1. SUMMARY

The Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP) Division leads on the political aspects of NATO’s core tasks and is the International Staff’s (IS) hub for partnerships.

Within PASP, the Partnerships and Global Affairs Directorate (PGAD) handles the Alliance’s political relations with partner countries, and partnership policy.

The incumbent is responsible for the overall management, operation and supervision of PGAD. They advise and support the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) and Deputy Assistant Secretary General (DASG) PASP in their managerial responsibilities and deputise for them, as appropriate. They chair various committees as directed.  In particular, they are Acting Chair of the Partnerships and Cooperative Security Committee. They manage PGAD Section Heads in accordance with NATO standards and procedures, and the principles of teamwork, transparency and delegation of authority. They perform any other related duties as assigned.

 Key challenges and opportunities facing the successful candidate during the next 2-3 years will include:

1) In the short term:

a.    Working closely with the Defence and Security Co-operation Directorate of the Operations Division to streamline and harmonize support to partnership programmes.

b.    Overseeing the project planning and establishment of new NATO Satellite Offices as part of NATO 2030 implementation.

2) In the mid-term:

c. reviewing partnership policy with a view to optimizing NATO’s interaction with its Partners and other global actors.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

have a university degree or equivalent level of qualification in the field of political science, international relations or other relevant discipline; have profound knowledge of international and security affairs; have at least 15 years’ experience of work on political/security issues for an International Organisation or a national administration, out of which at least 5 recent years in senior-level leadership positions; have an in-depth understanding of NATO’s political objectives, as well as of the relevant mechanisms of intra-Allied consultations and of NATO’s cooperation with partners.   have significant experience leading, and developing a diverse team of professionals in a complex environment; be able to draft clearly and in a concise way, in one of the official NATO’s languages;  possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”); be able to travel and work outside normal office hours as required.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

experience in chairing meetings at an international/multinational level; senior-level experience in the foreign service of a member country or in an International Organisation; strong analytical skills; strong presentation skills; a higher level of proficiency in NATO’s second official language (English/French).

3.MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Policy Development

In coordination with the ASG and DASG, and in cooperation with the other Director, initiate, organise and lead PASP and inter-staff work in support of the development and implementation of NATO’s political objectives.  Advise senior NATO officials, Allies and partners on the need for any change; and initiate and support the organisation of relevant initiatives.

Planning and Execution

Ensure that activities across NATO structures are executed in accordance with NATO policies and the desired direction of their development. Coordinate and oversee the execution of relevant inter-staff and committee work. Initiate and coordinate action on critical discussions and decisions taken by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and subordinate committees.

Representation of the Organization

Visit Allied and partner countries as necessary; meet and/or liaise with officials and senior members of Allied and partner Delegations/Missions to NATO. Conduct briefings and presentations to senior level groups and decision-makers visiting NATO HQ. Represent NATO at international conferences, seminars and workshops held at the senior level.

Stakeholder Management

Organise and facilitate dialogue among Allies and with partners by chairing the Partnerships and Cooperative Security Committee in different formats. Chair and/or support relevant staff coordination bodies. Network and collaborate with senior officials across NATO civilian and military structures and with Allied Delegations and Partner missions; use these networks to support the Alliance's priorities and promote new initiatives.

Vision and Direction

Develop and formulate strategic goals and objectives for the directory that are in line with division and Organization objectives. Initiate, guide and supervise the development of NATO policies to align with changing circumstances and overall Alliance objectives. Advise the senior management on the desired changes to the staff support structures and organisational processes and define how those changes would contribute to achieving Alliance objectives.

People Management

Lead by example with integrity, equity, diversity and inclusion. Enable staff members’ personal and professional development in a constructive and healthy work environment for the Directorate. Guide and oversee the work of all PGAD staff in accordance with NATO standards and procedures and the principles of teamwork, transparency and delegation of authority. Promote team spirit, transparency, flexibility and collegiality and ensure full cooperation and transparency between PGAD Sections. Create a motivating, effective and inclusive workplace. Champion diversity and inclusion, provide in-depth mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and be available to offer guidance at critical moments. Ensure that all staff under their responsibility are clear on Organizational, Divisional and Directorate objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance as a staff development tool, throughout every day work, and formally via the HQ Performance Review and Development (PRD) system. Engage in a collegial dialogue and review of performance to discuss possible development and mobility opportunities for individuals, identify high potential staff and help ensure common standards are applied for an equitable process. Make recommendations for contract renewal or conversion decisions with the best interests of the Organization in mind. Participate in recruitment procedures for vacant posts in the Directorate, in accordance with NATO recruitment guidelines.

Financial Management

Strategise and plan the budget of the Directorate, clearly identifying organisational and divisional priorities and allocate funding accordingly. Help manage NATO budgets within the area of competence, and help ensure the focusing of resources on NATO’s priorities.

Expertise Development

Apply knowledge and experience to support the Secretary General and senior NATO managers in the management of issues pertaining to NATO partnerships. Share knowledge with Allies and partners, and motivate subject matter experts to share their knowledge with others within the Division and across the Organization.

Project Management

Oversee projects as necessary within the Division.

Organisational Efficiencies

Seek to improve the performance of the relevant sub-systems of the Organization. Use available instruments to implement such innovations. Challenge PGAD Section Heads and other staff to develop creative solutions and implement improvement initiatives.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4.INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the DASG PASP and - through them - to the ASG. They will interact with identified points of contact throughout the International Staff (IS), International Military Staff (IMS), the Strategic Commands, Allied Delegations and Partner Countries.

Direct reports: 4

Indirect reports: 39

This vacancy is archived.

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