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. Principal Duties.
The incumbent is responsible for:
a. Contribute to the identification and analysis of Science & Technology trends continuously, taking into consideration reports from the STO programmes, other NATO stakeholders, and open-source material.
b. Deliver, under supervision, tailored reports on the policy impact of technology trends, to inform science, technology and innovation related documents, policies and strategies about risks, opportunities, and choices for Alliance deterrence and defence.
c. Provide contribution for the organization of workshops and events in order to enhance the sharing of S&T research results or to gather evidence and experts judgements for advice products.
d. Under supervision, 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 NATO Chief Scientist.
e. Supporting the Head of Branch (OCS GAX 0010) in their management of commissioned advice products.
f. Collaborate closely with the Officers, Analysis – military impact (OCS GAX 0030) and Analysis (OCS GAX 0040).
3. Special Requirements and Additional Duties.
a. Performing other related functions, as directed by the Chief Scientist.
b. The functions involve irregular working hours and frequent travel abroad, including on weekends.
c. Providing backup for the Officers, Analysis – military impact (OCS GAX 0030) and Analysis (OCS GAX 0040).
4. Essential Qualifications.
a. Professional/Experience.
The incumbent must have:
i. At least 3 years of professional experience in science or technology, either at research or policy development level;
ii. Broad operational knowledge of military technology and defence capabilities.
iii. Demonstrated capacity for planning, analysis and the drafting of proposals and ideas.
iv. Working knowledge of office word processing, spreadsheet, graphics presentations and database software.
b. Education/Training.
i. A degree from a university or institute of recognised standing or an equivalent qualification from a defence/military institution, for example in a scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical discipline.
c. Language Requirements.
i. 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.
5. Desirable Qualifications.
a. Professional /Experience
i. Experience in operational research and analysis, or related scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical discipline.
ii. 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.
iii. Knowledge of NATO policies, procedures and working methods.
iv. Knowledge of current international events and their impact on NATO work.
v. Practical management experience in planning, programming and budgeting.
b. Education/Training.
i. A state or university post-graduate degree in a scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical discipline of interest to defence and/or security.
ii. Knowledge and experience with scientific computing systems or similar analytical tools.
c. Language Requirements.
i. Knowledge of other languages.
6. Attributes/Competencies:
a. Personal Attributes:
i. Initiative.
ii. Analytical mindset.
iii. Tact and capacity to co-operate and work harmoniously with high-level civilian and military personnel of different NATO Nations.
iv. Reliability.
v. Trustworthiness, discretion and high sense of responsibility.
b. Managerial Responsibilities: N/A
c. Professional Contacts:
i. Interacts daily with the Chief Scientist and other staff members in the OCS, who are International Military Personnel or NATO International Civilians.
ii. Deals with scientists, engineers and military personnel from NATO and Partner nations.
iii. Co-ordinates activities with a wide range of stakeholders, staff as well as National representatives, from the STO, the armaments community and the intelligence community.
d. Contribution to Objectives: The role of the Officer, Analysis is vital to support the Chief Scientist in his/her role of senior scientific advisor to NATO leadership.
7. Remarks. None.
8. 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.
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
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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.