Staff Officer TOPFAS – NATO 2030
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 Planning Support Branch delivers a range of activities that enable the development, coordination and maintenance of Strategic planning products.
The TOPFAS Functional manager is responsible for providing support to the TOPFAS OPR and for delivering the required TOPFAS training at SHAPE.
The TOPFAS OPT Tool Manager is responsible for providing support to the TOPFAS FM and the TOPFAS OPR and for delivering the required TOPFAS OPT support within SHAPE.
2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES
The incumbent’s duties are:
1) Performs the role of OPT Tool Manager (as per ACO Directive 080-103).
2) Supports TOPFAS technical testing activities at SHAPE in coordination with NCIA with a specific focus on the improvements on the tool in line with the new DDA family of Plans.
3) Supports the TOPFAS FM and the OPR in developing requirements to improve TOPFAS OPT within the NATO 2030 initiative.
4) Supports the effective functional management and development of TOPFAS OPT.
5) Assists the TOPFAS Functional Manager and the TOPFAS OPR with leading the preparation of collaborative planning environment.
6) Assists the TOPFAS FM and the TOPFAS OPR representing the TOPFAS User Authority.
7) Assists the Strategic Planning Teams and SHAPE staff with TOPFAS suite usage.
8) Supports the TOPFAS FM and the OPR in leading and coordinating all activities related to the utilization of TOPFAS OPT in ACO.
9) Works closely with cross-functional subject matter experts when required.
10) When required, coordinates assigned tasks with relevant internal and external organizational units as appropriate.
11) Feeds the Lessons Learned process, as well as the revision process of strategic planning related documents led by the planning support section.
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 / Secure office environment with artificial light and air (e.g. Bunker). Normal Working Conditions apply.
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
1. Professional/Experience
1) Operational Level Planning Knowledge (COPD)
2) Planning Experience in NATO
3) Knowledge of NATO structures
2. Education/Training
1) 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.
2) TOPFAS OPT Course
3. Language
English SLP 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
1. Professional/Experience
1) TOPFAS UMT Knowledge
2) Knowledge of the new DDA family of plans
6. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES
1) Personal Attributes: Personal qualities of tact, judgment, adaptability, coupled with motivational and listening skills. A sense of diplomacy and propriety in order to work harmoniously with colleagues and other staff, both civilian and military. Able to work effectively to support the team activities. Ability to use initiative and good judgment to propose optimum options to SHAPE TOPFAS Team in materializing effectively the capability delivery. This post requires good knowledge of the NATO planning doctrine and TOPFAS OPT use.
2) 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 proposed requirements, once collected and validated, are reflected within the tool’s improvements, architecture and related projects.
3) Contribution to Objectives: Provides coordination and in-depth subject matter expertise, knowledge and analysis in order to support SHAPE TOPFAS Team to manage, assess and advise the innovation on TOPFAS OPT in line with the new planning doctrines and concepts.
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.
