Post Context

ACT contributes to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading, at Strategic Command level, Warfare Development required to enhance NATO’s posture, military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines.

The Resources and Management (RM) Directorate acts on behalf of SACT on all internal management and resource-related issues. It monitors the coherency of ACT plans to ensure that ACT remains an effective and efficient organization and improves continuously.

The Protocol Branch manages all Protocol functions for HQ SACT. Plans, coordinates and executes all Protocol aspects of VIP visits to HQ SACT and HQ SACT sponsored VIP visits. Plans, coordinates and executes NATO and other official ceremonies within and outside HQ SACT

The Protocol Branch Head is responsible for long range planning, staff coordination, conference room facilities and protocol arrangements which support seminars, conferences and symposia.

Principal Duties\:

  • Directs, supervises and coordinates the activities of Protocol Branch.
  • Long range planning and staff coordination in support of Special Events, Ceremonies, VIP Visits and social functions.
  • Is the Protocol SME and provides protocol guidance and advice to the Command Group and the HQ staff on all protocol related matters.
  • Responsible for the coordination of briefings, conferences, seminars, ceremonies, honour guards, receptions, formal luncheons and dinners hosted by Command Group Principals as directed.
  • Oversees the management of all arrangements for Flag Raising Ceremonies including coordination of Band support, Guests of Honor, gifts and various other details.
  • Responsible for planning, co-ordination and execution of all aspects of SACT-sponsored VIP visits to HQ SACT and SACT-sponsored VIP visits outside HQ SACT.
  • Plans, directs and manages an effective, comprehensive Distinguished Visitor program for VIP visits ensuring the appropriate logistical support.
  • Oversees the maintenance and publication of the ACT Visits Schedule Report.
  • Deals with senior military and political leaders and commercial businesses to ensure all visits and conferences are carried out smoothly and efficiently.
  • Oversees the management preparation and submission of budgets for the Branch.
  • Coordinates the management of the HQ briefing and conference facilities.
  • Oversees the maintenance of command’s master database and historical records.
  • Ensures professional development of protocol staff by counselling and motivating the Project Officers through work assignments.
  • Budget Authority - Manages the Protocol Budget in support of visits & ceremonies/office supplies, Travel in support of conferences and symposia at off site locations as required by operations, Command Events, and in support of the management of the SACLANT Conference Room and the SACT Auditorium.

Essential Qualifications / Experience\:

  • University Degree  and 10 years related experience.
  • At least 7 years' Protocol or similar experience.
  • At least 3 years supervisory experience for a large organization.

Language\:

  • English – SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Attributes/Competencies\:

Personal Attributes\:

  • The work associated with this post requires a very high level of tact and diplomacy as well as very good communication (both verbally and in writing) and organization skills.

Managerial Responsibilities\:

  • Leads a Branch of mixed Military and NATO civilian posts. Controls the work program for Protocol Branch and influences SACT’s strategic engagement program. Involved in a wide range of planning activities for a complex program of visits and events. This post has sole responsibility for successful delivery of large visits/events/ceremonies, including contracting/obligation of funds in support of those visits/events.


Professional Contacts\:

  • The incumbent must develop and maintain professional contacts at the higher level within and outside HQ SACT -  regularly dealing with SACT and other members of the Command Group and distinguished VIP visitors.

Contribution To Objectives\:

  • HQ SACT is a Strategic Command with a very heavy program of internal and external engagements. Protocol is at the leading edge of SACT’s external and internal communications strategy. Any shortfall in this area would rapidly undermine SACT’s key objectives.

Security Clearance

The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO SECRET Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Contract

Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.  Newly recruited staff will be offered a three year definite duration contract.

Notes for Candidates

The HQ SACT web site gives full details on the eligibility criteria and application processes to be adopted by all candidates.  However, candidates should particularly note\:

Please answer each of the pre-screening questions completely in English. Expressions such as\: “please see attached CV, please see annex, please see enclosed document, etc” are not acceptable; this is a cause of immediate rejection of the application.

Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of your application form, which should be populated with details of your career to date and educational achievements and certifications as they relate to your application.

The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G20 will be considered with priority.

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.

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.

This vacancy will close on 9 February 2026 @ 17\:59hrs (EST)/11\:59hrs (CET).

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.