Officer, Political Affairs and Security Policy NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Brussels, Belgium

1. SUMMARY

Officers in the Section are assigned responsibility for a portfolio of relations with NATO member States, a number of international organisations and NGOs (such as the EU, UN, OSCE, NATO PA, Council of Europe, African Union, IOM, ICRC, OECD, UNODC, World Bank, etc.), as well as for specific functional domains, such as the Comprehensive Approach, the political aspects of the fight against terrorism, or the preparation of Foreign Ministerial and Summit meetings.

Under the general guidance of the Head of the NATO and Multilateral Affairs Section, the incumbent will be responsible for work related to NATO political issues and NATO’s relations with member States and international organisations and NGOs, and functional issues pertaining to his/her areas of assignment.

Within this framework, the main functions of the Officer will include: drafting a wide range of documents and briefing material for the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, PASP management and other senior NATO officials; assisting in the drafting of reports and documents for NATO Committees; drafting documents for public use, including for the NATO Website; and representing the PASP Division within and outside NATO. He/she will liaise with representatives of delegations, other NATO units, international organisations and NGOs.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree, preferably with an emphasis on political science or contemporary international relations or have equivalent relevant professional experience;
• have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience;
• be familiar with the Alliance's political and military consultative process and with the key issues involved;
• have a clear understanding of, and experience in, major current international political and politico-military problems (including European security related issues), particularly as they relate to the Alliance;
• have experience in lecturing, briefing and public speaking;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; II (“Elementary”) in the other;
• have the ability to draft quickly and concisely and to make presentations in at least one of the two official languages of the Organization;
• be prepared to work unsocial hours and to travel when required.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• some experience in governmental administration, multilateral service or in a university, think-tank or non-governmental organisation, preferably with a specialisation in security/defence policy and international cooperation.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development

Contribute to the preparation and/or coordination of frequent briefing packages on NATO-related issues for the Secretary General's and Deputy Secretary General’s meetings with political leaders of NATO countries, other international actors, journalists and others at NATO Headquarters and during their visits elsewhere. Contribute to the preparation of briefing memoranda, questions/answers, speaking notes and background materials within his/her area of responsibility on Intra-Alliance developments, or other issues of concern to NATO for meetings at and visits to/from NATO. Coordinate substance and food for thought inputs from various stakeholders on issues of political nature in regards to NATO member States and the NATO's institutional relationship with other international organisations.

Representation of the Organization

Make presentations to visitors to NATO, draft public information material for the media and larger audiences on NATO-related issues and NATO relations with other international organisations, including for the NATO Website. Represent the Alliance at conferences, workshops and seminars. Attend, and assist at times chairing, NATO working groups and committees as required.

Policy Development

Assist in the drafting of documents for NATO Committees, in particular for the Council, the Deputies Committee and the Political and Partnerships Committee and follow the development of issues. Contribute to policy development pertaining to areas of responsibility.

Stakeholder Management

Develop a strong network of contacts within the Organization, with capitals as well as with assigned international organisations and subject-matter experts in academic institutions to allow proper monitoring of political affairs and creation of substance for inputs to policy development. Manage institutional relationships between NATO and other international organisations and proactively address issues with the Section's management. In a coordinating role, reconcile sometimes diverging interests from different stakeholders to ensure NATO's objectives in areas of assignment are met.

Information Management

Contribute to the management of special undertakings within the Section, for example the preparation activities leading up to a Summit. Ensure coordination of input from various parts of the Organization, looking both at content and timeliness.

Knowledge Management

Monitor political developments in NATO countries and in other countries of the Euro-Atlantic area, keeping abreast of regional developments outside Europe and in international organisations (EU, UN, OSCE, etc.), as well as within NATO. Share knowledge on these within the Section, the Division, as well as relevant stakeholders within the Organization.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Head of the NATO and Multilateral Affairs Section. He/she assists in the coordination of the Section's work within the Division, with other divisions of the International Staff, with the NATO Military Authorities and with national delegations and other international organisations and will interact with representatives of these entities at various levels.

5. COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Analytical Thinking;
• Clarity and Accuracy;
• Conceptual Thinking;
• Customer Service Orientation;
• Impact and Influence;
• Initiative;
• Organizational Awareness;
• Teamwork.

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