YPP, Human Resources (People Management and Development)

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP)

In a more dangerous and competitive security environment, NATO continues to do everything that is needed to keep one billion people across Europe and North America safe. We are strengthening our defences, responding swiftly and decisively to threats to our security, and working together – as allies and partners – to protect our freedom and shared interests.

We are launching an accelerator for your international career – the fourth cycle of our Young Professionals Programme (YPP). Through this global three-year programme, you will experience the frontline of a political and military alliance and start a journey of personal and professional development in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Together, we will ensure NATO continues to:

• respond with unity, strength and resolve to growing dangers to our security across the Euro-Atlantic area and in all domains – land, sea, air, space and cyberspace;

• build stronger defences by investing more in defence and accelerating defence production and innovation;

• harness new technologies for our security, and stay ahead in cutting-edge domains such as cyber and space;

• leverage partnerships, including with the European Union, individual countries and the private sector, to protect our freedom and shared interests; and

• contribute to fighting terrorism and rampant instability in NATO’s southern neighbourhood.

Do you want to make a difference and help protect close to one billion people across 32 NATO member states, including your own? If you are ready to take on this challenge, and are a national of a NATO member state, hold a Master’s degree and have at least one year of work experience, then apply for the YPP.

With you, we are stronger.

#WeAreNATO

Your role

During the three years of the programme, you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies:

For more information, please see the path narrative here. You can also find more information about the NATO bodies here & the NATO Young Professionals Programme here.

This is an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills in the broader area of Human Resources (People Management & Development). As you gain experience, you will be given increasing responsibilities, such as:

• Positively contributing to the development and improvement of HR policies and employment framework for NATO civilian staff;
• Leading projects such as designing and implementing staff recognition and staff development programmes, defining and implementing of standardized Functional Areas and Job Families. Tracking and measuring impact on staff morale and retention;
• Benchmarking and streamline Organisational Design processes across NATO Agencies.
• Supporting the implementation of a holistic employer branding plan, ensuring consistent alignment across HR initiatives and visibility of the Agency’s people strategy
• Contributing to research, compilation, and analysis of data required to manage projects and changes effectively;
• Planning, executing, developing and implementing policies and procedures pertaining to recruitment, contract and performance management, staff development and training, remuneration, deployment and separation of civilian human resources;
• Supporting project and change management activities, including maintaining project plans, coordinating with HR leads, and managing communication plans;
• Providing HR support and advice on the implications associated with the introduction of the new directives and/or ways of working;
• Digitization and implementation of best practices (process improvement) in a planned and structured way;
• Contribute to the standardised, automated & streamlined business processes to deliver excellence to internal customers;
• Giving expert and executive advice to senior leadership and HR managers within NATO;
• Maintaining and developing contacts NATO-wide, with external HR offices and with other international organizations to promote HR coherence and a uniform approach;
• Researching new trends within the areas of responsibilities of Human Resources (People Management & Development).

Who we are looking for

The changing pace of the world demands that NATO and its people remain flexible, eager to learn and able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. For a YPP position, we are looking for candidates with at least one year of professional experience.

For the YPP, Human Resources (People Management & Development) path, we are generally interested in the following educational backgrounds:

• Masters’ degree in human resources, law, criminology, public administration, business administration or other management disciplines; and,

• Any other degree that you believe can be useful to the area of Human Resources (People Management & Development) – let us know how your knowledge and skills can be applied 

Any of the following experience or skills would be considered as an asset:

• Professional experience in HR services functions;

• Experience and interest in HR project management and improving HR processes;

• Experience and interest in drafting and reviewing papers on HR matters (such as, but not limited to, the employment framework, talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, etc.);

• Experience and interest in providing HR advice particularly with respect to policies and the employment framework;

• Experience or good knowledge of HR staff rules, procedures and systems acquired in a complex and matrix-based environment;

• Experience or ability to deal with HR data analytics;

• Experience in a field of NATO core business (international relations, political affairs, defence, security, etc) and/or a functional area of other HR clients (e.g. IT, finance, construction and general services, etc.;

• Experience preparing & drafting a variety of official written materials & giving advice to an HR and non-HR audience;

• Experience in a national administration, international organization, start-up and/or innovative work environment;

• Knowledge of or experience in international labour law;

• Experience and interest in the use of HR management tools;

• Any additional training/certification(s) related to human resources and project or programme management;

• Strong drafting skills;

• Proactivity, can-do attitude & willingness to learn and share information; and,

• Teamwork, excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills.

What we offer

NATO will offer the Young Professionals:

• An experience of a lifetime at the forefront of an international organization where you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and expand your professional network;

• A diverse and stimulating work and personal experience where you will be assigned to three different NATO bodies around the globe, one each year; and,

• A competitive salary and other benefits, including excellent health insurance and a generous annual leave package of 30 days

Are you interested in being part of NATO and the YPP?  Apply by 31 May 2026 [23:59 – Brussels time]

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

Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (https://www.nato.int/en/work-with-us/careers).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.

For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.