Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy

NOTIFICATION OF AN “UNCLASSIFIED” GRADE VACANCY

NATO INTERNATIONAL STAFF

OPEN TO NATIONALS OF NATO MEMBER STATES ONLY

DIVISION: Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP)

GRADE: Unclassified

COMPENSATION: shortlisted candidates will be provided with a simulation of the compensation package for this post.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: CTS/A

Please note that the competition for this post is provisionally scheduled for 1, 2 and 3 June 2016 in Brussels, Belgium.

1. SUMMARY

The Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy leads the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division. Within the NATO International Staff, the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) is responsible for the policy development and implementation of NATO’s partnerships, as well as advising on the political aspects of NATO's security tasks.

This is a broad and varied portfolio, covering the following principal issues:

• NATO’s Enlargement Policy;
• Building relationships with:
  • international organisations and institutions, in particular with the European Union, the United Nations, and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe;
  • 22 Partnership for Peace countries;
  • 7 Mediterranean Dialogue partners;
  • 4 Istanbul Cooperation Initiative partners;
  • Partners across the globe – which includes Afghanistan, Australia, Iraq, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand and Pakistan;
• NATO’s policy and relationship with Russia;
• Conventional Arms Control Policy;
• Implementing trust funds to assist partners in tackling important security tasks;
• Defence Institution Building for partners; and the Building Integrity Programme, which provides tailored support to Afghanistan and countries in South Eastern Europe to help reduce the risk of corruption in the defence sector.

The ASG reports to the Secretary General of NATO and advises the Secretary General on political affairs and security policy issues. There are 7 Assistant Secretaries General, 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 Assistant Secretary General is also expected to contribute to overall policy development and delivery, including in areas beyond their direct set of responsibilities.

The ASG PASP manages the Division (presently approximately 65 staff members) and will be supported by a Deputy ASG responsible for Security Cooperation and Partnership issues.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The candidate must possess:

• a strong background in political affairs, international relations and security policy, developed through 10-15 years of experience;
• a proven track record of successfully developing key relationships with NATO partner countries, in both bilateral and multinational settings; a proven track record of working with key international organisations;
• a university degree (Master’s level preferred) in a relevant field;
• experience working in a multilateral environment or an environment with a variety of stakeholders from multi-cultural backgrounds;
• a proven track record of experience in progressively senior posts, recent experience in senior-level leadership positions and significant professional experience in managerial positions;
• a proven track record of creating a high-level vision and directing organisations to develop and implement the necessary policies;
• the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): VI (“Proficiency”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.

3. ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Assistant Secretary General chairs and co-chairs high-level committees composed of NATO Nations and partners.

These committees include the Deputy Permanent Representatives Committee, and the Political and Partnerships Committee. Several years’ experience of facilitating high-level dialogue and consensus is essential.

ASG PASP will also be called upon to represent the Secretary General at high-level meetings. Experience of working in a multilateral environment or an environment with a variety of stakeholders from multi-cultural backgrounds is important. A proven management track record is also critical.

ASG PASP will speak in public fora and to the Press on behalf of the Secretary General. There is a substantial representation function associated with this appointment.

In his/her role as manager of the Division, the incumbent will lead and oversee a team of International staff officials who are under the direct supervision of the Heads of Section. Specifically, the ASG will:

• Attract Staff: Ensure recruitment panels for posts in his/her Division are fair and objective; Serve on the Establishment Committee and make selection recommendations with the best interests of the Organization in mind;

• Develop Staff: 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;

• Monitor and Promote Performance: 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; Serve on the Establishment Committee and make contract renewal or conversion decisions with the best interests of the Organization in mind;

• Foster Continual Improvement: Act as a member of the Headquarters Management Board (HQMB) and Headquarters Policy Board (HQPB), actively contributing to the improvement of the Organization; Participate in the Senior Leader Orientation Programme, the Chairman Training Programme, and other programmes related to the successful execution of his/her duties.

4. COMPETENCIES

Candidates must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Achievement
• Change Leadership
• Conceptual Thinking
• Clarity and Accuracy
• Developing Others
• Impact and Influence
• Initiative
• Leadership
• Organizational Awareness

5. KEY CHALLENGES

Key challenges facing the successful candidate for ASG, PASP during the next 3 years will likely include:

A         In the field of cooperative security, leading NATO’s policy response to current security challenges;

B.        Building deep relationships with the European Union, the United Nations, and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe;

C.       Taking forward NATO’s Defence Capacity Building initiative;

D.       At a time of dynamic growth of partnerships and their increasing importance to the achievement of NATO’s policy objectives, ensuring the prioritisation of clearly defined cooperation objectives in a resource constrained environment;            

Candidates are asked, as part of their answers to the pre-screening questions in the application form, to summarise their views on the key (and possible other) challenges, and how they would address them if selected for the position.

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

Shortlisted candidates will have to be available for the selection process which is expected to take place on 1, 2 and 3 June 2016, in Brussels, Belgium.

6. CONTRACT

The successful applicant will be employed for an initial period of 3 years. Exceptionally, there may be possibility of a one-year extension thereafter.

7. HOW TO APPLY:

Applications must be submitted using one of the following links, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (for more information, please contact your local Civilian HR Manager);
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

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.

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.

NATO as an employer values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourages women to apply.

Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.