Through this recruitment process we aim to hire two qualified candidates for the following positions:
- Head, Russia Policy Coordination Section (G22) (PASP0150)
Click here for post description
- Head, Policy East Section (G22) (PASP0024)
Click here for post description
Please make sure to review the job descriptions for a full overview of the distinct requirements and main accountabilities for each post.
1. SUMMARY
The Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP) Division leads on the political aspects of NATO’s core tasks and is the International Staff’s hub for partnerships. Within PASP:
• The Russia Policy Coordination Section is responsible for the development and the implementation of political guidance related to NATO policies toward Russia.
• The Policy East Section is responsible for the development and the implementation of political guidance related to NATO policies toward the partners in the area of responsibility.
In accordance with NATO-wide standards as well as with PASP Standing Operating Procedures:
• The incumbent for the Head, Russia Policy Coordination Section helps develop and is responsible for the implementation of political guidance related to NATO’s policy towards Russia. The incumbent organises and leads the work of the Russia Policy Coordination Section.
• The incumbent for the Head, Policy East Section is responsible for the development and implementation of political guidance related to NATO relations with Ukraine (including in the framework of the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC)), Belarus, Republic of Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The incumbent organises and leads the work of the Section and guides the work of the NATO Liaison Office in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. The incumbent also works closely with the NATO Representation in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Key challenges facing the successful candidate for the first three-five years will include:
For the Head, Russia Policy Coordination Section:
1. Managing the Russia Policy Coordination team on a busy set of files using sound management principles.
2. Taking account of the evolving security situation in the Euro-Atlantic area in the framework of NATO's policy towards Russia.
3. Providing oversight for the policy work on Russia.
For the Head, Policy East Section:
1. Managing the Policy East Section on a busy set of files using sound management principles.
2. Shaping NATO’s policy towards partners in the area of responsibility while taking account of the evolving security situation in the Euro-Atlantic area.
3. Providing oversight for the cooperation framework between NATO and Ukraine.
Candidates applying ONLY to the Head Russia Policy Coordination Section:
In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document, maximum of 2 A4 pages, summarising their views on the key (and possible other) challenges facing the Russia Policy Coordination Section, and how they would address them if selected for the position.
Candidates applying ONLY to the Head, Policy East Section:
In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document, maximum of 2 A4 pages, summarising their views on the key (and possible other) challenges facing the Policy East Section, and how they would address them if selected for the position.
Candidates applying to BOTH the Head Russia Policy Coordination Section & Head, Policy East Section:
In addition to the application form, candidates are expected to submit a Word or pdf document, maximum of 2 A4 pages, summarising their views on the below key challenges, and how they would address them if selected for either position:
1. Managing the team on a busy set of files using sound management principles.
2. Shaping NATO’s policy towards partners in the area of responsibility and towards Russia while taking account of the evolving security situation in the Euro-Atlantic area.
3. Providing oversight for the policy work on Russia AND the cooperation framework between NATO and Ukraine.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The incumbent must:
• possess a university degree or equivalent qualification in the field of political science, public or international relations or another relevant discipline;
• have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, out of which at least 5 years’ experience in managing and leading a team;
• have experience of work dealing with Russia (specific for Head Russia Policy Coordination Section – Post PASP0150)
• demonstrate a strong understanding of security issues in the Euro-Atlantic area;
• have experience in programme/project management;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.
The following would be considered an advantage:
• working knowledge of Russian (knowledge of Ukrainian would be an asset for Head, Policy East Section – Post PASP0024)
• experience of work in/with one of the countries under the responsibility of the Section (specific for Head, Policy East Section – Post PASP0024)
• diplomatic experience in the foreign service of a member country or in an international organisation.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Refer to the links to the different PDs, here below:
- The Russia Policy Coordination Section (G22) (PASP0150) - Click here for post description.
- The Policy East Section (G22) (PASP0024) - Click here for post description.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
Reporting Line: The incumbent reports to the Director of the Partnerships and Global Affairs Directorate.
Interactions: The incumbent interacts with managers and senior officers throughout the IS, International Military Staff, allied delegations and partner missions and represents the Section and Directorate on a frequent basis. The incumbent also engages with international organisations and NGOs.
The Russia Policy Coordination Section (G22) (PASP0024):
• Direct Reports: 3
• Indirect reports: N/A
The Policy East Section (G22) (PASP0024):
• Direct Reports: 8
• Indirect reports: 4
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
• Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Impact and Influence: Uses complex influence strategies;
• Initiative: Plans and acts up to a year ahead;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands underlying issues;
• Teamwork: Works to build commitment.
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.
7. 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.
When submitting your application, please ensure that your Taleo Candidate Profile is updated and that your CV is correctly uploaded in the Taleo attachments section.
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Please note that the competition for this post is provisionally scheduled as follows:
Pre-selection testing: Second half of July 2026;
Final selection: End of August / Beginning of September 2026, in Brussels, Belgium.
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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 reference documents without proper quotes (plagiarism), or any tools available on internet, including but not limited to translation facilities, or generative artificial-intelligence (AI) 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 tools will be rejected without further consideration, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.
8. 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.
NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment, where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation, please inform us during your selection process.
Candidates will be required to provide documented medical evidence to support their request for accommodation.
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.
Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
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.
The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements.
Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.
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.
NATO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. For more info please click here.