Defence Policy Officer – Russia
Brussels, Belgium
JOB DETAIL
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.
As part of the Defence Policy and Capabilities Directorate (DPCD), the Defence Policy Section deals with a wide range of issues related to Alliance defence policies and strategies. In particular, it is in charge of the substantive preparation of the defence aspects of Summits, of Defence Ministers’ meetings, and of Defence Policy Directors’ meetings. It provides policy and political advice on NATO-EU cooperation on capability development, military mobility and on European Defence issues. The Section maintains an awareness of major security and defence developments on the international scene, and prepares policy papers for Allies’ consideration on a wide range of defence policy issues, such as space. It also engages with Allies and Partners on defence policy issues on a regular basis.
The incumbent is mainly responsible for the provision and coordination of policy and political advice on Russia’s strategy, security and defence policy, military establishment, and regional and global military activities, in line with the 2022 Strategic Concept. S/He is also responsible for general questions on defence policy and must be able to draft policy papers on a wide range of issues and political-military advice, in particular on the overall implementation of the Alliance’s strengthened deterrence and defence posture, to be discussed by the Defence Policy and Planning Committee (DPPC). In this context, s/he will be asked to draft defence policy papers for the Council and subordinate committees, prepare briefing materials for the Secretary General and other high-level officials, write speeches and articles, provide lectures and briefings, and represent NATO at international conferences.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
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possess a university degree from an institute of recognised standing or equivalent qualification in a relevant field (e.g. international relations, Russian Studies, security policy, political science);
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have at least 6 years’ of relevant work experience in the field of defence related international affairs with a focus on defence policy and/or international relations, for a national administration or international organization;
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have a very good knowledge of and experience in Russia’s strategy, defence and security policy, military establishment, and regional and global military activities;
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be conversant with the Alliance’s political and military consultative processes and key defence and security policy issues on its agenda;
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have very good political judgement;
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have excellent analytical skills, including the ability to identify and distil complex policy issues;
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have strong communication and drafting skills;
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have a clear understanding of and substantive experience in major contemporary international political, politico-military and defence questions; and be able to analyse and assess these issues and prepare competent products under time pressure;
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have strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment as a team member as well as independently;
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possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
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be prepared to work outside normal hours when needed;
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have a very good understanding of Russian language (oral and written) – B2 level.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
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an advanced degree (MA) or other certification/diploma in a field relevant for the position.
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a C1 level in Russian language;
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a record of publications in the relevant field;
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have a basic knowledge of NATO or national defence planning procedures.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Policy Development
Provide or coordinate advice on general questions of defence policy and cooperation, including the development of general and specific policy documents. Contribute to the development of politico-military guidance on defence matters. Draft policy proposals covering defence and security issues. Provide input to policy, strategy and conceptual papers developed by colleagues
Expertise Development
Develop expertise on Russia’s strategy, defence and security policy and on defence policy, strategy and cooperation matters in general, and on specific issues assigned as needed.
Stakeholder Management
Develop and maintain a network of contacts within NATO, including other parts of the International Staff, NATO Military Authorities and National Delegations, as well as outside the Alliance with other international organisations, think tanks and experts in the security environment in order to better monitor and analyse current affairs and key policy issues. Coordinate closely with colleagues in DPP and other Divisions to ensure policy developments are aligned with other NATO activities.
Knowledge Management
Develop reports and studies on wider security issues and on their interaction with defence policy and programmes. Prepare reports, briefing materials, press statements and other material for defence ministerial meetings. Draft presentations, related to own area of competence, to be used by the Assistant Secretary General (ASG), Defence Policy and Planning (DPP) or other senior NATO officials. Report on developments in own area of responsibility and recommend application to the work of the Section.
Information Management
Determine priorities, identify urgent matters, and organise and address tasks and requirements accordingly. Channel information to key players in NATO and influence strategy and opinions. Assist appropriate NATO committees in the development and preparation of documents dealing with the conceptual development of the Alliance’s defence policy.
Representation of the Organization
Brief and lecture visiting groups, represent the Alliance at conferences, workshops and seminars, and present papers, as directed.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports to the Head, Defence Policy (DPP) on a regular basis and through him to the Director, Defence Policy and Capabilities Directorate as needed. S/He assists in the coordination of the Directorate’s work within the Division, with other divisions of the International Staff, with the NATO Military Authorities and with national delegations. S/He liaises with other international organisations to develop unified defence and security policies.
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
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Analytical Thinking: Makes complex plans or analyses;
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Clarity and Accuracy: Checks own work;
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Conceptual Thinking: Applies learned concepts;
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Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for correcting problems;
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Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
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Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
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Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture;
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Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
6. 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.
7. 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:
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For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
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For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment
Please 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).
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.
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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