1. SUMMARY NATO's Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) plays a key role in developing the Alliance's strategic and political messages and conveying them to opinion formers and to the public in general. PDD works to raise the Alliance's profile with audiences world-wide, and to build support for Alliance operations and policies. The Division provides information environment awareness to the Secretary General and other NATO HQ stakeholders; and it acts as coordinator for strategic communication activities undertaken by other Divisions at NATO Headquarters (HQ), as well as by other entities belonging to the NATO structure. The Assistant Secretary General (ASG) reports directly to the Secretary General of NATO and advises the Secretary General on strategic communication issues. S/He is a member of the Secretary General’s senior management team. S/He will, in close cooperation with the Spokesperson and under direction of the Secretary General, set the overall communications objectives, identify key audiences, and oversee the prioritisation of resources and the execution of plans. The ASG will manage the Division (presently approximately 95 staff members) and will be supported by a Deputy, while working closely with the NATO Spokesperson. There are eight ASGs, all of whom report to the NATO Secretary General and are also accountable to the North Atlantic Council. As a member of the Secretary General’s senior management team, each ASG is also expected to contribute to overall policy development and delivery, including in areas beyond their direct set of responsibilities. 2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The candidate must:
- have a strong background developed through at least 15 years of experience in international and public diplomacy;
- have a university degree or equivalent level of qualification in a field relevant for this position;
- have experience working in a multilateral environment or an environment with a variety of stakeholders from multi-cultural backgrounds, including the military, industry, science or technology communities;
- have a proven track record of recent experience in progressively senior-level leadership positions;
- have a proven track record of creating a high-level vision and directing organisations to develop and implement the necessary policies;
- have significant people management experience and the capacity to lead, motivate and engage a diverse multidisciplinary team;
- have extensive experience championing organisation-wide change and/or modernisation projects in IT, finance, HR, and/or facilities;
- have experience facilitating high-level dialogue and consensus;
- be an innovative, strategic, conceptual thinker and be able to design and use complex influencing strategies to fulfil the required objectives;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficiency”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other. DESIRABLE The following would be considered an advantage:
- a higher level of proficiency in NATO’s second official language (English/French). 3. ACCOUNTABILITIES The ASG/PDD is responsible for managing and directing NATO HQ’s communications activities, in close cooperation with the Spokesperson who is responsible for media relations, and under the direction of the Secretary General and, on his behalf, the Private Office. The ASG/PDD will speak in public fora and to the Press on behalf of the Secretary General and there is a substantial representation function associated with this appointment within NATO HQ, NATO-wide, with nations and with the public. In her/his role as manager of the Division, the incumbent will lead and oversee a team of international staff which are under the direct supervision of the Heads of Sections. More specifically, the s/he will aim to achieve the following objectives:
- Vision and Direction: Develop, communicate and implement a vision to face the future challenges of the Alliance. Support the team around common objectives, ensuring that vision guides its mid and long-term programme of work. Act as a role model of inclusive leadership and promote resilience, flexibility and innovation.
- People Management: Lead and oversee a large team of international staff working under the direct supervision of the Heads of Section, promoting integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and inclusive leadership culture, and ensuring the proper management and coherent tasking of human resources.
- Talent Attraction: Ensure recruitment panels for posts in her/his Division are fair and objective. Serve on the Establishment Committee and make selection recommendations with the best interests of the Organization in mind.
- Talent Development: Adhere to sound management principles with staff, and provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities; be available for guidance at critical moments; ensure that all Divisional staff are clear on Organizational and Divisional objectives; provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate and via the performance management system.
- Performance Management: Participate in a collegial review of performance at divisional level to discuss possible development and mobility opportunities for individuals, identify high potentials and help ensure common standards are applied in the process across the Organization; make contract renewal or conversion recommendations with the best interests of the Organization in mind.
- Continual Improvement Culture: Serve on internal strategy, policy, and coordination boards, as required. Actively contribute to the improvement of the Organizational policies and processes; Participate in leadership learning and development Programmes, related to the successful execution of her/his duties. 4. COMPETENCIES Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:
- Achievement: Demonstrates decisiveness based on solid considerations and trade-offs.
- Change Leadership: Champions change.
- Conceptual Thinking: Creates new concepts.
- Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training.
- Impact and Influence: Uses complex influence strategies.
- Initiative: Plans and acts for the long term.
- Leadership: Communicates a compelling vision.
- Organizational Awareness: Understands underlying issues.
- Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure. 5. KEY CHALLENGES