1. Post Context.
The mission of the NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) is to help position the Nations and NATO’s S&T investments as a strategic enabler of the knowledge and technical advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO and Partner Nations.
The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is chartered to provide executive and administrative support to the Chief Scientist in fulfilling his/her roles as the Chair of the STB and the senior scientific advisor at NATO Headquarters.
The Science & Technology Advice Branch (GAX) provides the primary support to the Chief Scientist’s role as senior scientific advisor. The branch produces analyses and assessments of significant S&T issues and developments in order to generate the evidence-based advice for the Chief Scientist to deliver to NATO leadership.
2. Reporting Lines.
• The Officer Analysis reports to the Branch Head S&T Advice.
3. Principal Duties.
The incumbent is responsible for:
• Identify and analyse Science & Technology trends continuously in order to contribute to periodic STO Tech Trends reports, taking into consideration reports from the STO programmes, other NATO stakeholders, and open-source material.
• Deliver tailored reports on the military impact of technology trends, to inform, i.a., capability requirement setting through NATO Defence Planning Process and NATO’s Warfare Development Agenda, about the riskpportunities, and choices for Alliance military capabilities that arise from emerging and potentially disruptive technologies.
• Cooperate closely with the Strategic Commands and the International Military Staff in support of the Military Committee, and prepare dedicated reports for and Chief Scientist’s engagements with senior military leadership in NATO.
• Cooperate closely with the International Staff / Defence Investment Division in support of the Conference of National Armaments Directors and the subordinate Main Armaments Groups and NATO Industrial Advisory Group, to inform capability development and delivery work in the armaments community.
• Draft papers and reports for a wide variety of stakeholders, including National and NATO officials through to the NATO North Atlantic Council, Military Committee and for Ministerials. Prepare speaking notes for senior officials, including up to the Secretary General.
• Collaborate closely with the Officers, Analysis (OCS GAX 0040 and OCS GAX 0050), supervising them when required for specific tasks related to military impact of technologies.
• Supporting the Head of Branch (OCS GAX 0010) in their liaison activity with the International Military Staff.
4. Special Requirements and Additional Duties.
• Performing other related functions, as directed by the Chief Scientist.
• The functions involve irregular working hours and frequent travel abroad, including on weekends.
• Providing backup for the Officer, Analysis (OCS GAX 0040).
5. Essential Qualifications.
a. Professional/Experience.
The incumbent must have:
• At least 3 years of professional experience in defence and security policy or operational analysis;
• At least 3 years of professional experience in science or technology, either at research or policy development level;
• Broad operational knowledge of military technology and defence capabilities.
• Demonstrated capacity for planning, analysis and the drafting of proposals and ideas.
• Working knowledge of office word processing, spreadsheet, graphics presentations and database software.
b. Education/Training.
• Advanced university degree, or national military equivalent, in a scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical discipline of interest to defence and/or security.
c. Language Requirements.
• Very good knowledge of one of the two official NATO languages, English or French (SLP 4444), good knowledge of the other (SLP 3333). The work is mainly conducted in the English language.
6. Desirable Qualifications.
a. Professional /Experience
• Experience in operational research and analysis, or related scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical discipline.
• Working experience in an international environment with a demonstrated capacity to work in a multinational and multicultural environment with scientific and military personnel at all levels. This pertains in particular to NATO or comparable organizations.
• Knowledge of NATO policies, procedures and working methods.
• Knowledge of current international events and their impact on NATO work.
• Practical management experience in planning, programming and budgeting.
b. Education/Training.
• A state or university post-graduate degree in a scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical discipline of interest to defence and/or security.
• Military Staff college.
c. Language Requirements.
• French PLS (3333)
7. Remarks. None.
8. Contract
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non seconded): Definite duration contract of 3 years; possibility of renewal for up to 3 years.
Contract clause applicable:
As employment in this post is required for a limited period, as this is a temporarily civilianised military post, the successful applicant will be offered a definite duration contract of 3 years’ duration, which, if required, may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years.
If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3 years’ definite duration contract will be offered, which, if required, may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years, and subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
9. 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.
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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.
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.
10. 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.