Programme Officer and Team Leader

Primary Location

Belgium-Brussels

NATO Body

NATO International Staff (NATO IS)

Schedule

Full-time

Application Deadline

12-Jan-2025, 10:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)

8,754.21

Grade

NATO Grade G20

• SUMMARY
  
  
  

The mission of the Operations Division of the International Staff is to prepare NATO for the defence of Alliance territory, to respond to crises at home and abroad, and to strengthen the capabilities of partners. The Operations Division advances the core tasks of the Alliance (Defence and Deterrence, Crisis Prevention and Management, Cooperative Security) by providing situational awareness, advance planning, well-exercised and executed crisis response, and outcome-oriented defence and related security cooperation programmes.

Within the Operations Division, the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD) facilitates political-military decision-making and programme implementation with partner nations. The directorate does this to strengthen resilience, promote integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance in the defence and related security sector of partner nations. They enhance the institutional and defence capabilities of partner nations so that they can better respond to crises at home and abroad. As the focus for NATO defence and security cooperation initiatives, the Directorate uses an integrated set of planning and programme implementation tools to develop effective and efficient state defence institutions under democratic control that comply with international norms and practices, and to develop forces and capabilities that can operate effectively with NATO forces when appropriate.

The Directorate plays a substantial role in the NATO Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) approach to ensure coherence of programme planning and implementation.

Within the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate, the team in charge of the Defence and related security Capacity Building Initiative (DCB) steers a programme to help the Alliance prevent conflict and project stability without deploying large combat forces. To date, packages of support have been developed for Georgia, Jordan, the Republic of Moldova, Iraq, Tunisia, Mauritania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, a DCB package is implemented in support of the United Nations. In addition to the team at NATO Headquarters, the implementation and monitoring of DCB work is in most cases supported by staff working in the respective partner country. A Trust Fund to support DCB was launched in 2015 to leverage support from Allies and partners. In addition, cooperation with partner countries is also increasingly financed from NATO’s civil budget.

The programme officer acts as the programme coordinator and team leader to coordinate the planning, management, monitoring and evaluation of capacity building work strands and their interaction and coordination with other cooperation programmes with partner countries. As part of NATO’s ITPP approach, they also are responsible for the alignment of the DCB with the broader ITPP approach and its coordination with other security cooperation programmes.

The main functions of the programme officer and team leader include: develop long term plans for the development of capacity building support for partners, support the day-to-day management of DCB packages, oversee or steer their implementation and monitor progress of DCB packages and relevant funds. They are also responsible for the coordination of DCB packages and other security cooperation programmes for particular partner nations. In conducting their responsibilities, they need to engage with high level national authorities of both NATO and partner nations, including Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Political Directors. They also oversee the staffing of the team, and manage team members.

• QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  
  
  

Essential

The incumbent must:

• hold a university degree or an equivalent level of qualification;
• have at least five years professional experience of programme management;
• have successfully managed teams, and be able to demonstrate an ability to work in a multinational context;
• have a very good understanding of security and defence transformation, reform and defence institution building processes;
• have knowledge or experience related to NATO’s partnership programmes;
• be aware of the political, economic, financial and technical considerations underlying national defence and security-related plans and policies;
• have a good understanding of NATO affairs, including the organization, working practices and major topics of the day, as well as a very good knowledge of NATO’s partnership policies, tools and initiatives;
• be able to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively, verbally and in writing in one of NATO’s official languages;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
• be flexible to travel frequently and to work outside normal business hours.
  
  
  

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• knowledge and experience in the field of NATO partnership programmes;
• knowledge and experience in national bilateral assistance programmes ;
• experience of advising nations on security and defence related;
• e xperience in development and or re-organisation of defence and security-related structures at national level.
• MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
  
  
  

Policy Development

Through the analysis and assessment of information received from nations and partners, contribute to the further development of NATO concepts, policies, strategies and procedures to underpin and guide efforts by Allies and partners to improve partners’ defence and related security capacities, as well as their resilience, and therefore contribute to the security of the Alliance. Prepare and co-ordinate advice to individual partners, ranging from strategic advice on defence and security sector reform and institution building, to development of local forces and capabilities through education and training, or advice and assistance. Support the drafting of policy papers and reports related to NATO’s cooperation programmes.

Project Management

Contribute to the development and management of cooperation programmes, in particular the DCB with NATO’s partners. As part of the ITPP cycle and approach, steer the development of ITPP implementation plans (“Output 3”) with relevant partner countries. Ensure that project management strengthens the integrated planning and programme implementation approach for NATO’s partnership security cooperation tools. Manage or take associated risks in compliance with NATO guidelines. Ensure that projects are clearly linked to and in support of overarching political guidance. Ensure that projects are designed with clear goals set so that progress is measurable. Through dedicated officers, manage the DCB related packages for DCB recipient countries. Work together with other civilian and military stakeholders in order to develop, support and implement tailored programmes as well as practical tools and mechanisms in the defence and security sector. Give clear priorities within and between programmes.

Expertise Development

Serve as expert for the assigned portfolios and provide recommendations to senior management. Follow and advise on the different steps of DCB. Keep abreast of NATO Defence and Security Cooperation related policies and the developments in the different domains. Be responsible for the analysis of defence and related security capabilities and subjects of selected partner countries. Increase depth of knowledge in best practices for capacity building programmes and capability development. Follow and advise on the different steps of partnership cooperation programmes. Keep abreast of NATO partnership policies. Draft reports from meetings falling under the responsibility of OPS Division and follow the development of relevant issues. Assist in communication and knowledge sharing efforts through the preparation of briefing memoranda, talking points, questions/answers, speaking notes and background materials for meetings at, and visits to/from, NATO.

Financial Management

Plan, manage and monitor budgets, including the DCB Trust Fund and allocated civil budget. Ensure that financial resources are focused on NATO priorities and strategic plans, and are used in the most cost effective manner in line with NATO’s financial regulations. Justify costs of cooperation programmes to the management of the Directorate and /or the Division. Engage with all relevant stakeholders such as the NATO Office of Financial Control and other relevant agencies and NATO bodies.

Representation of the Organization

Regularly represent the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate in various meetings with national authorities of both NATO and partner nations, including during meetings with Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Political Directors.

Knowledge Management

Contribute to the drafting of policies, reports and studies on the longer-term perspectives of DCB; and on their interaction with NATO’s defence policies and cooperative programmes. Prepare reports, briefing material, press statements and other material for Ministerial meetings. Serve as the country officer for designated countries in the DCB and other security cooperation programmes, including drafting staff assessments on partners’ requirements and NATO’s potential assistance, preparing/updating DCB packages, and preparing regular reports of the implementation.

Stakeholder Management

Work closely with colleagues across the directorate, in particular with the Resources and Portfolio Management Team (RPMT). Develop and maintain productive working relations with all DCB stakeholders. Ensure reporting to nations as required. Steer the coordination with individual donors to DCB work as well as to potential contributors. Liaise with Allies and partners to build a network of experts on defence and related security capacity building matters to facilitate the exchange of best practices. Collaborate with staff in the Defence Policy and Planning Division (DPP), Political Affairs and Security Policies Division (PASP), Defence Investment Division (DI), Allied Command Transformation (ACT), the Partnership Directorate (ACO), and the International Military Staff (IMS), and national planning staffs, to understand, analyse and interpret country-specific reform issues and requirements.

People Management

Lead a team of IS staff members and Voluntary National Contribution staff, and staff deployed in partner countries. Plan and monitor objectives, ensure a cohesive, inclusive and cooperative working environment. Provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on Organizational, Divisional and Directorate objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate and via the Performance Review and Development ( PRD ) system. Motivate the team to achieve results. Initiate development plans to meet individual or team objectives. Remotely supervise local staff as required.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

• INTERRELATIONSHIPS
  
  
  

The incumbent reports to the Head, Delivery Section and works closely with the Director DSCD and other staff members in the Directorate and the Division for all areas of responsibility set out above.They maintain a good working relationship with members of other Divisions of the International Staff and International Military Staff. They work closely with the staffs of the NATO Military Authorities, national delegations and liaison officers and, through the delegations, with authorities of both NATO and partner countries.

Direct reports: 9

Indirect reports: 5.

• COMPETENCIES
  
  
  

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change.
• Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations.
• Developing Others: Gives feedback to encourage long-term development.
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence.
• Initiative: Plans and acts up to a year ahead.
• Leadership: Positions self as the leader.
• Organizational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture.
• Self-Control: Manages stress effectively.
  
  
  

6. CONTRACT

Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.

Contract clause applicable:

In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation's need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity.

The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract.

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.

Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.

• USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
  
  
  

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal ( link );
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment
  
  
  

Before you apply to any position, we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process.

Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  
  
  

https://www.nato.int/structur/recruit/2024/2024-09-13-para8.pdf