Officer, Defence Planning Expert (5 posts)

Position description

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Ref: 241124

Location: Belgium-Brussels

Application Deadline: 25-Aug-2024

Salary (Pay Basis): 8,754.21EUR Monthly

Grade G20

Please note that the Operations Division is currently also recruiting for Officer, Interoperability Planner (2 posts) in Wiesbaden (Germany) (requisition number 241125), which can be found on our website.

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. The Operations Division advances the core tasks of the Alliance (Defence and Deterrence, Crisis Prevention and Management, Cooperative Security) by providing situational awareness, advance planning, well-exercised and executed crisis response, and outcome-oriented defence and related security cooperation programmes.

Within the Operations Division, the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD) facilitates political-military decision-making and programme implementation with partner nations. The directorate does this to strengthen resilience, promote integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance in the defence and related security sector of partner nations. They enhance the institutional and defence capabilities of partner nations so that they can better respond to crises at home and abroad. As the focus for NATO defence and security cooperation initiatives, the Directorate uses an integrated set of planning and programme implementation tools to develop effective and efficient state defence institutions under democratic control that comply with international norms and practices, and to develop forces and capabilities that can operate effectively with NATO forces when appropriate.

The Ukraine Practical Support (UPS) Section includes the Ukraine Capability Coalitions Coordination Team (UCCCT), a team of defence planners collectively working to ensure coordination and coherence with the efforts of NATO’s security assistance and training for Ukraine, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) and the Allied Capability Coalitions, in line with the immediate to long-term needs of Ukraine and the interoperability requirements identified in NATO’s multi-year interoperability roadmap for Ukraine. Finally, the team is responsible for providing UDCG and Capability Coalitions-related briefing to the Secretary General and the relevant management boards/committees.

The Officer delivers coordination and coherence to meet the immediate to long-term requirements of Ukraine, while ensuring the capabilities and equipment donated are NATO interoperable. They support the development and implementation of projects under the CAP as part of NATO’s assistance to Ukraine’s defence and security sector to achieve interoperability with NATO.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the field of political science, international relations, security studies, or another relevant discipline; or have attended a NATO or national military staff college or equivalent;
• have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field of defence planning, evidenced through previous posts;
• have a very good understanding of transformation, reform and defence institution building processes;
• have in-depth knowledge of international affairs and defence policy issues;
• have considerable knowledge of military capabilities in at least one defence planning domain (land, air, maritime, or joint/enabling) and experience in the preparation of military force plans and associated financial, staffing, and procurement planning;
• be able to communicate concisely, clearly, logically and persuasively, verbally and in writing;
• possess social skills and cultural awareness enabling her/him to work in a multinational environment;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other; and
• be flexible to travel frequently, including in Ukraine, and to work outside normal business hours.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• graduate from a national war college or possess a master degree from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the field of military science, security studies, or another relevant discipline;
• knowledge and experience with the NATO Defence Planning Process and/or national defence planning processes;
• experience in transformation, reform and defence institution building processes in the post-Soviet space, ideally with Ukraine;
• knowledge and experience in all aspects of capability development, encompassing doctrine and policies, organisation, training, materiel, leadership/education, personnel, facilities, and interoperability.
• working knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian: and
• experience in advising at staff and senior leader level within government ministries and/or military commands.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development

Follow and advise on the different steps of Ukrainian capability development, capacity building and long-term sustainable transition of the Ukrainian defence forces to Western equipment in the land domain while maintaining their warfighting ability. Be responsible for the analysis of defence and related security capabilities and subjects of a military nature, including the interpretation, analysis and assessment of military force plans in the land, maritime, air and joint/enabling domains.

Representation of the Organization

Regularly represent the DSCD in various meetings with national authorities of both NATO and Ukraine, including during meetings with Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Political Directors. Represent, as appropriate, the Alliance at conferences and other activities on issues falling within DSCD’s area of competence. Help enhance NATO’s public diplomacy and information efforts on these issues.

Knowledge Management

Analyse, advise, and report to NATO staffs and Allies on relevant Ukrainian plans and policies; and. Prepare reports, briefing material, and other material. Draft progress assessments based on an analysis of Ukrainian requirements and relevant information, and contribute to regular reports on NUC implementation.

Stakeholder Management

Working closely with the Allied Capability Coalitions, ensure coordination with other key stakeholders, including, though not limited to, NATO’s security assistance and training for Ukraine in Wiesbaden, the UDCG and the NATO Representation to Ukraine. Develop relations with national defence transformation experts in Allied and partner capitals, in the NATO structures, and in the European Union Military Staff, in order to support and encourage a culture of consultation and cooperation. Collaborate with staff in the Defence Policy and Planning Division (DPP), Political Affairs and Security Policies Division (PASP), Defence Investment Division (DI), the International Military Staff (IMS), Allied Command Operations (ACO), Allied Command Transformation (ACT), NATO Centres of Excellence, and national planning staffs, in order to understand, analyse and interpret the strategic environment, country-specific reform issues and requirements.

Project Management

Ensure the integration of activities, as appropriate, into related work streams across the NATO civilian and military structure. Manage projects and/or programmes as directed by the head of the Ukraine Practical Support Section. Perform any other related duty as assigned.

INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent works under the day-to-day guidance of the UCCCT Team Leader and works in close coordination with other colleagues working in the HQ on Ukraine. They work closely with the staff of the NATO Military Authorities, national delegations and liaison officers and, through the delegations, with authorities of both NATO and partner countries.

Direct reports: n/a.

Indirect reports: n/a.

COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
• Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.

Application instructions

For more information and how to apply, please click the Apply button.