SENIOR SPEECHWRITER - OFFICE OF THE NATO SPOKESPERSON

Can you make a strong case why defence matters?

The NATO International Staff (HQ Brussels) is recruiting a (m/f)

SENIOR SPEECHWRITER - OFFICE OF THE NATO SPOKESPERSON

The Senior Speechwriter plays a key role in explaining the Alliance’s strategic and political messages to opinion formers and the public in general. He/she supervises the team of speechwriters and is responsible for the preparation of speeches, opinion editorials, and articles, as well as opening statements and speaking notes for summits, ministerial meetings, key press conferences, and relevant internal meetings and events. The position requires the incumbent to keep abreast of the wider range of political and political-military issues on NATO’s agenda.

He/she follows the direction of the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General and reports directly to the NATO Spokesperson and to the Deputy Spokesperson/Head of Press and Media, as speechwriters are an integral part of the Press and Media Section.

The ideal candidate must:

• hold a university degree from an institute of recognised

standing, preferably with an emphasis on political science, history, journalism and/or the study of contemporary international relations;

• have at least 10 years experience of drafting speeches, articles, key media messages and other written material to deadline and in the appropriate style;

• have substantial experience in contributing to policy development, political research, analysis and reporting, preferably in a research institute, think-tank or in the Foreign or Defence ministry of a NATO Member Nation;

• have extensive knowledge of the whole range of political and military issues of concern to the Alliance;

• possess a mature understanding of the complex interrelationships of political and defence developments as they affect Allied security;

• be an effective public speaker;

• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficient”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.

Applicants are requested to attach to their application three speeches in English that they have drafted/written in the past and that, in their view, are representative of their work.

Selection of candidates for NATO posts is based upon the merit principle. Short-listed candidates will be required to undergo selective testing and phone-screening, as well as tests and interview at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Further information concerning the positions and details of how to apply can be found on www.nato.int/recruitment

Closing date: 28 April 2014 - reference 140128.