- International Staff, NATO HQ
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Officer, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Development
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 13, 2025
- International Staff, NATO HQ
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 13, 2025
SUMMARY:
The Defence Investment (DI) Division is responsible for facilitating the development and adoption of cutting-edge, innovative and interoperable capabilities, critical to ensuring the Alliance’s ability to undertake the full spectrum of missions and operations. Key lines of effort include:
The Armament and Aerospace Capabilities Directorate (A&A Cap) supports consensus decision making at NATO Headquarters on a wide range of joint, land, air and maritime capabilities required for the full range of the Alliance’s missions. The Directorate supports NATO Defence Planning activities and related capability initiatives. To that end, it provides capability-related advice to NATO committees and the Organization’s senior management. Specific responsibilities include policy and capability development, support and oversight in the areas of Integrated Air and Missile Defence, Aerospace, Joint Intelligence, Reconnaissance, Surveillance (JISR) as well as multinational armaments cooperation and projects.
The Aerospace Capabilities Section is responsible for policy guidance, capability delivery and cooperation in the air and space domains, with a total aviation system approach covering holistically a broad spectrum of aerospace areas, in support of NATO missions and operations. These areas include aviation safety and security, air armaments, manned aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), including Class 1 UAS, air traffic management (ATM), airfields, space and airspace integration, airworthiness, aeronautical systems, civil-military coordination, interoperability and standardization. The Section acts as NATO’s primary interface with international aviation organisations and provides support for the International Staff (IS), International Military Staff (IMS), National Military Authorities (NMAs), NATO bodies and Agencies, including the Conference of National Armament Directors (CNAD), the Aviation Committee (AVC) and their sub-structures.
The Officer supports the Head of Section in all Section activities. In particular, the incumbent is the focal point for policy development, harmonization, support and implementation of NATO’s RPA’s Readiness Initiative and other activities in NATO UAS portfolio. Under the supervision of the Head of Section, the Officer supports relevant NATO Committees and Groups providing expert advice, developing relevant policy papers, and serving as Chair or Secretary as needed. They also participate in meetings of other International Organisations as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
Desirable
The following would be considered an advantage:
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Policy Development
Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of policy documents dealing with all aspects of the Section’s activities. Follow closely NATO political and military developments and the continuous evolution of the UAS technologies to influence and support implementation of all aspects of NATO UAS Policy delivering against core tasks of the Alliance. This includes, specifically, the consideration of all civil-military aviation related aspects in support to the effective air operations of alliance UAS in particular implementation of NATO’s RPAS Readiness initiative. Follow and advise bodies in the military and civil arena on relevant UAS related activities.
Expertise Development
Assist in the preparation of specialist documents dealing with all aspects of the integration of the spectrum of RPAS, semi-automated and autonomous aircraft systems in NATO, including integration into operations, command and control considerations, risk-based employment and protection against their malicious use. Support implementation of policies and strategies to promote and safeguard NATO operational capabilities. Assist the AVC, CNAD, and MC and their subordinate structures, and take the necessary follow-up action to implement decisions in the areas of operational readiness, air safety and security.
Representation of the Organization
Participate in meetings and act as Chair or Secretary of related bodies, participate in meetings and activities of international aviation organisations, follow UAS issues in other NATO bodies and participate in meetings of other organisations (e.g. the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the European Defence Agency (EDA)) on behalf of the Directorate, as required.
Project Management
Work in close coordination and cooperation with NATO nations, military authorities, and external organisations to develop and manage the implementation of NATO’s UAS Policy and related strategies to promote a coherent and consistent approach to unmanned aircraft across the Alliance. Support STANAG content development in the AVC RPAS Standardisation Panel and the sub-structure of the Joint Capability Group UAS and act as Secretary to the NATO Remotely Piloted Aircraft – Airspace Integration – Integrated Project team (RAI IPT) to foster and develop synergies between NATO aims and national RPAS programmes in line with NATO UAS Policy.
Stakeholder Management
Establish and maintain a broad network of contacts inside and outside NATO and ensure that systemic mechanisms are established to coordinate among all classes of UAS, airworthiness, counter Class 1 UAS, and ATM stakeholders.
Knowledge Management
Review extant documents for currency and relevance, initiating corrective action when appropriate and suggest new documents and publications. Assist in the maintenance of relevant web pages.
Information Management
Work with the administrative staff, ensuring documents are distributed in a timely manner to stakeholders and customers. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent reports to the Head of the Aerospace Capabilities Section. They establish and maintain a good working relationship with members of the national delegations, other members of IS, representatives of IMS, NMAs and NATO Agencies. When required, the incumbent also works closely with the staffs of various international aviation organisations, especially International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), European Commission/European Union (EC/EU), and Eurocontrol.
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
NOTE: Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic, and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post. Under specific circumstances, serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade, and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty four months for external candidates. These circumstances are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.
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 Investment (DI) Division is responsible for facilitating the development and adoption of cutting-edge, innovative and interoperable capabilities, critical to ensuring the Alliance’s ability to undertake the full spectrum of missions and operations. Key lines of effort include:
- Leading the development of major complex capability programmes in the land, maritime, air and space domains - including on Air and Missile Defence, Alliance Future Surveillance and Control capability (follow on to AWACS), Air Command and Control (Air C2), Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) assets and other critical Consultation, Command & Control (C3) networks – and in doing so addressing all policy, political-military, technical and practical aspects;
- Leading NATO’s policy and engagements in the aviation domain;
- Pursuing interoperability through prioritised standardisation efforts, developing with Allies new approaches to operational challenges, supported by a commitment to operational experimentation and innovation;
- Leading NATO engagement with Defence Industry and working to ensure the resilience and robustness of the transatlantic Defence Industrial Base;
- Maintaining the Alliance’s technological edge through exploring and driving adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies, with a particular focus on autonomous systems;
- Facilitating multinational cooperation in capability development through a series of specific initiatives tackling critical capability requirements;
- Understanding, adapting to, and pro-actively addressing climate change;
- Informing and responding to the Alliance’s evolving capability needs through the NATO Defence Planning;
- Providing oversight to NATO Agencies involved in capability development and delivery (in particular NATO Communication and Information Agency and NATO Support and Procurement Agency);
- Working with a range of key stakeholders within NATO including the Strategic Commands and externally with NATO Partners and relevant international and regional organisations including the EU, as well as with industry and academia.
The Armament and Aerospace Capabilities Directorate (A&A Cap) supports consensus decision making at NATO Headquarters on a wide range of joint, land, air and maritime capabilities required for the full range of the Alliance’s missions. The Directorate supports NATO Defence Planning activities and related capability initiatives. To that end, it provides capability-related advice to NATO committees and the Organization’s senior management. Specific responsibilities include policy and capability development, support and oversight in the areas of Integrated Air and Missile Defence, Aerospace, Joint Intelligence, Reconnaissance, Surveillance (JISR) as well as multinational armaments cooperation and projects.
The Aerospace Capabilities Section is responsible for policy guidance, capability delivery and cooperation in the air and space domains, with a total aviation system approach covering holistically a broad spectrum of aerospace areas, in support of NATO missions and operations. These areas include aviation safety and security, air armaments, manned aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), including Class 1 UAS, air traffic management (ATM), airfields, space and airspace integration, airworthiness, aeronautical systems, civil-military coordination, interoperability and standardization. The Section acts as NATO’s primary interface with international aviation organisations and provides support for the International Staff (IS), International Military Staff (IMS), National Military Authorities (NMAs), NATO bodies and Agencies, including the Conference of National Armament Directors (CNAD), the Aviation Committee (AVC) and their sub-structures.
The Officer supports the Head of Section in all Section activities. In particular, the incumbent is the focal point for policy development, harmonization, support and implementation of NATO’s RPA’s Readiness Initiative and other activities in NATO UAS portfolio. Under the supervision of the Head of Section, the Officer supports relevant NATO Committees and Groups providing expert advice, developing relevant policy papers, and serving as Chair or Secretary as needed. They also participate in meetings of other International Organisations as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
The incumbent must:
- Possess a degree from a university, college, institute or military academy of recognised standing, preferably in aviation, engineering, or science;
- Have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in civil or military aviation including in components of UAS operations, development, policy or acquisitions;
- Have extensive knowledge of the operational and technical aspects of all classes of UAS;
- Have a good knowledge and familiarity with the international aviation environment;
- Have experience and a demonstrated ability to work in an international environment;
- Have experience in preparing and presenting briefings to military and civilian audiences at all levels;
- Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.
Desirable
The following would be considered an advantage:
- Certification in project management;
- Experience in multinational programmes and cooperative developments;
- Experience in the planning and execution of all classes of UAS air operations;
- Broad knowledge of armaments planning matters and how they relate to other planning disciplines within the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP);
- Good knowledge of the civil and military structure of the Alliance and also of NATO policy, organisation and procedures.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Policy Development
Coordinate and assist in the development and implementation of policy documents dealing with all aspects of the Section’s activities. Follow closely NATO political and military developments and the continuous evolution of the UAS technologies to influence and support implementation of all aspects of NATO UAS Policy delivering against core tasks of the Alliance. This includes, specifically, the consideration of all civil-military aviation related aspects in support to the effective air operations of alliance UAS in particular implementation of NATO’s RPAS Readiness initiative. Follow and advise bodies in the military and civil arena on relevant UAS related activities.
Expertise Development
Assist in the preparation of specialist documents dealing with all aspects of the integration of the spectrum of RPAS, semi-automated and autonomous aircraft systems in NATO, including integration into operations, command and control considerations, risk-based employment and protection against their malicious use. Support implementation of policies and strategies to promote and safeguard NATO operational capabilities. Assist the AVC, CNAD, and MC and their subordinate structures, and take the necessary follow-up action to implement decisions in the areas of operational readiness, air safety and security.
Representation of the Organization
Participate in meetings and act as Chair or Secretary of related bodies, participate in meetings and activities of international aviation organisations, follow UAS issues in other NATO bodies and participate in meetings of other organisations (e.g. the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the European Defence Agency (EDA)) on behalf of the Directorate, as required.
Project Management
Work in close coordination and cooperation with NATO nations, military authorities, and external organisations to develop and manage the implementation of NATO’s UAS Policy and related strategies to promote a coherent and consistent approach to unmanned aircraft across the Alliance. Support STANAG content development in the AVC RPAS Standardisation Panel and the sub-structure of the Joint Capability Group UAS and act as Secretary to the NATO Remotely Piloted Aircraft – Airspace Integration – Integrated Project team (RAI IPT) to foster and develop synergies between NATO aims and national RPAS programmes in line with NATO UAS Policy.
Stakeholder Management
Establish and maintain a broad network of contacts inside and outside NATO and ensure that systemic mechanisms are established to coordinate among all classes of UAS, airworthiness, counter Class 1 UAS, and ATM stakeholders.
Knowledge Management
Review extant documents for currency and relevance, initiating corrective action when appropriate and suggest new documents and publications. Assist in the maintenance of relevant web pages.
Information Management
Work with the administrative staff, ensuring documents are distributed in a timely manner to stakeholders and customers. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The incumbent reports to the Head of the Aerospace Capabilities Section. They establish and maintain a good working relationship with members of the national delegations, other members of IS, representatives of IMS, NMAs and NATO Agencies. When required, the incumbent also works closely with the staffs of various international aviation organisations, especially International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), European Commission/European Union (EC/EU), and Eurocontrol.
- Direct reports: N/A;
- Indirect reports: N/A.
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.
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.
NOTE: Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic, and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post. Under specific circumstances, serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade, and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty four months for external candidates. These circumstances are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.
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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