Senior Strategic Planner
JOB DETAIL
1. POST CONTEXT
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework, employing a multi-domain and multi-region focus to create a 360-degree approach, with the flexibility to enable, upon direction, a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE). SHAPE supports SACEUR in fulfilling his terms of reference, as directed by the North Atlantic Council.
The Strategic Development and Preparation (SDP) Directorate is responsible for the development, review and maintenance of Strategic Planning, Advanced Planning and Crisis Planning products for ACO; contributes to the development of strategic policy and concepts for ACO; preparation of the NATO Command Structure (NCS) and declared forces for current and future operations across the full spectrum of mission areas; developing Education, Training, Exercise and Evaluation (ETEE) direction and guidance in line with strategic policy; ensuring that forces are prepared in accordance with evaluation criteria; oversees and executes the ACO Lessons Learned (LL) process.
The J5 Division leads the overarching strategic campaign and operations planning processes to prepare for and respond to crises and conflicts that threaten the security and integrity of the Alliance.
The Strategic Planning Branch is responsible for the development, maintenance and revision/review of Strategic Operations Planning, Advance Planning and Crisis Response Planning products for ACO, to include either NATO-led operations or EU-led operations using NATO assets and capabilities.
2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES
The incumbent’s duties are:
1) Develops and leads the development of strategic operation planning of SACEUR, being a core member of SOPG, SPGs and CATs.
2) Keeps existing plans, policies and concepts within the Branch’s auspices under review and presents recommendations for changes, as appropriate.
3) Provides expertise and advice to NATO commanders and nations on Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive (COPD).
4) Co-ordinates planning, conduct of, and reporting from planning documents.
5) Responds to actions and requests of authorities within ACO.
6) Coordinates assigned tasks with subordinate commands.
7) Initiates actions and projects within ACO, within the allocated budget.
8) Initiates and conducts briefings, background papers/talking points, to include, briefings to SHAPE Command Group (CG).
9) Conducts co-ordination meetings with key external planning agents, including, among others, subordinate commands, NATO and Partner nations and the EU Military Staff.
10) Provides advice to the Assistant Chief of Staff on key elements in the decision making process for developing strategic military vision documents, strategic initiatives, operation plans, strategic policies, concepts and directives for the full range of the alliance mission.
11) Executes work for SDP management in support of the NAC and its subordinate bodies as required. Channel information to key players across NATO and advises upon strategy and policies.
12) Provides SME advice in committees, conferences, boards, working group meetings concerning issues related to his/her area of responsibility.
13) Contributes to the continuous improvement of the NATO Comprehensive Operations Planning Directives.
14) Works as a Staff Officer within the Strategic Planning team in developing initiatives and addressing issues dealing with Strategic Operational Planning Group.
15) Deputizes for the Strategic Planning Team Branch Head.
16) Provides strong mentoring, training and coaching opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moment. Cultivates a motivating and inclusive workplace.
17) Makes sure that the objectives of the Organization/Division/Directorate/Section are clear to all the staff under her/his responsibility.
18) Contributes to staff development induction and training initiatives for the Branch.
19) Provides fair and objective feedback on performance, identifying possible development and mobility opportunities of individuals.
20) Develops and sustains relations with national delegations, NATO civilian and military structures, as well with subject matter experts in academic institutions to allow the proper monitoring of strategic plans. Proactively addresses issues with the Branch Head.
3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES
The employee 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.
The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments both within and without NATO’s boundaries and be willing to work unsocial hours.
The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment.
Normal Working Conditions apply.
The risk of injury is categorised as: No risk / risk might increase when deployed.
4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
a. Professional/Experience
1) At least 4 years’ experience in leading teams in a multinational environment.
2) Extensive experience in working for NATO and/or national Ministries of Defence Agencies in a post related to Strategic planning.
3) Comprehensive understanding of NATO structure, concepts, policies and procedures.
b. Education/Training
University Degree in criminology, police, public or business administration, administration of justice, criminal law, comparative general management, political theory, behavioural or social psychology or related discipline and 4 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related and 2 years function related experience.
c. Language
English SPL 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English.
5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
a. Professional/Experience
1) Previous experience working within NATO Planning Structure entities.
2) Proven experience in Strategic Planning, Advance Planning and Crisis Planning in NATO Headquarters.
3) Strategic Operations Planning Course.
4) Extensive Knowledge in DDA FoP.
b. Education/Training
Courses:
• NATO Senior Officer Policy Course provided by NATO – School Oberammergau (NSO).
• NATO Operations Assessment Course provided by NSO.
• NATO Operational Planning Course or equivalent provided by NSO.
• NATO Crisis Management Course provided by NSO.
c. Language
English 4433 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
6. Attributes/Competencies
• Personal Attributes: The personal attributes that the incumbent should display, are a set of combined attributes that will be reflected as well in the incumbent’s personal work but also in the divisions work. In his autonomous work the incumbent should reflect critical thinking and analysis skills in order to be able to provide insightful inputs in the daily activity, to evaluate complex issues and develop pragmatic solutions. However, the candidate should be able to also work in a team, respecting the team members and adapting to the team needs. The post requires multitasking activities, capability to adapt to fast-pace and intense workload, high standards of personal and professional behaviour incumbent must display tact and diplomatic skills in order to be able to successfully work in an international community where different cultural values and styles exist.
• Professional Contacts: In order to accomplish the required duties, the incumbent must engage with a various range of Military and Civilian personnel within the NATO Command Structure as well as from across SHAPE. Dealing with different nations and entities implies working with a high level of understanding, maturity and displaying a high level of diplomatic tact. The candidate must assure that the information collected and validated in the meetings are shared with the relevant personnel in order to enhance the overall effectiveness of the team.
• Contribution To Objectives: The positions goal is to aid the accomplishment of the NATO 2030 objectives, to build a strong Alliance and to be able to meet all the present and future challenges. The main objective of NATO 2030 is to fully implement the DDA and NWCC; in order to be able to achieve the objective, the core of strategic plans must be perfected and adapted according to the ongoing changing environment and threats.
CONTRACT
The successful candidate will fill this post as a Project Related NATO International Civilian (PLN) with a three-year definite duration contract within the NATO 2030 Agenda. On expiry of this term the PLN will be deleted or absorbed into the ceiling pending approval or will exceptionally be considered for extension.
The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.
Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang-en). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.
More information to be found on these links:
NTAP allows adding attachments. A copy of the qualification/certificate covering the highest level of education required by the job description must be provided as an attachment.
Essential information must be included in the application form. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of the application form. The application should be in English.
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications.
After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application.
Remarks:
A) Only nationals from the 31 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE.
B) Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed, or, re-submit the application.
C) Candidates’ individual telephone, e-mail or telefax enquiries cannot be dealt with. All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application.
