OPEN TO NATIONALS OF NATO MEMBER STATES ONLY

Post Number: OMC UXPX 0090

Job Title: Staff Assistant (Graphic Designer)

NATO Grade: NATO GRADE 10

NATO Body: Headquarters Allied Maritime Command (HQ MARCOM)

Location: Northwood, Middlesex, UK

SECURITY CLEARANCE: NATO SECRET (NS)

Basic Monthly Salary: £3,920.89 tax free

Closing Date: 20 July 2023

POST CONTEXT

Allied Maritime Command is the Maritime Theatre Component Commander delivering 360 degree maritime focussed awareness and connectivity while planning and commanding the full range of maritime operations.

The Communications Division provides the Commander with advice and functionality across the full range of Information Operations.

The Office of Public Affairs is focused on ensuring that all MARCOM HQ activity reflects NATO’s approved public messaging.

Post is a staff assistant charged with producing digital and physical graphics and other visual content for Allied Maritime Command.

DUTIES

The incumbent’s duties are:

·         Serves as Assistant to the Public Affairs Branch Head.

·         Responsible for planning, creating and editing still graphic material and animation to support public communication about Allied Maritime Command.

·         Responsible for supporting the design and content management of MARCOM Public, internet-based websites and social media pages.

·         Under direction, is responsible for distilling complex information into visual presentations (i.e. information graphics).

·         Alternate Webmaster for the Headquarters Public internet-based website.

·         Maintains proficiency on all relevant social media platforms to ensure graphic compatibility.

·         Assists the Public Affairs Branch Head in developing Allied Maritime Command visual information standards in line with and support of NATO Visual Information Guidelines.

·         Trains SNF representatives on the appropriate use of NATO Visual Information Guidelines.

·         Monitors Allied Maritime Command publications and Public Affairs products for adherence to NATO Visual Information Guidelines.

·         Maintains NATO regulations on public affairs and keeps abreast of Public Affairs policy and doctrine.

·         Attends and supports international seminars and conferences where issues relevant to Maritime Command Northwood are discussed and advises the Public Affairs Officer on developing trends and opinions.

·         Coordinates with the NATO Brand Hub as needed to integrate maritime products into wider NATO communications.

·         Maintains an archive of current and past logos, infographics and other graphic material for use as needed.

·         Submits observations in his/her area of expertise and contributes to the Lessons Learned process.

·         Public release of Public Affairs products.

·         As part of the Public Affairs team should be competent to support and/or cover for other team members and hence be conversant with their roles and responsibilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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 operational deployments and/or TDY assignments both within and without NATO’s boundaries for up to 183 days in any period of 547 days.

This post has been identified as a source of manpower to fill a Crisis Establishment post in line with tiered reinforcement needs of ACO CEs

The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment / Secure office environment with artificial light and air (e.g. Bunker).

Normal Working Conditions apply

The risk of injury is categorised as: No risk / risk might increase when deployed

QUALIFICTIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential Professional Experience

(1) Graphic design

Audio-visual techniques and media production is the study of techniques and skills to produce books or newspapers, radio or TV production, film or video production, recorded music production and graphic reproduction. It includes programmes and qualifications in methods of colour reproduction, photography and computer graphics. Study of combining pictures, words and decorations in the production of books, magazines, posters, adverts etc. is also included.

Skill Level (Apply)

Works under general direction. Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments. Usually receives specific instructions and has work reviewed at frequent milestones. Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level.  Interacts with and influences colleagues. Has working level contact with customers, suppliers and partners. May supervise others or make decisions which impact the work assigned to individuals or phases of projects.  Performs a range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in a variety of environments. Applies methodical approach to issue definition and resolution.  Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to issue resolution. Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate personal development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Plans, schedules and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation, standards and procedures. Appreciates the wider business context, and how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client.

Experience

Professional photographic and video production qualifications.

Experience in web design and New Media Development.

(2) Computer graphics

Audio-visual techniques and media production is the study of techniques and skills to produce books or newspapers, radio or TV production, film or video production, recorded music production and graphic reproduction. It includes programmes and qualifications in methods of colour reproduction, photography and computer graphics. Study of combining pictures, words and decorations in the production of books, magazines, posters, adverts etc. is also included.

Skill Level (Apply)

Works under general direction. Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments. Usually receives specific instructions and has work reviewed at frequent milestones. Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level.  Interacts with and influences colleagues. Has working level contact with customers, suppliers and partners. May supervise others or make decisions which impact the work assigned to individuals or phases of projects.  Performs a range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in a variety of environments. Applies methodical approach to issue definition and resolution.  Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to issue resolution. Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate personal development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Plans, schedules and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation, standards and procedures. Appreciates the wider business context, and how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client.

Essential Education/Training

Higher Secondary education and intermediate vocational training  which might lead to a formal qualification with 2 years experience, or Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training  leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

Essential Language

English – SLP 3322 – (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.

Desirable Professional Experience

Background knowledge and experience in graphic design.

Knowledge of print and electronic media, including still and motion media.

Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud desktop applications for image editing and composing, page design and digital publishing and vector graphics and illustration.

Desirable Education/Training

University degree in graphic arts or related field.

ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCES

Personal Attributes: Capable of analytical and strategic thought and organizing work priorities. Creative problem solver, able to use imaginative approaches to explain complex processes through graphics without precedence. Good inter-personal and communication skills, maturity, poise, tactfulness, firmness and persuasion are needed in interaction with rest of team.  Must be able to field difficult questions on delicate issues, usually in a situation where significant time pressure exists. Frequently works under pressure, works long/irregular hours, carries high workload. Able to work quickly and adjust graphic content based on verbal feedback. Creative and inquisitive, eager to learn about maritime activities to provide better products to communicate those activities. Able to work within set guidelines will still developing creative and engaging work that tells a story.

Managerial Responsibilities: None.

Professional Contacts: Internally with all senior staff members, Communication Division team, Operations Department Personnel, NATO Shipping Centre personnel and others as required.   Externally with graphic design businesses and NATO Branding Hub.  Establishes and maintains liaison with graphic design and print companies.

Contribution To Objectives: Provides advice on public information issues with regards to graphic designs, logos and public representation of command efforts. Ensures alignment with HHQ guidance on graphic requirements.

CONTRACT

Serving NATO civilian staff will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of 3 years in duration which may be followed by an indefinite duration contract.

The basic entry-level monthly salary for a NATO Grade 10 in the UK is £3,920.89 (tax free) which may be augmented by allowances based on the successful candidate’s eligibility.

HOW TO APPLY

HQ MARCOM uses NATO Talent Acquisition Platform.

In order to apply for this vacancy, please visit the platform at:

https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en , and search for vacancies within HQ MARCOM.

Essential information must be included in the application form.  Each question should be answered thoroughly.  Expressions such as “please see attached CV”, or invitations to follow links to personal webpages, are not acceptable, and will be disregarded. Application form must be filled out in English.

Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgment please make sure the submission process is completed or, re-submit the application.

Shortlisted candidates invited to the interview phase, will be requested to provide, where applicable, copies of Educational and Vocational training certificates.

Current and past civilians working for NATO or any Coordinated Organization, shall indicate their last grade and step held (next to the job title) and specify the name of employing NATO body or Coordinated Organization.

Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their own HR/Personnel Office by not later than the vacancy’s closing date.

EMPLOYMENT PRE-REQUISITES:

Candidates are invited to submit their application if:

·         They are national of a NATO member country

·         They are over 21 and under 60 years of age at the time of taking up their appointments.  Appointments of definite duration may be offered to candidates of 60 years of age or more, provided the expiry date of the contract is not later than the date at which the candidate attains the age of 65.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A NATO security clearance of the level required by the position, and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser are essential conditions for appointment to this post.  Applicants are not required to possess a clearance at the time of applying, but must be eligible for a clearance. HQ MARCOM will take action to obtain the required security clearance from the successful candidate’s national authorities.

Candidates must meet all the essential qualifications in order to be considered qualified. Should no qualified candidates be found, candidates not possessing all the essential qualifications may be considered. However, they will be appointed at a lower grade and their employment contract will stipulate the conditions under which the grade attached to post can be granted and the employment contract confirmed.