1. SUMMARY
The Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security (ASG-I&S) leads the Joint Intelligence and Security Division (JISD). Within the NATO International Staff (IS), the ASG is responsible for the effective provision of intelligence and security at NATO Headquarters, in close interaction with the Strategic Commands. The ASG-I&S exercises authority over both IS and International Military Staff (IMS) elements, being accountable to the Secretary General and being responsible to both the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and the Military Committee (MC). In exercising her/his mandate, the ASG seeks guidance from the Civilian Intelligence Committee (CIC) and the Military Intelligence Committee (MIC) on all intelligence matters.
The ASG has broad delegated authority from the Secretary General on a number of topics related to intelligence and security. S/he manages a large Division (approximately 241 staff members) and is supported by two Deputy Assistant Secretaries General in the fields of Security and Intelligence, respectively. The ASG-I&S is supported by an Executive Staff, which provides the Secretariat for the Intelligence Steering Board (ISB) and includes the Secretariats of the CIC and MIC.
There are eight Assistant Secretaries General, all of whom report to the NATO Secretary General and are also accountable to the NAC. As a member of the organisation’s senior management, each Assistant Secretary General is also expected to contribute to overall policy development and delivery, including in areas beyond their direct set of responsibilities.
Key challenges facing the successful candidate for ASG-I&S during the next 3 years will include:
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Delivering relevant and timely strategic, anticipatory, and current intelligence that informs NATO decision-making at all levels;
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Continue to develop the Joint Intelligence and Security Division and improve its effectiveness and efficiency within the NATO Headquarters and the wider NATO enterprise;
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Enhancing security and counter-intelligence capabilities to ensure the security of NATO’s Headquarters and its personnel and the protection of classified information.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ASG-I&S will be a seasoned intelligence professional (civilian), and must:
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have a university degree or equivalent level of qualification in a field relevant for this position;
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have a strong background developed through at least 15 years of experience in the fields of intelligence and security;
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have broad experience working in civilian and military, intelligence and security environments and deep, comprehensive knowledge of security issues;
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have significant people management experience and the capacity to lead, motivate and engage a diverse multidisciplinary team;
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have a proven track record of experience in progressively senior posts, recent experience in senior-level leadership positions;
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have experience working in a multilateral environment or an environment with a variety of stakeholders from multi-cultural backgrounds, including the military, industry, science or technology communities;
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have experience facilitating high-level dialogue and consensus;
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have a proven track record of creating a high-level vision and directing organisations to develop and implement the necessary policies;
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be an innovative, strategic, conceptual thinker and be able to design and use complex influencing strategies to fulfil the required objectives;
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have experience championing organisation-wide change;
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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:
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a higher level of proficiency in NATO’s second official language (English/French).
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have a proven track record of successfully developing key relationships with NATO partner countries, in both bilateral and multinational settings.
3. ACCOUNTABILITIES
The ASG-I&S is accountable to the Secretary General for the establishment and efficient running of the JISD and for the effective provision of intelligence and strategic foresight at NATO HQ and for the quality of the JISD output. The ASG-I&S serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary General and NATO HQ elements on all strategic intelligence matters. In particular, the ASG-I&S :
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is responsible to the NAC and MC, according to the needs and requirements of each body;
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is fully responsible to and tasked by the Nations through the CIC and the MIC;
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serves as an advocate for nation-sourced collection capabilities;
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is the tasking authority for all intelligence staff elements within NATO HQ;
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chairs the ISB;
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is responsible for optimising intelligence support across the NATO-wide intelligence community;
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interacts with SHAPE on all intelligence matters and with ACT on intelligence capability development, intelligence standardization, and education and training.
The ASG speaks in public fora and to the press on behalf of the Secretary General. There is a representation function associated with this appointment within NATO HQ, NATO-wide and with Nations.
In her/his role as manager of the Division, the incumbent leads and oversees a team of IS and IMS, including many Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs). Towards that end, the ASG-I&S will aim to achieve the following objectives:
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Vision and Direction: Develop, communicate and implement a vision to face the future challenges of the Alliance. Support the team around common objectives, ensuring that vision guides its mid and long-term programme of work. Act as a role model of inclusive leadership and promote resilience, flexibility and innovation.
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People Management: Lead and oversee a large team of international staff working under the direct supervision of the Heads of Section, promoting integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and inclusive leadership culture, and ensuring the proper management and coherent tasking of human resources.
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Talent Attraction : Ensure recruitment panels for posts in his/her Division are fair and objective; Serve on the Establishment Committee and make selection recommendations with the best interests of the Organization in mind;
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Talent Development : Adhere to sound management principles with staff, and provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities; Be available for guidance at critical moments; Ensure that all Divisional staff are clear on Organizational and Divisional objectives; Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate and via the performance management system;
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Performance Management: Participate in a collegial review of performance at divisional level to discuss possible development and mobility opportunities for individuals, identify high potentials and help ensure common standards are applied in the process across the Organization;
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Continual Culture Improvement: Serve on internal strategy, policy, and coordination boards, as required. Actively contribute to the improvement of the Organization; Participate in the Senior Leader Orientation Programme, the Chairman Training Programme, and other programmes related to the successful execution of his/her duties.
4. COMPETENCIES
Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:
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Achievement: Demonstrates decisiveness based on solid considerations and trade-offs.
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Change Leadership: Champions change.
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Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts.
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Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training.
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Impact and Influence: Uses complex influence strategies.
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Initiative: Plans and acts for the long term.
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Leadership: Communicates a compelling vision.
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Organizational Awareness: Understands underlying issues.
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Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.
5. CONTRACT
The successful applicant will be employed for 3 years. Exceptionally, there may be a possibility of a one-year extension thereafter.
6. 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:
Selection of candidates for NATO posts is based upon the merit principle.
Shortlisted candidates will have to be available for the selection process which is expected to take place the week of 24 July 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.
COMPENSATION: candidates shortlisted will be provided with a simulation of the financial package for this post.
Please also note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.
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)
7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
NATO as employer values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all Member States 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.