Head, Strategic Communications

Job Posting Organization:
The NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU) is an integral part of NATO's efforts to facilitate political and military dialogue and cooperation between the Alliance and Ukraine. Established to coordinate NATO's practical support to Ukraine, NRU plays a crucial role in promoting NATO's activities and broader programs to various audiences. The organization operates in a high-risk environment, necessitating special security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures for personnel assigned to this location. The NRU is committed to fostering strong relationships with Ukrainian government counterparts and enhancing NATO's strategic communications capabilities in the region.

Job Overview:
The Head of Strategic Communications is responsible for leading a team of communicators dedicated to supporting NATO's role in Ukraine. This position involves promoting the NATO Representation to Ukraine and its activities, advising senior NATO representatives on strategic communication issues, and collaborating with the Office of Strategic Communications at NATO HQ. The incumbent will work closely with Ukrainian government counterparts to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense posture, demonstrate NATO's support for Ukraine, and support the development of strategic communications capabilities within Ukraine. The role requires a proactive approach to communication, ensuring that NATO's messages are effectively conveyed to both internal and external audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will develop expertise within the NRU communications team to meet the ambitious strategic communications posture required by NATO. This includes supporting the development and implementation of advisory and capacity-building initiatives for Ukrainian authorities in strategic communications, analyzing Ukrainian needs, and designing programs to address them. The Head will oversee all strategic communications programs, manage day-to-day operations of the NRU's communication team, and ensure effective stakeholder management by maintaining contacts with key stakeholders. Additionally, the incumbent will oversee the dissemination of NATO publications and advise on expanding NATO's outreach through various media channels. The role also involves mentoring and coaching team members, promoting an inclusive leadership style, and ensuring that staff objectives are clear and performance feedback is provided.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant discipline such as social sciences, international relations, or strategic communications. A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required, including at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role. Experience in media and digital outreach, communications campaigns, and information environment assessment is essential. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of international affairs, security, and defense policies. Proficiency in NATO's official languages is required, with a minimum of V (Advanced) in one language and I (Beginner) in the other. Additional qualifications that would be advantageous include previous work experience in Ukraine or the region, advanced proficiency in Ukrainian, and experience working with senior officials.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, international relations, or strategic communications is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the incumbent has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage strategic communications in a complex geopolitical environment.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or managerial role. This level of experience is crucial for the incumbent to effectively lead a team, manage strategic communications initiatives, and engage with high-level stakeholders in both NATO and Ukrainian contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in NATO's official languages is mandatory, with candidates required to have a minimum of V (Advanced) in one language and I (Beginner) in the other. While English and French are the official languages, knowledge of Ukrainian would be considered an advantage, particularly for engaging with local stakeholders and understanding the regional context.

Additional Notes:
The contract offered for this position is a definite duration contract of one year, with the possibility of two renewals for up to one year each. This position is stationed in Kyiv, Ukraine, which is rated as an extreme risk location by the NATO Office of Security. Special security measures will apply, impacting individuals' movement, social life, and privacy. Family members will not be relocated with the incumbent. The recruitment process is open only to nationals of NATO member countries, and candidates are encouraged to apply through the specified e-recruitment system. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all member nations and promoting equal access to employment opportunities.