Space Capabilities Officer (+Reserve list)

Brussels - Belgium

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Defence Industry Innovation and Armaments Division (D2IA) leads on the rapid development and delivery of cutting-edge and interoperable defence capabilities working with innovation ecosystems and industry across the Alliance to meet NATOs deterrence and defence needs.
The Armaments and Major Capability Programmes (AMCP) Directorate supports consensus decision making at NATO Headquarters on a wide range of joint land air and maritime capabilities required for the full range of the Alliances missions. The Directorate supports NATO Defence Planning activities and related capability initiatives. To that end it provides capability-related advice to NATO Committees and the Organizations senior particular the Directorate supports the work of the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) and the Aviation Committee (AVC) to include their subordinate structures. Specific responsibilities include policy programmes and capability development support and oversight in the areas of Aerospace Joint Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance (JISR) as well as the development of specific proposals for multinational capability delivery tailored toward the requirements of individual Allies while ensuring their proper integration within the broader NDPP approach and contribution to the provision of a coherent NATO-wide multinational capability delivery agenda.
The Space Section is responsible for supporting Allied investments into the critical space technologies creating new mechanisms for rapid commercial adoption and enhancing interoperability of government-owned and commercial space capabilities. The section is leading the implementation of NATOs first ever Commercial Space Strategy publicly released at the 2025 NATO Summit in the Hague and is NATOs leading entity for space capability development and commercial engagements at a political level.

The incumbent reports to the officer leading the Space section and helps connect the dots between new space technology trends multinational cooperation opportunities and operational needs. The incumbent contributes to advancing Alliance space capabilities by supporting the divisions transformative initiatives in space capability development and adoption of commercial technologies helping to shape the Alliances future space operations. The post holder supports NATOs new Space Capabilities Group under the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) the Alliances prime platform for developing and investing in space solutions for todays and tomorrows missions. The incumbent advises NATO and Allies in the area of space capability development and shape Alliance decision-making. This includes overseeing coherence for diverse capability development initiatives and supporting the establishment of an Alliance space architectures enhancing integration of interoperable commercial national multinational and common-funded capabilities.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:

hold a university degree or an equivalent level of qualification from an institute of recognised standing;
have at least 2 years of relevant experience and a good knowledge of international space capability development activities and have an in-depth understanding of critical developments relating to space including policy research and market developments;
have an output focused mindset and can-do attitude paired with an ability to operate independently;
have experience working in a multilateral environment or an environment with a variety of stakeholders from multi-cultural backgrounds;
be conversant with the Alliances political and military consultative processes and key security policy issues on its agenda;
have excellent analytical and communication skills and be able to draft quickly clearly and concisely;
possess the following minimum levels of NATOs official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; I (Beginner) in the other.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

a University degree in the area of economics or space engineering;
be driven to continuously seek opportunities for improvement in their line of work and desire to reduce organizational stovepipes and inefficiencies;
relevant professional experience with international armaments co-operation including procurement policies and related institutional and industrial developments;
familiarity with private sector actors in the space domain and the role of such actors in dealing with innovation at the strategic level;

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Policy Development
Work towards future policy development in the field of space capability development including in the areas of commercial integration. Support the implementation of the NATO Commercial Space Strategy by leading the development of frameworks for continuous access to commercial space services and threat sharing mechanisms.

Expertise Development
Work with Allies the NATO space enterprise and industry to support the development and delivery space capabilities and the implementation of the NATO Commercial Space strategy. Prepare briefs input papers speeches etc. to support the Divisions leadership in discussions related to space.

Project Management
Work with key members of the relevant NATO entities in order to help set the necessary political and military conditions to enable effective project/programme management to take place concerning realisation of capabilities the direction of projects identifying key risks issues as well as possible solutions.

Work with other key NATO stakeholders to develop pilot initiatives from the Commercial Space Strategy including the establishment of NATOs new Space Front Door new procurement mechanisms enhancing commercial integration and new ways to expand commercial participation to NATO exercises trials and demonstrations.

Stakeholder Management
Maintain a network of contacts within NATO with Allies and their military as well as civilian space agencies other International Organisations academia and research and the commercial space sector. Promote NATOs work on space capability development and commercial integration and stay informed of recent developments and stakeholders inputs. Coordinate with other key NATO entities playing leading roles in space. Support the establishment of the NATO Space Front Door and create a lively space industrial network leveraging existing platforms including the SPACENET industry group.

Knowledge Management
Ensure that all stakeholders of NATOs space capability efforts are kept informed through the preparation of reports minutes of meetings briefings and special events. Lead the organization of knowledge sharing sessions on space for NATO staffs and staffs of national Delegations. Liaise with experts scientists and industry in Allied and partner countries to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Financial Management
Where required collaborate with colleagues in the NATO Office of Resources
(NOR) Nations and the respective NATO agencies to determine and verify the correct use of financial resources relating to the implementation of the NATO Commercial Space Strategy and multinational space capability development programmes.

Representation of the Organisation
Represent the NATO Space Section at internal and external for a such as conferences and symposia as appropriate. Contribute to public information efforts that highlight the importance of the space domain for Alliance societies economies and military. This may involve collaboration with Office of Strategic Communications (OSC).

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

The incumbent reports to the officer leading the Space section in the Defence Innovation Industry and Armaments Division and works closely with the key stakeholders in NATOs space enterprise. These entities will include (non-exhaustive): relevant IS Divisions the NATO Communications and Information Agency; the NATO Support and Procurement Agency; NATOs International Military Staff NATOs two Strategic Commands the Science and Technology Organization and the commercial space sector.
Direct reports: N/a
Indirect reports: N/a

The incumbent must demonstrate:

Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
Flexibility: Adapts to unforeseen situations;
Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture;
Teamwork: Cooperates

6. CONTRACT

Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.

Contract clause applicable:

In accordance with the contract policy this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisations need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisations skills profile and to ensure appropriate international diversity.

The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. However according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract.

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATOs 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 also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.

Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.

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 must be submitted using e-recruitment system as applicable:

For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
For all other applications: you apply to any position we encourage you to click here and watch our video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process.
Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed Click here for a video containing the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.
More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment can be found at our website ( will be subject to receipt of asecurity clearance(provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) approval of the candidatesmedical fileby the NATO Medical Adviser verification of your study(ies) and work experience and the successful completion of theaccreditationand 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 NATOs 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.

NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation please inform us during your selection process.

Candidates will be required to provide documented medical evidence to support their request for accommodation.

Building Integrity is a key element of NATOs 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 ourwebsite. Detailed data is available under the Salary and Benefits tab.

NATO does not charge any application processing training interviewing testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. For more info please click here.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority