Head, Divisional Support Section and Executive Officer

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Job Description - Head, Divisional Support Section and Executive Officer (DPP) (261734)

Head, Divisional Support Section and Executive Officer (DPP) - 261734

NATO Body

NATO International Staff (NATO IS)

Schedule

Full-time

Application Deadline

22-Nov-2026, 10:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)

Grade NATO Grade G20

Description

1. SUMMARY

The Defence Policy and Planning (DPP) Division leads work in the NATO International Staff (IS) on the defence‑related aspects of the Alliance’s fundamental security tasks at the political‑military level. The Divisional Support Section (DSS) coordinates the work and programmes of the Division and the committees it supports, and provides procedural advice.
The incumbent provides coordinated advice to the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary General (DASG) on a wide range of defence policy and planning issues and activities, and ensures the effective planning, management and smooth running of the office. The incumbent is DPP’s primary interlocutor on the organisation of work with other Divisions/Independent Offices, Delegations and similar officials. In addition, the incumbent is the Head of the DSS, responsible for the organisational, administrative and procedural support to the Committees of Strategic Planning meetings such as DPP Committee (DPPC) and Resilience Committee (RC).

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree or an equivalent qualification from a defence/military institution in a relevant field for the post;
• have at least 5 years of relevant experience in progressively responsible positions with a focus on broad defence planning;
• have experience in co‑coordinating and managing teams and possess relevant experience in prioritising, multitasking and in dealing with a large number of issues and tasks;
• have strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit documents for a senior audience; and
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficiency”) in one; III (“Intermediate”) in the other;

The following would be considered an advantage:

• be familiar with resource management systems and software;
• be conversant with the Alliance’s structure, practices and procedures;
• experience of working in a major international organisation or international environment;

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Planning and Execution: Lead the DSS and coordination of taskings across Division, within DPP and with other IS and International Military Staff (IMS) Divisions/Independent Offices. Assist and advice on the shaping and staffing of various defence policies and other related matters, and integrate them into future strategic plans for the Division. Run practical, administrative and logistical aspects of committee work and activities, and track the implementation of committee decisions and policy directives.

Stakeholder Management: Serve as DPP’s central point of contact for all issues concerning coherence, management, workflow and coordination issues for the Division. Ensure close coordination and common approaches with Directors, Section Heads, Allied and Partner Committees, and other Executive Officers, and members of the IS, IMS and other NATO bodies, to meet the Committees’ and divisional agendas. Act as a key interlocutor with the OSG to ensure good communication on relevant matters. Represent ASG/DPP at meetings, conferences, seminars and with external stakeholders, as required.

People Management: Lead the DSS Section. Create a motivating and effective workplace. Provide in‑depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on Organisational and DPP objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance.

Policy Development: Contribute to the structure and development of policy efforts for the Division. Coordinate internal policy matters and initiatives in collaboration with relevant IS and IMS contacts. Advise the ASG/DPP and DASG/DPP on policy development within the Division as well as throughout NATO.

Knowledge Management: Ensure the proper flow and access of information and knowledge across the DPP and key stakeholders in line with NATO knowledge management procedures and processes. Develop and promote innovative ways of working that improve the overall functioning and coordination of the DPP.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Reporting Line: The incumbent reports to the Assistant Secretary General, Defe