NATO Staff Officer - ACO Industry Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted within the ACO Innovation Management (AIM) Branch of the Resource Management Division in the SHAPE Support Directorate. The AIM Branch is dedicated to coordinating and facilitating innovation-related activities across the Allied Command Operations (ACO). It focuses on various areas including Emerging and Disruptive Technologies, Digital Transformation, Concept Development, Operational Experimentation, Wargaming, Modelling and Simulation, and maintaining connections with NATO accredited Centres of Excellence and Allied Command Transformation (ACT) Open Innovation. The branch plays a crucial role in linking ACO's strategic management system with the Lessons Learned process and other related initiatives, serving as the focal point for wargaming matters and capability development programs.

Job Overview:
The NATO Staff Officer position within the ACO Innovation Management Branch involves a multifaceted role that requires the incumbent to coordinate engagements between ACO entities and industry, ensuring compliance with established mechanisms and regulations. The officer will support the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and doctrines for industry interaction, providing situational awareness of policy developments and assessing their implications for ACO. The role also includes acting as the primary contact for NATO enterprise stakeholders, representing ACO at various governance meetings, and overseeing ACO-wide industry engagement activities. The officer will lead the execution of annual ACO innovation talks campaigns and facilitate local industry engagement events, contributing to the overall innovation strategy of ACO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The principal duties of the NATO Staff Officer include coordinating engagements between ACO entities and industry, supporting the development of policies and strategies for industry interaction, providing situational awareness of policy developments, acting as the ACO interlocutor for NATO stakeholders, representing ACO at governance meetings, overseeing industry engagement activities, leading the execution of ACO innovation talks campaigns, facilitating local industry engagement events, and coordinating ACO's relationship with the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The officer will also be responsible for preparing and conducting after-action reviews of high-profile ACO delegation visits to industry events and ensuring compliance with ACO directives in the innovation space.

Required Qualifications:
The essential qualifications for this position include a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, a thorough understanding of defense industrial matters, and a good grasp of innovation and emerging technologies. The candidate must demonstrate analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, the ability to work independently with minimal guidance, and the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic environment. Strong communication and coordination skills are also essential, along with the ability to deliver results under pressure and tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in business administration, public administration, or a related discipline, along with 4 years of post-related experience. Alternatively, candidates with Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or accreditation, combined with 7 years of post-related experience, will also be considered. In cases of ambiguity, job-specific experience will take precedence over standard educational qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in a role relevant to the responsibilities of the post. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of defense industrial matters, including technology adoption and procurement processes, as well as a good understanding of innovation and emerging technologies. Experience in a joint or combined staff environment within a large HQ, Joint Command, NATO HQ, or Ministry of Defence is highly desirable.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English, with a proficiency level of SLP 3333 in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Desirable qualifications include a higher proficiency level of 4444 in English, which indicates a more advanced capability in communication.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be appointed as a Project Linked NATO International Civilian (PLN) with a three-year definite duration contract as part of the NATO 2030 Agenda. The salary will be based on the NATO Grade of the post, with potential allowances based on eligibility, subject to approximately 20% withholding for pension and medical insurance contributions. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal access to employment regardless of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, cultural background, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization emphasizes integrity and accountability, expecting selected candidates to be role models of these values. Applications are to be submitted through the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform, and only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE.