Staff Officer (Modelling and Simulation)
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 Enablement (STREN) Directorate is responsible for directing, monitoring and co-ordinating the implementation of Integrated Resource Management (IRM) activities and staff functions at all levels of command across Allied Command Operations (ACO).
The Resource Management Division (REM) is responsible to SACEUR through COS SHAPE for the development and support required for the employment and monitoring of the ACO Strategic Management (ASM) System, including the ACO Strategic Management Plan (ASMP).
The Strategic Management and Resource Planning Branch (SRP) is responsible for the development, support required for the employment and monitoring of the ACO Strategic Management (ASM) System
The ACO Strategic Management Planning Section (ASM) is responsible for the development, support required for the employment and monitoring of the ASM System composed of the ASMP.
2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES
The incumbent’s duties are:
1) Acts as the ACO Focal Point for M&S work strands across the Command.
2) Coordinates ACO’s demand and access to M&S services.
3) Drafts, updates and manages the ACO Directive on M&S and other related policy documents as appropriate.
4) Subject to SHAPE Command Group direction and guidance, represents ACO on behalf of COS SHAPE, DCOS Strategic Enablement, ACOS Resource Management and the Branch Head (AIM) at M&S working-level bodies.
5) Attends governance and senior coordination bodies’ meetings involving M&S matters.
6) Oversees the development of capabilities associated with M&S from a user standpoint. 7) Coordinates with ACT the definition of NATO-wide M&S policy and processes.
7) Coordinates and facilitates the development of ACO’s inputs to high-level policies, direction and guidance and doctrine for M&S.
8) Supports ACO Headquarters’ knowledge and understanding of the benefits and scope of M&S, and the identification and exploitation of respective opportunities.
9) Supports ACO’s engagements with NATO and non-NATO M&S Communities of Interest.
10) Remains appraised of developments in academia and industry related to M&S.
11) Champions M&S literacy across the Command and builds ACO M&S Community networks.
12) Builds ACO M&S Community networks and develops and executes an annual ACO M&S Community Engagement Plan.
13) Collects and prioritizes the requirements for M&S across ACO and facilitates their implementation in close cooperation with ACT.
14) Supports Concept Development, Operational Experimentation and War Gaming as required.
15) Contributes to supporting the Emerging and Disruptive Technologies work strands as appropriate.
16) Undertakes any other duties with the scope of functions performed by the AIM Branch.
Committee Participation:
• Policy Coordination Group/Military Committee WG – Contributor.
• ACO Management Board – Contributor.
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 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) Employment within a Modeling and Simulation organization or environment for 2 years.
2) A proved record in leading difficult, complex and time-sensitive enterprises to successful completion.
3) University degree in a STEM field, Political Science or related discipline and at least 2 years post-related experience
4) Track record of briefing Flag and/or General Officers / civilian equivalent and/or National representative levels.
b. Education/Training
University Degree and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post 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) Experience in working in a multinational joint strategic or/and operation headquarters.
2) Ability to use current Modeling and Simulation tools.
3) Experience in a field related to innovation, wargaming, operational experimentation and/or concept development.
b. Education/Training
1) University Degree in a STEM field, Political Science or related discipline and at least 2 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 4 years post related and 1 years function related experience.
2) Capable of analytical and strategic thought; lateral thinking required; good communicator on paper; general knowledge of and interest in theory as well as practice. University degree (including Master’s degree) or equivalent educational level qualification.
3) Courses:
• NATO Concept Development and Experimentation Course provided by NATO – School Oberammergau (NSO);
• NATO Orientation Course provided by NSO;
• NATO Alternative Analysis Course NSO;
• NATO recognized project management certifications (e.g. PRINCE2);
• ISO 56002: 2019 Innovation Management certification course;
• BASIC M&S Course provided by NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence (NATO COE M&S).
6. Attributes/Competencies
• Personal Attributes: The incumbent will be an experienced individual with mature judgment, able to think quickly, broadly and strategically. They will be able to adapt quickly to change, multi-task and work under pressure. The individual will be able to work independently, initiate work, be innovative and show sound judgment. The individual will possess the tact, diplomacy and determination to be able to engage effectively with senior personnel of differing NATO nations and entities. The individual will be able to use reasoned logic and insightful analysis to present cogent and convincing oral and written submissions. The individual must have the flexibility to work outside normal working hours and to travel to various NATO countries, when the job requires.
• Professional Contacts: The post-holder will be required to present cogent and convincing oral and written submissions up to the 4-star level, including SACEUR, COS and the AMB. They will be required to engage effectively, and influence, senior military and civilian leadership and high-level committees, within the NMAs and NATO HQ. This will include internally with SHAPE senior leadership and directorates, and externally with subordinate headquarters, NATO HQ committees, IMS, HQ ACT, and relevant NATO Agencies.
• Contribution To Objectives: The post-holder significantly contributes to and has direct influence of ACO’s work and strategic-level objectives employing M&S and Innovation subject matter expertise in support of enhancing the Military Instrument of Power.
7. Remarks
Locally imposed or unique requirements (Comments and notes by requesting HQ):
• BI-SC Innovation Steering Group – Contributor.
• ACO Strategic Enablement Board – Contributor.
• ACO Innovation Working Group – Member/Contributor.
• SHAPE Management Board – Contributor.
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.
