Are you a seasoned and experienced Public Affairs Advisor in the military or governmental sector?  If so, this position offers you a unique opportunity to support the NATO Alliance at its Joint Forces Command In Norfolk, Virginia.

Post Context

The Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF) provides a Joint Headquarters to plan, prepare and conduct operations to support NATO’s core tasks at the Joint Operational Level, as directed by the SACEUR.

The Command Group (CG) supports the Joint Force Command Norfolk Headquarters Commander (JFCNF HQ COM) in his involvement in all issues requiring a decision/recommendation.

The Office of Public Affairs Advisor is responsible for providing to the Command Group (CG) and Staff technical advice on strategy and public implications of decisions and activities, which affect the responsibilities, functions, operations and activities of the Joint Force Command Norfolk Headquarters (JFCNF HQ).

He/she is to provide advice to the Command Group and the staff on strategy and public implications of decisions and activities, which affect the responsibilities, functions, operations, and activities of the HQ.

Reports to: JFC Norfolk Chief of Staff.

Principal Duties:

 His/her duties are:

1.             Act as JFCNF official releasing authority and spokesperson on behalf of/or as directed by Commander JFCNF.

2.             Supervise any public affairs campaign, recommend and implement PA strategies.

3.             Provide the Commander with information and advice on Public Affairs matters, including as an advisor in boards and working groups.

4.             Responsible for all publications and materials released to the media and for internal audiences.

5.             Assist the Commander and other JFCNF staff in preparation for and during interviews with media.

6.             Develop Talking Points and Responses to Queries from media, and be part of the speech writing team for senior leadership speaking engagements.

7.             Maintain liaison with higher and adjacent HQs, Ministries of Defence and respective national agencies in PA matters.

8.             Advise other staff agencies of public affairs activities and provide information material as necessary.

9.             Assess trends in public affairs media and inform the Command Element and JFCNF Staff on developments in public opinion.

10.          Stimulate media and public relations programs in support of the JFCNF mission.

11.          Establish and maintain liaison with media and community representatives.

12.          Interpret political and military guidance for operational application.

13.          Integrate information operations, psychological operations and military public affairs throughout analysis, planning, execution and assessment of operations, missions and activities.

14.          Support Allied Command Operations (ACO) StratCom objectives by developing communication plans, drafting themes, messages and narratives, and formulating engagement strategies.

15.          Summarise any decision authority or responsibility that he/she will have in committing NATO to accountable actions.

16.          He/she will have release authority on behalf of Commander, JFCNF for all public messaging.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

1.             He/she may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract

2.             He/she may be required to undertake TDY assignments both within and without NATO’s boundaries and be willing to work unsocial hours.

3.             He/she may be required to deploy in support of NATO Exercises.

Essential Qualifications

1.             University Degree in a relevant field (e.g. in Public Relations, Public Affairs, Communication Arts, or Journalism) and 6 years post related experience.

2.             Experience as a spokesperson, conducting press conferences, responding to media queries and analysing media stories.

3.             Ability to draft lines to take, remarks, statements and to handle queries from national and international media representatives.

4.             Excellent knowledge of social media and online channels.

5.             Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

6.             Excellent briefing and presentation skills.

Language

English – SLP 3333 – (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications

a. Professional Experience

1.         Military Public Affairs experience in a joint, combined or NATO environment.

Attributes/Competencies

Personal Attributes:  He/she must display logical thought and demonstrate independent judgement in support of Commander JFCNF’s objectives. He/she must be able to provide Public Affairs advice to leadership and briefings to the Command as part of the daily battle rhythm. He/she must have strong communication skills, both oral and written. He/she must be methodical in their approach and must be able to engage with multiple organisations and nations to deliver coordinated and timely Public Affairs output in order to achieve cognitive effects within targeted audiences. Problem analysis skills and critical thinking underlie his/her contribution to the development of effective communication plans and strategies. He/she may be required to travel outside of North America and perform duties outside normal working hours in support of mission essential requirements on short notice. He/she must have experience working directly in the military public affairs or a related communications field.

Managerial Responsibilities: No Line Management Responsibilities.

Professional Contacts: He/she has daily interaction with senior officers, governmental officials and community representatives at local, national and international levels. He/she has to discuss and/or negotiate on a daily base with his/her counterparts in ACO.

Contribution To Objectives: He/she will be fundamental to the planning, coordination and delivery of COM JFCNFs communications, which will directly contribute to JFCNF and wider ACO Military Strategic Communication Objectives and Effects. His/her successful performance has a positive impact on the image of the HQ.

Security Clearance

The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO Secret Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Work Environment

He/she will normally be required to work in a normal office environment.

Contract

·       This position is linked to a specific NATO project and is for a limited duration of 3 (three) years only.

·       Both serving NATO International Civilian staff, regardless of their current contract status, and newly recruited staff, will only be offered a three year definite duration contract.

Notes for Candidates

The HQ SACT web site gives details on  the eligibility criteria and application processes to be adopted by all candidates.

The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade A-3/NG 17 will be considered with priority.

This vacancy will close on 27 August 2023 @ 17:59hrs (Eastern)/11:59hrs (CET).

Notes for NATO Civilian Human Resources Managers

If you have qualified redundant staff at grade A-3/NG 17, please advise the HQ SACT Civilian HR Manager no later than the closing date.

For any queries, please contact the HQ SACT Recruitment Team at [email protected]