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 Evaluation and Lessons Learned Branch is responsible for the HQ Evaluation and LI/LL Process, and contributes to the NATO Evaluation System and LI/LL process.
The incumbent is responsible to collect and analyse JSEC LI, feed them into NLLP as well as deriving and analyzing LI from NLLP within JSEC’s area of interest. At the same time, contribute to NCS LL requirements in SACEUR’s Guidance for Education, Training, Exercise and Evaluation (SGE) and Collective Training and Exercise (CT&E) Annual Directive.
2. Principal Duties
The incumbent's duties are:
- Plan, coordinate and execute the Lessons Learned (LL) process to support NCS/NFS exercises and operations.
- Participate and contribute as JSEC LI/LL SME in support of exercise planning process.
- Contribute to the LI reports on NCS/NFS exercises.
- Contribute to the NATO Lessons Learned Portal on LI of NCS/NFS exercises.
- Act as Local NATO Lessons Learned Portal (NLLP) Manager.
- Act as LL Point of Contact (POC) of JSEC for NCS/NFS exercises.
- Supports the Branch Head during exercise analysis and reporting phase.
- Maintain the observations database for the LI/LL/Best Practices (BP) from evaluation of logistics elements of NCS/NFS.
- Contribute to the revision of NATO LL policy, and LL education and training activities.
- Contribute on doctrines revision with inputs from evaluation of logistics elements of NCS/NFS.
3. Special Requirements
The incumbent may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.
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 Operational Analysis.
Activities involving the application of Operations Research (OR) techniques specifically to Military issues. Military Operations Research is also known as Operational Analysis (OA). It is used to support military decision-making across the spectrum of military activities. It is especially relevant in the assessment and analytical simulation of Courses of Action in operational planning and force mix studies, in support of collective HQ training and evaluation, cost effectiveness studies, risk management, logistical simulation and optimisation, organisational, business process analysis, manpower and other management tasks. The OA specialism is required where military knowledge is essential for rapid integration of scientific/analytical support into a civil/military analytical team or when filling a post within an operational HQ.
b. Education/Training
University Degree in operations research, military operations research, mathematics, statistics or related numerate discipline, computer science or related discipline and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.
The additional job specific qualifications and experience are described under Professional Experience paragraph (4/a). In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience has priority over the standard education and training levels and experience described here.
c. Language
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 Orientation Course, NATO Exercise Planning Course,NATO Lessons Learned Management Course,NATO Lessons Learned Staff Officers Course).
6. Attributes/Competencies
a. Personal Attributes
The incumbent must possess good interpersonal and communication skills together with tact and diplomacy. Must demonstrate sound judgement, well-developed analytical and critical thinking skills, flexibility, adaptability and be an accomplished negotiator capable of influencing and representing JSEC in higher level NATO and non-NATO forums. 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.
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 planning, deconfliction and execution of NATO wartime, crisis and peacetime objectives. His or her advice has a crucial impact to the 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 G15 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 livable 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. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. Due to the broad interest in HQ JSEC and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or email enquiries cannot be dealt with.
f. For more information on JSEC, please visit our website.
g. This vacancy will be closed on 11 November 2026, at 11:59:00 PM (CET).