Officer, Current Operations Section

1. SUMMARY

The mission of the Operations Division of the International Staff is to prepare NATO for the defence of Alliance territory, to respond to crises at home and abroad, and to strengthen the capabilities of partners. Within the Current Operations Section, the incumbent will provide advice and drive policy development within the areas of their responsibility. The Current Operations Officers work closely together optimizing staff time and skills. The incumbent will deputize as required the head of the section. Given the highly demanding nature of operational responses, the role requires resilience and the capacity to deliver results under stringent deadlines. The post holder may be required to travel to non-permissive environments and undertake the Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT). Additionally, the post holder will need to provide proof of medical fitness and compliance with preventive medical measures and requirements in the area of deployment.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree in political science, international relations or related fields;
• have strong knowledge of international relations and current affairs, with particular emphasis on crisis management issues and political-military issues;
• have at least 5 years of relevant experience, including participating in and guiding multilateral diplomacy discussions and negotiations;
• demonstrate flexibility and strong drive for teamwork and diversity; and
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO's official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; level I (Beginner) in the other.

The following would be considered an advantage:

• experience with NATO political-military processes and NATO operations, missions and activities;
• field experience, particularly in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq or other working experience of NATO military operations and training missions; and
• experience leading multinational teams or projects with diverse stakeholders.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Policy Development: Analyse and evaluate important security and political developments area of assignment, draft related policy documents, clearly outlining NATO responsibilities and involvement, and promulgate and monitor policy implementation. Compile and share information and advice on matters affecting their area(s) of responsibility, including selecting political / operational issues for discussion in relevant committees. Conceptualise and prepare briefing material, speaking notes and point papers for the Secretary General, Ambassadors and other senior NATO officials. Participate in and lead internal task forces, as required.

Expertise Development: Develop and maintain own expertise on NATO operations, missions and activities. Assess effectiveness of NATO's involvement in operations and formulate proposals and recommendations for stakeholders, such as the International Military Staff (IMS) and Strategic Commands, within a strict timeframe to address critical events. Visit operational theatres to observe and assess operations and/or advise NATO leadership during travel.

Stakeholder Management: Collaborate across the International Staff, NATO Military Authorities, agencies and Allies in order to ensure collaboration in own portfolios. Develop stakeholder management strategies to foster consensus and influence strategic developments related to NATO current and future operations. Collaborate with other international organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the field of crisis management.

Representation of the Organization: Assist the Head of the Current Operations Section, Divisional leadership and the Secretary General by providing briefs, taking notes and preparing documents. Prepare for and report on planned and unplanned meetings of various NATO bodies that discuss the political aspects of NATO's current operations and crisis management. Attend meetings on behalf of NATO, including with other international organisations, provide briefings and speak at external conferences, in areas related to own portfolio. Deputise for the Head of Section in external and internal engagements, as required.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Reporting Line: The incumbent reports to the Head of the Current Operations Section.

Interactions: The incumbent coordinates work with the other Officers within the section and/or Division. They maintain close working relationships within OPS and liaise with other NATO Divisions and Independent Offices, NATO Military Authorities (NMA) and the IMS in order to ensure proper coordination and communication regarding work activities and accurate development of operational engagement plans. In addition, they maintain s