NATO Staff Officer - Audience Research

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF), which serves as a resilient, static Joint headquarters for NATO. Established to plan, prepare, and conduct operations across various domains during peacetime, crises, and conflicts, JFCNF supports NATO's core tasks at the Joint Operational level as directed by SACEUR. The organization is dedicated to managing information activities and capabilities that align with JFCNF policies and operations, aiming to advance the Command's objectives. The Communication Directorate plays a crucial role in this mission, ensuring effective communication strategies are in place to support NATO's operations.

Job Overview:
The NATO Staff Officer - Audience Research position is integral to the Information Environment Assessment Branch, which focuses on systematic, data-driven analysis of the Information Environment. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and interpreting mixed-methods audience research to support strategic communications and decision-making within NATO. This role is pivotal in developing evidence-based insights that inform audience segmentation, messaging, and engagement strategies. The successful candidate will contribute to the understanding of target audiences, enabling NATO to effectively communicate and engage with them. The position requires a blend of analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations for planners and practitioners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the NATO Staff Officer - Audience Research include:

• Designing, conducting, and commissioning mixed-methods audience research, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to generate insights on audiences relevant to NATO.
• Analyzing audience research data using qualitative and quantitative techniques to identify behavioral patterns and trends.
• Conducting in-depth analysis of target audiences, integrating demographic, psychographic, and sociographic profiling.
• Providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance messaging and strategic communications.
• Supporting the development of tailored communications approaches based on audience research findings.
• Advising on strategies for effective audience engagement.
• Preparing strategic-level briefs on audience research for senior staff.
• Staying updated on emerging audience research methodologies and contributing to their application within NATO.
• Undertaking additional duties as directed by the Chain of Command.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in sociology, behavioral science, psychology, political science, or a related discipline, with coursework in research methods. Alternatively, candidates with Higher Secondary education and advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification must have 4 years of post-related experience. A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in social or behavioral sciences, audience research, or a closely related field is required, with a strong focus on research design, data collection, and analysis. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to synthesize and interpret audience research findings, possess strong communication skills, and have experience in designing and analyzing qualitative and quantitative audience research.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University Degree in sociology, behavioral science, psychology, political science, or a related discipline, with demonstrated coursework in research methods. A Master's or PhD degree in a relevant field is desirable, as is advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in social or behavioral sciences, audience research, or a closely related field. Experience in research design, data collection, and analysis is essential, along with a proven ability to synthesize and interpret research findings to produce actionable insights.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with a proficiency level of SLP 4343 (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing). Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO SECRET security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment. The contract for newly recruited staff will be a three-year definite duration contract. Candidates should note that applications must be completed in English, and any use of generative AI tools in application preparation will lead to immediate rejection. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all member nations and particularly welcoming women to apply.