Communications Officer (2 posts + 1 reserve)

  1.OVERVIEW OF DIANA 

The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is NATO’s newest body. From across the Alliance, DIANA will bring together innovators and operational end users to foster a transatlantic ecosystem supporting dual-use ground-breaking innovation in deep technologies.  

DIANA is an independent NATO body comprised of an Allied Board of Directors and a management team - the DIANA Executive (DX). Operating out of regional offices in Europe and in North America, the DX will carry out DIANA’s mission: accelerating deep tech, dual-use solutions to critical transatlantic challenges in defence and security. The DX will use Challenge Programmes in line with a strategic direction as the primary vehicle to accomplish this mission. 

  2.OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE 

DIANA’s Communication Unit is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of DIANA’s outreach activities. Through a full range of communications activities, the Communications team informs and engages relevant target audiences in the private and public sector as well as academia – in 32 Allied nations. The Communications Unit will communicate with a variety of audiences to establish DIANA in the deep tech dual-use Allied innovation ecosystems and support the exposure of DIANA innovators to commercial stakeholders and Allies.  

Duties of this role include: 

• Ensure the timely preparation of all relevant communications documents and files in accordance with the guidance received, including editing, formatting and digitalization.  
• Develop and implement communications for internal and external audiences including staff, DIANA network members, academic, industry and government partners, Allied stakeholders, and media. 
• Create, curate, and manage digital content. Assist with the execution of DIANA’s social media strategy and the creation and posting of social media content. 
• Support the coordination and execution of   events such as press conferences, open days, exhibitions, tours, and visits. 
• Create and implement communication and marketing campaigns, draft press releases and other written materials, develop promotional materials and collateral, and act as the primary point of contact for most media inquiries.  
• Perform any other related duties as may be required. 

*Reserve candidates may be considered for similar posts in Estonia or Canada, if appropriate. * 

ROLE REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

ESSENTIAL 

The incumbent must: 

• Possess a university degree from a university or institute of recognised standing in a relevant field with at least 4 years of professional experience in communication-related functions. 
• Have at least 1 years experience in the development and execution of public communication strategies and outreach activities for multiple audiences and sectors. 
• Demonstrate the ability to tailor messaging (including briefings, presentations and reports) to different audiences and cultures. 
• Be detail-oriented, diligent and thorough on any task from copyediting to managing deadlines.  
• Have a willingness to be proactive, hands on, and ready to jump into tasks across DIANA. 
• Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; and I (“Beginner”) in the other.

NOTE: Most of DIANA’s internal work is conducted in the English language.

DESIRABLE  

The following would be considered an advantage:  

• Experience working with or in a start-up environment or in innovation programmes.    
• Knowledge of NATO institutional framework, policies, and procedures. 
• Familiarity with the latest developments in communications and marketing tools and trends.  
• Experience in at least one of the following specialist areas:  
  • Media relations, outreach and support; 
  • Marketing campaigns, basic graphic design, and/or digital media creation; 
  • Events management, vendor relationships and procurement; 
• Basic knowledge and understanding of international and political affairs, particularly in the context of DIANA and NATO.  
• Competency in other Alliance and Partner languages.  

  4. WHAT WE OFFER 

• Genuinely meaningful work as part of the newest unit within the most successful alliance in history. 
• Tax-free salary. 
• Household and children’s allowances and privileges for expatriate staff including expatriation and educational allowances (where applicable) and additional home leave. 
• Excellent private health insurance scheme. 
• NATO pension scheme. 
• Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays. 
• Flexible working conditions and a smoke-free office in London. 
• Opportunities for learning and development. 

In accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, the successful candidate will receive a definite duration contract of three years, which may be followed by an extension. 

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years. 

NOTE: Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post. 

Under specific circumstances, serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade, and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty-four months for external candidates.  These circumstances are described in the DX directive on twin-graded posts. 

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser. 

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. 

For more information on DIANA, please visit our website.