Interoperability Defence Planning Expert and Adviser (NRU)
Important Note: this post is stationed in Kyiv, Ukraine, rated as an extreme risk location by the NATO Office of Security (NOS). Special security measures will apply for those assigned or travelling, which will impact on individuals’ movement, social life and privacy. Family members will not be relocated with the incumbent.
1. SUMMARY
The NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU) helps implement and direct cooperation between NATO and Ukraine.
The Interoperability Defence Planning Expert and Adviser, under the Defence Advisory Section of the NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU), will be embedded in the NRU and support Ukraine in developing and implementing its interoperability goals with NATO through on-site advice, knowledge and expertise, working closely with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, and the Security Service of Ukraine.
Together with co-workers in the Defence Advisory Section and wider NRU, the incumbent analyses, advises, and reports on the progress towards achieving Ukraine-NATO interoperability and ensure the integration of activities, as appropriate, into related work streams across the NATO civilian and military structure. Additionally, they support the identification of requirements for projects under the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) as part of NATO’s assistance to Ukraine’s defence and security sector.
This role will be located within the NRU in Kyiv, Ukraine. The incumbent reports to the Head Defence Advisory Section, NRU.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the country is rated by the NATO Office of Security as an extreme risk location. This means that special security measures apply for people assigned or traveling there, which includes restrictions on movement and on accommodation. Moreover, it is essential that NATO International Civilians receive Civilian Pre-deployment Training (CPDT) or similar training, such as Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), before taking up the assignment or prior to travel.
2. QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
- have a university degree from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the field of international relations, defence and security management or other related field or equivalent certification ;
- possess a minimum of 5 years' experience in the field of defence planning, evidenced through previous posts held;
- possess in-depth knowledge of international affairs and defence policy issues;
- be able to communicate concisely, clearly, logically and persuasively, verbally and in writing;
- have social skills and cultural awareness enabling to work in a multinational environment;
- The following minimum levels of NATO's official languages (English/French): V ("Advanced") in one; I ("Beginner") in the other;
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- knowledge and experience with the NATO Defence Planning Process and/or national defence planning processes, and/or NATO's partnership programmes and tools
Expertise Development
Drive the implementation of the Interoperability Road Map (IORM) and associated initial NATO Interoperability Requirements (iIORs) for Ukraine, working closely with Ukraine’s Defence and Security sector counterparts, including the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Interior (MoI), and Security Service Ukraine (SSU). Provide strategic defence planning advice, support development of defence planning competencies, and assist NRU Domain Advisers in achieving IORM goals. Oversee IORM-related budget expenditures in coordination with NRU FINCON.
Policy Development
Support Ukrainian defence reform and transformation, emphasising interoperability and transitioning to Western equipment while maintaining warfighting capability. Identify projects eligible for NATO CAP funding and draft policy recommendations tailored to Ukraine’s needs. Promote transparency and modernisation in defence planning, collaborating with Ukrainian authorities to achieve sustainable transformation.
Representation of the Organization
Represent the NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU) in meetings with high-level Ukrainian authorities, allies, and partners. Act as the primary liaison between NRU and the NATO HQ Ukraine Cooperation and Transformation (UCT) Section, advancing IORM goals. Participate in conferences and activities to strengthen partnerships and support Ukrainian reform.
Knowledge Management
Draft reports, assessments, and briefing materials on Ukrainian defence transformation and IORM progress. Track progress toward interoperability goals, providing updates to the Strategic Defence Adviser, Senior Force Design Adviser, and NATO stakeholders. Develop progress assessments and other materials based on analysis of Ukrainian requirements and support needs.
Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain relationships with Ukrainian defence experts and Allied stakeholders. Coordinate NRU interoperability work strands and foster cooperation between Ukrainian authorities, NATO staff, and Allied partners. Promote best practices and collaboration to support reform efforts.
Project Management
Manage projects aligned with IORM and Ukrainian defence transformation goals. Monitor progress, resolve issues, and ensure timely delivery of objectives. Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy/Director of Defence Institution and Capacity Building.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports to the Head Defence Advisory Section, NRU and works closely with colleagues at NATO HQ within the Ukraine Cooperation and Transformation Team (UCT) sitting in the Defence Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD) in the Operations (OPS) division.
Direct reports: N/a
Indirect reports: N/a
5. 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.
- Organizational Awareness: Understands organisational politics.
- Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.
6. CONTRACT
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of 1 year; possibility of renewal for up to 1 year.
Contract clause applicable:
This post is required for a limited period to support a project. As employment in this post is of limited duration, the successful applicant will be offered a definite duration contract of 1 year duration , which may be renewed for a period of up to 1 year if required to support this project.
If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 1 year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a period of up to 1 year if required to support this project, and subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned.
Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
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 IS directive on twin-graded posts.
7. USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries. Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:
· For NATO civilians, temp staff, VNC and nationals holding a valid PSC: please apply via this link: https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/1/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en . Please make sure to always access this link also to complete the draft application before submitting it.
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More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.
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.
8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations, and strongly encourages women to apply.
Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.
Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.
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.
The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.
The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements.
Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.
For information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (Grading, Allowances, etc.) please visit our website. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.