relevant modern languages, any subject if education accomplished in both of the mandatory languages or related discipline leading to a formal technical or professional certification with 3 years function related experience, or Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related experience.
Language
Desirable
Professional Experience
Language
ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES:
Personal Attributes
Managerial Responsibilities
Professional Contacts
Contribution to Objectives
Supervisory Responsibilities
REMARKS:
Duration of contract: Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.
The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.
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.
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.
Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:
Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang-en). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.
More information to be found on these links:
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.
Remarks
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework, employing a multi-domain and multi-region focus to create a 360- degree approach, with the flexibility to enable, upon direction, a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE). SHAPE supports the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe (SACEUR) in fulfilling his terms of reference, as directed by the North Atlantic Council.
The Management Directorate (MGT) primary focus is to provide all the necessary staffing and real-life support functions to enable SHAPE to deliver its critical outputs as a Strategic Military HQ. The Directorate acts as the HQ’s conduit to member nations (through National Military Representatives (NMRs) and to host nation authorities.
The Base Support Group (BSG) ensures an adequate infrastructure exists to support the operational requirements of all NATO and NATO related entities located within the SHAPE campus.
The Resource Management Branch (REM) provides overall management support and coordination in all branches within BSG. The Linguistic Services Section (LIN) ensures that SHAPE is able to communicate internally and externally in more than one language.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
The incumbent's duties are:
- Reports to Section Head, Linguistic Services Section (LIN);
- Ensures that language evaluation is performed correctly and uniformly in all ACO HQs and elements;
- Evaluates existing English and, if qualified, French language tests and updates or prepares new tests for use within ACO;
- Advises the Section Head and provides recommendations on language testing;
- Co-directs the work of the SHAPE Language Testing Centre (SLTC);
- Conducts English language testing in accordance with STANAG 6001;
- Provides counselling to test-takers on how to improve their language skills and possibly advice on and assistance with the conduct of self-study programmes;
- Conducts testing and acts as a qualified language advisor (QLA) to assist selection boards involved in the recruitment of NATO International Civilian staff in accordance with ACO Directive 50-13;
- Trains qualified language advisors (QLAs) throughout ACO (and other NATO commands upon request;
- Proponent for SD 75-4, Verification of Language Proficiency of Military Personnel;
- Facilitates Allied Command Transformation and Marshall Center Language Training Seminars (LTS) held at the Marshall Center when requested by Director, Partner Language Training Center Europe;
- Conducts language testing training workshops and seminars for nations and subordinate commands when required;
- Ensures that all administrative work for the preparation of tests and retests, including test appointments and the notification of test results is performed;
- Maintains statistical records of test results;
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Section Head.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
- The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries up to 180 days;
- The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential
Professional/Experience
- Familiarity with NATO language-proficiency standards and directives;
- Three years spent teaching the English language;
- Solid experience working as an English-language proficiency tester;
- Experience in an international treaty-based organization, a military headquarters or other relevant language-training setting.
Education/Training
Higher Secondary education and completed higher vocational training in relevant modern languages, any subject if education accomplished in both of the mandatory languages or related discipline leading to a formal technical or professional certification with 3 years function related experience, or Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related experience.
Language
- English - SLP 4444 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Desirable
Professional Experience
- Familiarity with STANAG 6001 descriptors;
- Public speaking or completion of the Language Testing Seminar and Advanced Language Testing Seminar at the George Marshall Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or participation in the work of the Bureau for International Language Coordination (BILC);
- Graduate - level education (Master’s degree or higher) in English, testing/Test Design or a similar field;
- Native – speaker of English with demonstrated writing ability performing at a level expected in a professional context and of a quality appropriate for a professional working in a linguistic discipline.
Language
- French - SLP 3333.
ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES:
Personal Attributes
- Thought and Judgement: Uses own judgement in performing routine duties; proposes courses of action to supervisor and to Section in other areas;
- Adaptability and Ability to Reframe Problems: Incumbent must be able to devise and adapt systems to handle the work in his/her domain, to adapt to a variety of situations, and to adopt new working practices and technology; incumbent must be able to reframe problems and recommend alternative courses of action;
- Tact and Diplomacy: Tact and diplomacy are required of the incumbent in all phases of the job;
- Desire to See Others Do Well: Works within the Section to ensure that success is a team endeavor and not merely a personal achievement; works with customers to support continued improvement in the area of language skills and create conditions for success for test candidates; explains shortcomings to test candidates in an encouraging, constructive way;
- Nuanced Approach to Linguistic Expression: Demonstrates attentiveness to detail and nuance in their own speech and writing (a prerequisite for assessing and helping others), and in turn displays attentiveness to detail and nuance when evaluating the speech and writing of others;
- Sensitivity to Other Languages and Cultures: Display sensitivity to the great variety of cultures and languages within the NATO Alliance, and shown awareness of how and where other languages impact test results or interfere with success; will put test candidates at ease;
- Listening and Communication Skills: Writes with attention to detail; displays attention to nuanced listening and reading skills needed both for language testing and for becoming part of a team within the Linguistic Services Section; communicates well.
Managerial Responsibilities
- Assists the Section Head and fund managers in managing language-testing budgets.
Professional Contacts
- With work associates, requestors and providers of language – proficiency testing, linguistic and other services (officers organizing meetings/courses, fund managers, hotels, travel office, etc.).
Contribution to Objectives
- Assists in achieving the objectives of the Linguistic Service to which they are assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervises that language evaluation is performed correctly and uniformly in all ACO HQs and elements;
- Evaluates existing English (and French, if qualified) language tests and updates or prepares new tests for use within ACO.
REMARKS:
Duration of contract: Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.
The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.
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.
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.
Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:
Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang-en). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.
More information to be found on these links:
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.
Remarks
- Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE;
- Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed, or, re-submit the application;
- Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancy’s closing date;
- 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.
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