- International Staff, NATO HQ
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Officer, Defence Planning
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 2, 2025
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 2, 2025
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 DPP, the Defence Planning Directorate (DPD) leads the International Staff (IS) in the conduct of the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP), aimed at harmonising and assisting national defence planning efforts and capability delivery by Allies. Many aspects of the NDPP require close cooperation with national capitals and delegations on all defence planning issues related to NATO, including the analysis of national defence programmes. (Please note that defence planning is usually conducted at national headquarters/Ministry of Defence/General Staff level and is distinct from, and should not be confused with, operational planning which focuses on planning for the conduct of actual operations.).
The Officer is required to interpret, analyse, advise and report on the Allies’ capabilities, plans and policies for their armed forces, with a particular focus on their special operations forces (SOF). They contribute SOF-specific expertise during all steps of the NDPP, and, where required, engage the leadership and staff of Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) on their development of SOF policy, doctrine, force standards, plans, and requirements.
They 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 that 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.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
Desirable
The following would be considered an advantage:
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Expertise Development
Participate in the analysis of NATO military requirements with a specific focus on SOF and assess these against the corresponding national plans of individual Allies. Be responsible for the analysis of defence and security capabilities and other subjects of a military nature, including the interpretation, analysis and assessment of the military force plans of assigned NATO countries.
Policy Development
Contribute to the further development of NATO policy and procedures, particularly in the field of SOF, by analysing requirements and capabilities. Support the drafting of policy papers and reports related to the NDPP and Alliance cooperation programmes.
Representation of the Organisation
Regularly represent the DPD in various meetings with national authorities of NATO countries.
Knowledge Management
Draft reports on the analysis of NATO military requirements and their assessment against corresponding national plans of member nations of the Alliance, and other subjects dealt with by the DPD as the need may arise, including for the North Atlantic Council and the Defence Policy and Planning Committee.
Stakeholder Management
Keep abreast of relevant political, military and financial developments in Alliance nations through regular meetings and contact with relevant stakeholders. Participate in meetings with national authorities of NATO countries (often outside Brussels) on their current and projected plans in the context of NATO's collective defence planning. Engage the leadership and staff of Allied SOFCOM on their development of SOF policy, doctrine, force standards, plans, and requirements.
Project Management
Manage projects and/or programmes as directed by the Director and/or Deputy Director of Defence Planning. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent is responsible reports to the Deputy Director/Head of the Defence Planning Section. The incumbent shares responsibility and work closely with the other staff officers in the Directorate; acts as a member of a team analysing and reporting on national defence efforts in the execution of their duties, establishes and maintains working relationships with other elements of the IS and the staffs of the NATO Military Authorities and the Allied SOFCOM, national delegations and liaison officers and, through delegations, with national authorities of NATO countries.
COMPETENCIES:
The incumbent must demonstrate:
CONTRACT:
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.
Contract clause applicable
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:
Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process. Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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.
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 DPP, the Defence Planning Directorate (DPD) leads the International Staff (IS) in the conduct of the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP), aimed at harmonising and assisting national defence planning efforts and capability delivery by Allies. Many aspects of the NDPP require close cooperation with national capitals and delegations on all defence planning issues related to NATO, including the analysis of national defence programmes. (Please note that defence planning is usually conducted at national headquarters/Ministry of Defence/General Staff level and is distinct from, and should not be confused with, operational planning which focuses on planning for the conduct of actual operations.).
The Officer is required to interpret, analyse, advise and report on the Allies’ capabilities, plans and policies for their armed forces, with a particular focus on their special operations forces (SOF). They contribute SOF-specific expertise during all steps of the NDPP, and, where required, engage the leadership and staff of Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) on their development of SOF policy, doctrine, force standards, plans, and requirements.
They 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 that 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.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
- Possess a university degree in a relevant field for the post, from an institute of recognized standing, or have attended a NATO or national military joint staff college (OF-3 level or higher);
- Have at least 6 years’ experience in a SOF or dedicated/organic SOF-enabling role; out of which at least 3 years of national or international experience (preferably both) in the field of SOF-related capability development/defence planning, evidenced through previous posts;
- Have experience at Ministry of Defence, national Special Operations Command (SOCOM), SOF formation, and/or Allied SOFCOM level;
- Have a good knowledge of SOF and SOF-capabilities across all domains;
- Have considerable experience in the preparation of military force development plans (preferably for SOF, but land, maritime, or air force also acceptable) and the associated financial, manpower and procurement planning (noting that military force/defence planning is not to be confused with military operations planning);
- Be aware of the political, economic and financial considerations underlying national and NATO defence plans and policies, and also understand the relevant military and technical aspects;
- Have excellent editing and drafting skills;
- Have a good general knowledge of NATO affairs, including the organisation, basic rules and processes, and major topics of the day;
- Be able to communicate clear, logical, persuasive and succinct arguments in oral and especially written form;
- Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
- Be flexible to travel frequently (approximately 30% of working time).
Desirable
The following would be considered an advantage:
- Experience at the joint operational (two star or above) level;
- A Master’s degree;
- A good knowledge of the NDPP;
- Military staff experience at senior officer level.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Expertise Development
Participate in the analysis of NATO military requirements with a specific focus on SOF and assess these against the corresponding national plans of individual Allies. Be responsible for the analysis of defence and security capabilities and other subjects of a military nature, including the interpretation, analysis and assessment of the military force plans of assigned NATO countries.
Policy Development
Contribute to the further development of NATO policy and procedures, particularly in the field of SOF, by analysing requirements and capabilities. Support the drafting of policy papers and reports related to the NDPP and Alliance cooperation programmes.
Representation of the Organisation
Regularly represent the DPD in various meetings with national authorities of NATO countries.
Knowledge Management
Draft reports on the analysis of NATO military requirements and their assessment against corresponding national plans of member nations of the Alliance, and other subjects dealt with by the DPD as the need may arise, including for the North Atlantic Council and the Defence Policy and Planning Committee.
Stakeholder Management
Keep abreast of relevant political, military and financial developments in Alliance nations through regular meetings and contact with relevant stakeholders. Participate in meetings with national authorities of NATO countries (often outside Brussels) on their current and projected plans in the context of NATO's collective defence planning. Engage the leadership and staff of Allied SOFCOM on their development of SOF policy, doctrine, force standards, plans, and requirements.
Project Management
Manage projects and/or programmes as directed by the Director and/or Deputy Director of Defence Planning. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent is responsible reports to the Deputy Director/Head of the Defence Planning Section. The incumbent shares responsibility and work closely with the other staff officers in the Directorate; acts as a member of a team analysing and reporting on national defence efforts in the execution of their duties, establishes and maintains working relationships with other elements of the IS and the staffs of the NATO Military Authorities and the Allied SOFCOM, national delegations and liaison officers and, through delegations, with national authorities of NATO countries.
- Direct reports: N/a;
- Indirect reports: N/a.
COMPETENCIES:
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
- Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
- Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
- Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
- Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
- Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
- Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
CONTRACT:
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.
Contract clause applicable
- In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation's need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity;
- The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract;
- If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years;
- Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.
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.
Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process. Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.
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.
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;
- 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.
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