Head, Headquarters Security Force
Brussels, Belgium
JOB DETAIL
1. SUMMARY
The Joint Intelligence and Security Division (JISD), under the leadership of the Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security (ASG I&S), comprises two principal pillars: Intelligence headed by the Deputy ASG for Intelligence; and the NATO Office of Security, (NOS) – headed by the Deputy ASG for Security
Within the JISD, the NOS is responsible for the overall coordination of NATO security among member Nations, NATO civil and military bodies as well as International Organisations and partner countries with which NATO cooperates. It is also responsible for the security of the NATO Headquarters and its personnel in Brussels, for the protection of the Secretary General and for the security and safety of its personnel in and on missions abroad.
The NOS comprises the Office of the Director, the Security and Policy Oversight Branch (SPOB), the Protective Security and Emergency Services Branch (PSESB), the Security Intelligence Branch (SIB) and the Close Protection Unit (CPU). Its functional areas address: personnel, physical, information and industrial security, communication and information systems security (including cyber defence); counterintelligence and counterespionage; threats from terrorism; close protection; security force services; emergency response services (e.g. fire and medical).
The PSESB’s mission is to ensure the security and safety of the NATO Headquarters, its people, infrastructure and information. In coordination with the Host Nation it analyses threats and vulnerabilities, determines risks and takes action to minimise them. Its staff work in the following domains: access management; security regulations and infractions; physical security; security awareness and “special events” (high-level meetings at the NATO HQ and in NATO member and partner nations). It also provides advice on protective security issues in the NATO satellite offices.
The incumbent is responsible for managing the in-house Headquarters Security Force in line with the concept of operations. They also have operational control of the supplementary contract guard force and is responsible for delivering the optimal mix of all available resources. They are responsible for the implementation of security measures connected with the protection (personnel, infrastructure and information) of the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, or any other assigned location, armed or otherwise, as circumstances dictate. The Head, HQSF works under the supervision of the Head, Operations Section.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
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possess a university degree or equivalent qualification from an institute of recognised standing;
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possess at least 5 years of professional experience in a team management and coordination;
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possess experience managing a large security force (e.g. police, military, private in excess of 50 personnel) in a leadership role;
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be conversant in all aspects of people management and dedicated operational leadership;
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have demonstrable experience in all aspects of security force management, to include capability development, enforcement operations, interoperability, stakeholder engagement, training, exercising and evaluation, liaison, budget management, continuous improvement, policy and procedure development, and contractor management;
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possess a sound knowledge of current trends in security operations, tactical response and emergency management procedures, including knowledge of modern security systems, infrastructure and techniques;
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have a high level of understanding of contingency planning and armed tactical intervention procedures;
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possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written and be able to draft clear, concise and compelling reports;
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possess the following minimum levels in the official languages of NATO (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one and III (“Intermediate”) in the other;
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have the flexibility to work outside normal office hours in response to crises and urgent requirements.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- a good knowledge of NATO’s security policy and its supporting directives;
- sound people management and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated experience in the human resources aspects of staff management (recruitment, performance management, complaints procedures, overtime management, shift roster management etc.);
- experience in the area of operational capability development, and be comfortable with leading the development of new tactical procedures covering all aspects of security operations;
- demonstrated experience in crisis management and incident command and control;
- experience working in a large and complex multi-national, multi-cultural organisation;
- demonstrable experience of joint operations with multiple agencies and stakeholders, with a focus on interoperability and shared responsibilities and goals;
- relevant knowledge of Host Nation Belgium authorities, emergency response forces and emergency intervention capabilities;
- formal training at national military/police staff academy or equivalent;
- experience in the use of firearms and non-lethal use of force equipment and application/execution armed intervention policies and procedures;
- experience in the application and articulation of the graduated use of force, and legally binding rules of engagement;
- good physical condition to enable them to lead and manage the security force, and to effectively operate in a crisis management situation;
- demonstrable experience in the area of event management security for high level and public events.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Planning and Execution
Manage and supervise the Headquarters Security Force, the overall mission of which is to ensure the protection of NATO Headquarters, its personnel and its classified information in accordance with the NATO Security Regulations. Supervise all administrative records. Supervise the daily operations and missions of the Security Force. In conjunction with the Head, Operations Section plan, coordinate and implement security measures required for North Atlantic Council (NAC) activities, ministerial, summits and other high level meetings, at or outside NATO Headquarters as required, involving Headquarters Security Force /contractor personnel.
Project Management
Identify and use resources wisely. Review performance of own projects as directed. Identify opportunities for improvement. Respond to changes in requirements and respond in a positive and flexible manner to change and uncertainty. Establish clear plans and timeframes for project implementation. Take responsibility for managing work projects to achieve results. See projects through to completion and identify lessons. Monitor project progress and adjust plans as required. Consider the ramifications of issues and longer-term impact of own work and work area.
Stakeholder Management
Establish and maintain good working relationships with the relevant Belgian authorities, and stay current on Host Nation legislation and practice regarding security and weapons. Provide professional expertise on security throughout the Headquarters as requested, including to Delegations, Missions and others as directed by PSESB management. Ensure the passage of information throughout the Security Force is efficient, accurate and timely. Be responsible for ensuring that all instructions issued by PSESB management are communicated to and understood by the Inspectors, all Headquarters Security Force staff, and the contractor security force in accordance with the contract.
Organisational Efficiencies
Identify and implement process improvement initiatives within their Unit.
People Management
Manage and supervise the staff in her/his Unit as appropriate and build a coordinated, dedicated and efficient team. Manage closely the Inspectors to deliver a cost-efficient security posture in line with the threat level and alert state, and security requirements of the NATO headquarters. In close cooperation with Human Resources and the Front Office, be responsible for all personnel issues (e.g. recruitment, career development, Performance Review and Development, disciplinary matters).
Financial Management
Plan and submit request for expenditure. Contribute to the annual budget process including the revised cycle as directed by PSESB management. Monitor Headquarters Security Force and civilian contractor expenditure in coordination with the Planning Office.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The Head, Headquarters Security Force reports to the Head, Operations Section. The incumbent supervises a large security force of NATO security agents and support staff as well as a large contracted security force. They liaise closely with other Heads of Section and Units within PSESB, and with the JISD Administrative Officer for administrative matters. They maintain a close working relationship with HR and the Medical Service. They liaise closely with the Local and Federal Police Units and other Host Nation units (e.g. the National EOD Unit).
Direct reports: /- 10
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent will demonstrate the following competencies:
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Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
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Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
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Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
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Clarity and Accuracy: Monitors data or projects;
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Flexibility: Adapts to unforeseen situations;
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Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
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Initiative: Plans and acts up to a year ahead;
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Leadership: Keeps people informed;
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Organizational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture;
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Self-Control: Responds calmly;
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Teamwork: Expresses positive attitudes and expectations of team or team members.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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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