Head NATO Affairs and Security Policy Section (1 post) & Head Multilateral Organisations Section (1 post)

Head NATO Affairs and Security Policy Section (1 post) & Head Multilateral Organisations Section (1 post)-250875 

Primary Location

 Belgium-Brussels

NATO Body

 NATO International Staff (NATO IS)

Schedule

 Full-time

Application Deadline

 18-Jun-2025, 9:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)

 : 10,742.69Euro (EUR) MonthlyGrade NATO Grade G22 

Description

:  

  Through this recruitment process we aim to hire two qualified candidates for the following positions:

- Head, NATO Affairs and Security Policy Section (G22) (PASP0109)

https://www.nato.int/structur/recruit/2025/pasp0109e-eng-fra.pdf   

 - Head, Multilateral Organizations Section (G22) (PASP0016)

https://www.nato.int/structur/recruit/2025/pasp0016e-eng-fra.pdf

Please make sure to review the job descriptions for a full overview of the distinct requirements and main accountabilities for each post.

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) political hub for partnerships. Within the division, the Security Policy Directorate (SPD) develops security policy and manages NATO’s relations with Allies and partners. The SPD directorate is recruiting for two senior management posts (A5) to lead its sections within SPD:

• Head, NATO Affairs and Security Policy (NASP) 
• Head, Multilateral Organizations (MO) 

Both posts offer the opportunity to lead teams of subject matter experts at the heart of NATO’s political work, reporting to the Director of Security Policy and working closely with senior leadership across the Alliance.

• The Head NASP Section is responsible for driving forward NATO’s internal political agenda. This includes preparing for major events like Summits and Ministerial meetings, supporting the Secretary General and other senior figures with timely advice and briefings, and fostering policy discussions with Allies. The role calls for strong political judgement, the ability to lead under pressure, and a deep understanding of the Alliance’s strategic priorities.
• The Head MO Section focuses on NATO’s relationships with other international organisations — notably the United Nations, European Union, OSCE, and NGOs. This includes daily coordination with partner organisations, strategic oversight of NATO’s liaison offices, and helping shape the Alliance’s approach to multilateral cooperation. Success in this role means navigating complex political landscapes with diplomacy, vision, and strategic clarity.

These are leadership roles for experienced professionals who can manage teams effectively, drive the Alliance’s political priorities, and contribute meaningfully to the future of the Alliance.

Please find below 3 of the Key challenges facing the successful candidate for the first three-five years: 

• Contribute to maintaining Allied unity in an increasingly challenging domestic and international political environment. 
• Facilitate the delivery of the NATO political agenda by providing insights and advice on allied capabilities to support the Alliance’s priorities.
• Coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders and multilateral organizations in a structured, calibrated and flexible way to promote positive cooperation in key areas for the Alliance.    

As part of this application, you are kindly requested to attach one MS Word document summarizing your views on these 3 key challenges and explain how you would address them if selected for the position. Please limit yourself to maximum 1 A4 page into total.

2.        QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree from an institute of recognized standing, preferably in political science or international relations;
• have at least 10 years’ experience in political reporting and analysis as well as in policy development for an International Organisation or national administration, in progressively responsible positions, out of which at least 5 years managing diverse teams;
• have a mature understanding of the complex interrelationships of political and defence developments as they affect the security of Europe and the Euro-Atlantic area;
• be familiar with the Alliance’s political and military consultative process and the key issues involved;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; and II (“Elementary”) in the other;
• be willing to travel and work outside normal office hours;
• have an understanding of the distribution of key policy topics across the Organisation (specific to NASP Section - Post PASP0109);
• possess an advanced knowledge of contemporary international relations covering the spectrum of political issues concerning the Alliance gained through practical work experience in one of the NATO member countries (specific for  NASP Section - Post PASP0109);
• excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex topics for verbal/visual presentations, formal reports and/or decision briefs for senior leadership (specific for NASP Section - Post PASP0109);
• have experience in effective public speaking and chairing (specific for MO Section - Post PASP0016)

 

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• a post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline;
• knowledge of the organizational structure and working methods of the UN, the EU, the OSCE, and/or other IOs; (specific for MO Section - Post PASP0016)

 

3.       MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES           

Refer to the links to the different PDs, here below:

• Head, NATO Affairs and Security Policy Section (G22) (PASP0109): https://www.nato.int/structur/recruit/2025/pasp0109e-eng-fra.pdf  
• Head, Multilateral Organizations Section (G22) (PASP0016): https://www.nato.int/structur/recruit/2025/pasp0109e-eng-fra.pdf

 

4.       INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Head, NATO Affairs and Security Policy Section

The incumbent reports to the Director, Security Policy, and directs the work of permanent and temporary NASP staff. They maintain a close liaison with national delegations on political problems in the Section’s areas of responsibility; organises, directs and coordinates the work of the Section; and interacts with other Sections in the PASP Division and counterparts in other Divisions, in the IMS and NATO Agencies, as well as with officials in other International Organisations, as may be necessary to carry out their responsibilities.

Direct reports: 7 - Indirect reports: N/a

 

 Head  Multilateral Organisations

The incumbent reports to the Director of Security Policy. They lead the work of permanent and temporary MO staff. The incumbent maintains a close liaison with Allied delegations on policy areas within their area of responsibility; maintains close liaison with counterparts in other IOs with which NATO collaborates; and interacts with other Sections in the PASP Division and counterparts in other International Staff Divisions, in the International Military Staff and NATO Agencies as may be necessary to carry out their responsibilities.

Direct reports: 8 - Indirect reports: N/a

 

5.       COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Conceptual Thinking: Clarifies complex data or situations;
• Developing Others: Provides in-depth mentoring, coaching and training;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Plans and acts for the long term;
• Leadership: Positions self as the leader;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
• Self-Control: Stays composed and positive even under extreme pressure.

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 Organisation's 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 Organisation's 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 NATO’s 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.    

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 civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (link);
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

Selection of candidates for NATO posts is based upon the merit principle.

Candidates are requested to attach their essay on the key challenges to their application on Taleo, by latest 18/06/2025.

The title of the attachment must include the vacancy reference and the words “Key challenges”.

Selective assessment is expected to take place in the first half of July 2025.

Final Assessments are expected to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in the first half of September 2025.

Before 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 (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.

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 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.

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.