1. Post Context
Headquarters JSEC provides a resilient operational-level Joint Headquarters, capable of supporting 24/7 operations to coordinate enablement (at the operational level) and, on order, the execution of reinforcement by forces (RbyFo) and sustainment flow in order to contribute to the Alliance's ability to project and sustain combat power into, across and from the Area of Responsibility (AOR), and, if required, into a Joint Operations Area (JOA).
The Plans Directorate (PLANS) prepares and manages the development of functional planning based on the guidance received by COM, the assessments provided by OPS and the liaison activities, contributing to strategic and operational level planning.
The J7 Division is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing the HQ ETEE, as well as contributing to NATO ETEE, based on the Global Programming and the NATO Force Training Model requirements.
The Exercise Delivery Branch is responsible for EX Specification (EXSPEC), Product Development and Collective TREX execution.
The incumbent is responsible for supporting the Exercise Planning Team Leader in all matters of the assigned exercise.
2. Principal Duties
The incumbent's duties are:
Supports the Exercise Planning Team Leaders in their function as Officer with Primary Responsibility (OPR) for the team assigned exercise. That includes (among other things) to:
-identify the requirements with regards to RLS for the exercise
- participate in exercise planning events
- support the exercise planning process
- coordinate the development and processing of exercise documents (e.g. EXSPEC, EXPLAN, exercise orders)
- support the coordination with relevant exercise and simulation facilities
- participate in JSEC exercises
- coordinate required exercise support with all relevant actors within the JSEC, and other stakeholders
- organise, prepare and support in conduct of internal and external exercise planning team meetings
3. Special Requirements
a. The incumbent may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.
b. The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY (temporary duty) assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries. Such operational deployment may exceed 30 days duration up to 183 days in any period of 547 days, and may be on short notice. For NATO International Civilian Staff, acceptance of an employment contract linked to this post constitutes agreement to deploy in excess of 30 days if required.
4. Essential Qualifications
a. Professional Experience
- This role requires proven experience in Military Education and Training.
The study and experience of the methodology and practices involved in training soldiers, NCOs (non-commissioned officers), and officers. It also extends this to training small and large units, both individually and collectively for both the regular and reserve organisations. Military training, especially for officers, also concerns itself with general education and political indoctrination of the armed forces.
b. Education/Training
Higher Secondary education and completed higher vocational training leading to a formal technical or professional certification with 3 years function related experience, or Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related experience.
The additional job specific qualifications and experience are described under Professional Experience paragraph. In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience has priority over the standard education and training levels and experience described here.
c. Language
a) English - SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English.
5. Desirable Qualifications
Education/Training
Any further training certificates and courses related to subject field or acquired through NATO (e.g.: NATO Exercise Planning Course,NATO Comprehensive Operations Planning Course,NATO Orientation Course);
6. Attributes/Competencies
a. Personal Attributes
The incumbent must possess good interpersonal and communication skills together with tact and diplomacy. Must have the ability to act on own initiative and propose innovative solutions to immediate and long-term problems without close supervision. Must be capable of translating general guidance into workable proposals and strategic deliverables. Must be willing to work unusual hours in a multinational environment.
b. Professional Contacts
The incumbent is required to establish, develop and maintain professional contacts within JSEC and with NATO HQs, representatives of NATO and Partner Nations, national organizations, International and Non-Governmental Organizations as well as academia and business.
c. Contribution to Objectives
Provides timely and effective support which is essential for the HQs objectives.
7. Contract
a. Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
b. In accordance with current policy, newly recruited staff will be offered a three-year contract which may be extended, subject to a satisfactory recommendation, to an indefinite duration contract.
c. Salary/Benefits: The salary is tax free including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff; Education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme; Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible); Retirement Pension Plan.
8. Notes for Candidates
a. Applications must be submitted using the e-recruitment system. Applications and other documents will not be reviewed if sent through other formats (including email, social network, etc). Candidates should particularly note: When completing the application form using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform, you are able to add attachments. Only attachments specifically asked for as part of the application process will be considered.
b. 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.
c. All pre-screening questions should be answered completely. Expressions such as: “please see attached CV, please see annex, please see enclosed document, etc” are not acceptable.
d. Before you apply, we encourage you to watch this 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? This video contains the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.
e. After review of your online application, successful candidates will usually be asked to complete a pre-recorded video interview. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to the final assessments.
f. Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance, approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of the academic background and work experience.
g. 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.
h. The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G12 will be considered with priority.
i. 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.
9. Additional information
a. About Ulm: Ulm distinguishes itself as one of Germany's most liveable cities by seamlessly blending a high-tech professional landscape with an exceptional quality of life. As a major innovation hub home to the "Science Park," it is known for its academic and business ecosystem in biotech and AI, while its strategic importance is further underscored by the presence of the NATO Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC). Stationed at the Wilhelmsburg Barracks, JSEC serves as a vital multinational headquarters responsible for the rapid movement and sustainability of forces across Europe, reinforcing Ulm’s role as a key "hub" in continental security. This global significance is balanced by a convenient "15-minute city" infrastructure that ensures almost everything is accessible by public transport, foot, bike, or a short car ride. Residents enjoy a unique harmony between the charm of the historic city center and the natural beauty of the Danube, all while benefiting from a safe, clean environment, excellent healthcare infrastructure and high-speed connections to major cities like Munich or Stuttgart.
b. The official job title is currently Staff Officer (Exercise Support) - G12/B5. However, we expect the job title to be changed to Staff Assistant (Exercise Support) - G12/B5 with no change in pay grade or responsibilities.
c. 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.
d. 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 along with documented medical evidence to support your request.
e. All JSEC personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct as agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.
f. Due to the broad interest in HQ JSEC and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or email enquiries cannot be dealt with.
g. For more information on JSEC, please visit our website.
h. This vacancy will be closed on 31 October 2026, at 11:59:00 PM (CET)