Political Advisor

Organisation Summary and Post Context

Headquarters JSEC provides a resilient operational-level Joint Headquarters capable of supporting 24/7 operations to coordinate enablement (at the operational level) and on order the execution of reinforcement by forces (RbyFo) and sustainment flow in order to contribute to the Alliances ability to project and sustain combat power into across and from the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and if required into a Joint Operations Area (JOA).

The Command Group (CG) provides direction guidance and leadership to the staff to perform core functions and achieve objectives setting procedures and maintaining standards.

The Office of the Political Advisor (O/POLAD) provides the Commander and the entire staff with advice on politico-military and diplomatic issues that affect the planning and conduct of operations and the day to day management of both operational and framework roles of the HQ.

The incumbent advises and informs the Commander and the CG on political affairs that effect JSEC and provides advice regarding political risks and opportunities that impact JSECs mission.

Main Responsibilities

Heads and manages the Office of Political Affairs.

Advises the Commander JSEC the Command Group and the JSEC staff in all political-military and diplomatic affairs. Provides analyses and advice to support the Commanders decision-making;

Participates in all major policy and planning activities;

Participates and provides political insights at COMs briefings decision briefs and other senior command group meetings boards and committees;

Establishes and maintains situational awareness on diplomatic and politico-military issues of ongoing NATO operations;

Evaluates military operations planned or contemplated by the JSEC and advises on the political and diplomatic implications of those operations;

Collects and analyses information on politico-military issues in the HQ area of functional responsibility;

Establishes efficient coordination mechanisms with the broader NATO POLAD and Strategic International Affairs (SIA) community;

Conducts outreach and liaison with important (international) JSEC stakeholders;

Fulfils other politically oriented duties as directed by the Commander JSEC the Command Group or SHAPE.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises and/or TDY assignments both within and without NATO boundaries up to 183 days and may be on short notice. For NATO International Civilian Staff acceptance of an employment contract linked to this post constitutes agreement to deploy more than 30 days if required.

The incumbent may also be directed to undertake operational duties supporting JSECs role in enablement the execution of reinforcement by forces (RbyFo) and sustainment flow in order to contribute to the Alliances ability to project and sustain combat power into across and from the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and if required into a Joint Operations Area (JOA). Personnel may also be directed to support such activities.

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

Essential Qualifications

PHD or masters level studies in international affairs international relations or a related political science field.

Minimum of 10 years of practical experience in the field of diplomacy and/or international affairs with an emphasis on politico-military matters.

Previous political analytical experience.

Extensive experience in providing high-level political policy and strategic advice.

A good understanding of transatlantic political and military relations and issues.

Detailed knowledge of NATO policies priorities and campaigns especially in crisis and (post-) conflict situations.

Ability to integrate data develop recommendations influence partners and report on status recommendations.

Skilled writer/editor of advisory texts at Senior military management level.

Strong written and verbal communication and advocacy skills and proven ability to work in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors.

Proven experience in advising senior management and interacting with senior government officials.

English good NATO Standard Language Proficiency (SLP) 4343 (Listening Speaking Reading Writing)

NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English.

Attributes and Competencies

Personal Attributes: The duties require clarity of thought sound consistent judgement and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The incumbent must possess the ability to deal with projects with confidentiality and has to be empathic as his duties require a tactful and thoughtful approach. He has to work with limited or no supervision taking due and appropriate note and guidance from established NATO/ACO/SHAPE documents.

Professional Contacts: Regular professional contacts at the higher levels with senior representatives of NATO and non-NATO nations other NATO agencies and bodies IOs NGOs GOs national directors Political Advisors and staff at NATO Agencies the NATO International (Military) Staff contacts with staff at National Ministries of Défense Ministries of Foreign Affairs or General Staff Headquarters on behalf of SACEUR which result in agreements requiring major politic military or financial commitments on the part of SHAPE and NATO nations and may involve major resource commitments modification or formulation of policies.

Contribution to the Objective: The incumbent supports the COM in politico-military and in diplomatic questions. He contributes to the overall political assessment in close cooperation with internal as well as external stakeholders. With the end result: COM is fully informed on recent political-military developments when relevant to JSEC.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Performs key roles in directing guiding and leading staff towards achievement of assigned tasks and responsibilities which includes the assignment of priorities.

There are first line reporting responsibilities for the following numbers of staff: 1 OF-4; 1 A3/G17

Contract

In accordance with current policy the successful candidate will be offered a three year definite duration contract normally followed by an indefinite duration contract. Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

The successful selected candidate must complete a NATO medical examination and have NATO security clearance before an employment offer will be released. AIRCOMs medical consultant must confirm the recommended candidate is fit to perform the duties and is deployable to NATOs regional areas of operation.

How to Apply for this position

Applications are to be submitted using the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) ( Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail e-mail fax etc) will not be accepted.

In addition to the application form please upload an Executive Summary of 400 words maximum highlighting your experience and accomplishments relevant to the position.

Notes for Candidates

Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed or re-submit the application. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Please include essential information in the application form. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of your application form which should be populated with details of your career to date and educational achievements and certifications as they relate to your application. Attachments are supporting documents and should not be referred to in the form.

Your answers to the pre-screening questions must be comprehensive and stand alone; do not rely on attached documents for essential information. Expressions such as please see attached CV or invitations to follow links to personal webpages are not acceptable and will be disregarded.

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.

Current and past civilians working for NATO or any Coordinated Organization shall indicate their last grade and step held (next to job title) and specify the name of employing NATO body or Coordinated Organization.

Assessments and interviews are tentatively planned for February-March 2026 in Ulm Germany.