Head, Security and Policy Oversight Branch
Brussels, Belgium
JOB DETAIL
1. SUMMARY
The Joint Intelligence and Security (JIS) Division, under the leadership of the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Intelligence and Security, 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 (DASG-S) / Director NOS.
The NOS is responsible for the overall coordination of NATO security among member Nations, NATO civil and military bodies as well as International Organizations 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, the Security Intelligence Branch and the Close Protection Unit.
The SPOB is responsible for ensuring that NATO Security Policy is applied throughout NATO bodies and member Nations, as well as in non-NATO Nations and international organizations with whom NATO cooperates. SPOB develops security policy, directives and guidance documents, supports their implementation and verifies compliance through security audits in the specific functional areas of personnel security, physical security, security of information, communication and information systems security (including cyber security), industrial and protective security. SPOB works with the other NOS Branches to ensure coordinated and consistent responses to the interpretation and practical application of policy.
The Head of SPOB is responsible to the DASG-S/Director NOS for ensuring that NATO security policy and supporting directives are implemented throughout NATO and non-NATO Nations and organizations with which NATO cooperates. SPOB is composed of three sections: Security Policy, Cyber Security, and Cyber Investigation and Auditing.
S/He is responsible for the overall supervision of the NATO security compliance programme, the security accreditation of NATO Communication and Information Systems (CIS), the implementation of security agreements with International Organizations and partner countries with which NATO cooperates as well as the coordination of the activities of the Security Committee.
Key challenges for the next few years include:
- Allied leaders agreed an ambitious NATO 2030 agenda to ensure the Alliance can face the challenges of today and tomorrow. They took decisions to strengthen political consultations, reinforce collective defence, enhance resilience, sharpen NATO’s technological edge, uphold the rules-based international order, step up training and capacity building for partners, and address the security impact of climate change. Based on NATO 2030 agenda and NOS/SPOB mandate, please identify relevant security work strands that could be developed to support NATO’s ambition.
- NOS/SPOB performs regular security audits across 80 countries as part of the NATO security compliance programme for the protection of NATO classified information. Provide your view on the challenges posed by a security compliance programme in a multi-national environment as well as your ideas about how to address them in an innovative way.
- Globalisation has transformed the world into a more connected and interdependent place (e.g. socially, economically, technologically) but also introduced a number of security challenges. Identify the main challenges and their relevance for the specific functional areas SPOB is responsible for (i.e. personnel, physical/protective, information, cyber and industrial security).
In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document, maximum of three A4 pages, summarising their views on the above-listed key (and possible other) challenges, and how they would address them if selected for the position.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
- possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from an institute of recognised standing;
- possess at least 10 years’ relevant experience in progressively responsible roles, in security related matters, especially in the field of information protection; out of which 5 years in team management and coordination;
- have occupied a post where s/he was responsible for administering security policy, preferably in the public sector of a member Nation or in an International Organisation;
- possess extensive knowledge and implementation experience of personnel security, physical security, security of information, CIS Security and Industrial Security;
- possess demonstrated management and leadership abilities at senior level;
- possess highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and have a demonstrated past history of working at team level in accomplishing work goals;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
- be flexible to work outside or normal office hours and travel as required.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- a higher level of education (Masters or Ph.D) in a related field;
- familiarity with NATO security policy;
- awareness of NATO’s military and civilian structure and activities;
- a higher level in the other NATO official language
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Representation of the Organization
Liaise and coordinate, at senior level, with the political, civilian and military entities of NATO and cooperating organizations. Chair the Security Committee in Security Policy and CIS Security Format, as directed by DASG-S/Director NOS. Deputise for the DASG-S/Director NOS in her/his absence as required.
Expertise Development
Maintain a current knowledge and understanding of all NATO security policy, programmes and activities. Promote expertise development within the staff of SPOB through international benchmarking and training as well as communication with appropriate national authorities.
Stakeholder Management
Enhance information sharing by liaising and coordinating with representatives from the security authorities of member and partner nations. Interface with other non-NATO entities to broaden information sharing.
Policy Development
Develop and influence policy revision. Coordinate the activities of the Security Committee, including making recommendations for changes to NATO security policy and procedures. Develop plans and objectives for SPOB in line with the NATO policy direction.
Project Management
Lead projects/programmes in the area of security policy oversight.. Coordinate security cooperation arrangements and liaison with non-NATO nations and International Organizations.
Financial Management
Plan and manage the financial resources allocated to SPOB. Oversee the SPOB’s yearly budget submissions and subsequent expenditure of credits. Oversee procurement processes and ensure that they are carried out in line with the NATO Financial Regulations.
Organisational Efficiencies
Identify and implement process improvement initiatives across all areas of SPOB, when required. Pioneer changes to the current working structure of the Section, where necessary, and develop clear lines of communication and work in close coordination with the other branches in the NOS to ensure coordination of investigative, awareness and policy issues.
People Management
Lead the work of the Branch. Cultivate a motivating, inclusive and effective workplace. Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Promote transparency in decision-making, equal access to opportunities for all staff and an inclusive management culture. Ensure that all staff under her/his responsibility are clear on Organizational, Divisional and Branch objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate and via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system. Identify possible development and mobility opportunities for individuals. Promote integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and inclusive leadership culture.
Planning and Execution
Coordinate execution of NATO security training courses. Plan and conduct compliance programmes to assess the implementation of security policies. Exercise supervision of the security accreditation activities.
Vision and Direction
Develop plans and objectives for SPOB in line with NATO’s political decisions and NATO Security Policy. Develop strategic resource management plans for the Branch. . Act as a role model of inclusive leadership and promote resilience, flexibility and innovation.
Information and Knowledge Management
Ensure that the SPOB is equipped with the right tools and processes to collect and disseminate information. Ensures that processes and procedures for Information Management are aligned with the objectives of the Branch.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports directly to the DASG-S/Director NOS, and works in close concert with the other Branch and Unit Heads. S/he has close working contacts with senior managers of the International Staff and International Military Staff, NATO civil and military bodies, national delegations and national security authorities of the member nations, non-NATO nations and international organisations.
Direct reports: 4
Indirect reports: 11
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
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Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals.
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Change Leadership: Personally leads change.
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Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations.
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Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training.
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Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence.
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Initiative: Plans and acts for the long-term.
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Leadership: Positions self as the leader.
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Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics.
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Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure
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
Candidates are requested to attach their essay to their application on Taleo, by the 29/05/2023 at the latest.
The title of the attachment must include the vacancy reference 230469 and the words “Key challenges”.
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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