1.     SUMMARY

The Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP) Division leads on the political aspects of NATO’s core tasks and is the International Staff’s (IS) political hub for partnerships.

The incumbent will act within the overall competence of PASP and in accordance with PASP Standard Operating Procedures.

Within PASP, the Global Partnerships Section’s responsibility includes NATO’s partnership with Australia, Colombia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Pakistan. NATO’s contact countries include Brazil, Ghana, India, Singapore, and other countries around the world that seek to engage with NATO on an ad hoc basis. The Section is also responsible for the development and the implementation of political guidance related to NATO’s relations with China.

The incumbent will act within the overall competence of PASP and in accordance with PASP standard operating procedures.

The incumbent reports to the Head of the Global Partnerships Section and will have a leading role on NATO’s policy towards Indo-Pacific Countries China and/or NATO’s relations with its Global Partners and outreach to its contact countries. The incumbent will act as a back-up officer on one or more of the countries in the Global Partnerships Section.  S/he will engage with country representatives, NATO civilian and military staff, as well as representatives of other International Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

2.     QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree, or an equivalent level of qualification from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the field of political science, international relations, security studies, or another relevant discipline;
• have at least 5 years of experience in diplomatic, policy, or other relevant experience involving the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions (including China);
• demonstrate a strong understanding of the connections between security issues in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, including as they relates to China;
• be able to draft clearly and concisely documents (e.g., memos, backgrounders, speaking points, analytical reports, etc.);
• have previous experience in policy writing;
• have experience working in a diverse and multicultural environment, dealing with multiple stakeholders;
• have proven political judgement;
• possess strong analytical, writing, and presentational skills;
• have the ability to coordinate input from numerous parties and compile them into coherent outputs for high-level discussions;
• have experience in programme/project management;
• possess the following minimum level of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
• be willing  to travel and work outside normal office hours.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• a Master’s degree in the field of political science, international relations, security studies, or another relevant discipline;
• possess a good knowledge of NATO policies and activities;
• experience with countries in the Global Partnerships Section area of responsibility;
• knowledge of Mandarin

! As part of this application, you are kindly requested to attach one MS Word document summarising your views on the following question; “NATO is and will remain a Euro-Atlantic security organisation. Nonetheless, it has over the past two decades developed substantial partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region as well as a regular dialogue with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). What are the key benefits for NATO in developing these partnerships and dialogue, as well as the key challenges for NATO in doing so? What are the most important areas NATO should seek to cooperate with its Indo-Pacific partners and the PRC in the coming years? Please base your essay on your own experience in developing partnerships and dialogues.” Please limit yourself to maximum one A4 page (500 words) to answer the question. 

3.     MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES          

Policy Development

Monitor, analyse, and report on developments in and around China and/or the Indo-Pacific region and the implications for NATO. Advise the NATO leadership on the development of NATO’s policy toward China and the Indo-Pacific region, as well as its implementation, including by supporting the work of the North Atlantic Council and other relevant NATO committees. Play a leading role in the development and implementation of NATO’s policies related to other global partners and contact countries.

Project Management

Provide political oversight and drive forward the implementation of NATO’s relations with China and/or the Indo-Pacific partners. Identify potential new opportunities for cooperation and risks, and suggest possible solutions.

Stakeholder Management

Coordinate aspects of NATO-China and/or NATO-Indo Pacific relations with counterparts throughout the NATO HQ and the NATO Command Structure.  Work closely with Allies, partners countries, international organisations, and other stakeholders (academia, civil society, NGOs), maintaining regular relations and exchanging views.  Develop a network of key stakeholders.

Expertise Development

Prepare, write, coordinate, and edit documents, memoranda, checklists, answers to the press, speaking notes and background materials. Monitor and analyse domestic and foreign policy trends in China, the Indo-Pacific region or on any country under the team’s portfolio.   Act as back-up officer to other members of the team, providing supportas needed, on other countries in the Global Partnerships Section area of responsibility.

Representation of the Organisation

Represent the Global Partnerships Section at relevant meetings and visits, as required.  Give presentations to visitors, contribute to briefings to various internal and external audiences, and represent the Alliance at conferences, workshops, and seminars.  Perform any other related duty as assigned.

Knowledge Management

Monitor political developments in the Indo-Pacific countries and in other countries across the globe or contact countries, keeping abreast of regional developments and relevant discussions in international organisations or settings, as well as within NATO. Share knowledge on these within the Section, the Division, as well as relevant stakeholders within the Organization.

4.     INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Head, Global Partnerships Section.  S/he functions as a part of a team by working closely with and supporting other members of the Global Partnerships Section. S/he works in close coordination with other sections in PASP. S/he works with other Divisions in the International Staff, the NATO Military Authorities, with national delegations, NATO agencies and Centres of Excellence. S/he will maintain regular contact with Allied and partner/contact countries’ delegations.

Direct reports: N/a

Indirect reports: N/a

5.     COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Analytical Thinking: sees multiple relationships
• Impact and Influence:  Uses complex influence strategies.
• Initiative: Plans and acts up to a year ahead;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands  underlying issues.
• Teamwork: Works to build commitment.
• Achievement: sets and works to meet challenging goals
• Change leadership: personally leads change