Head of HQ Fire and Emergency Services

Job Posting Organization:
The Joint Intelligence and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Division (JISD) of NATO is responsible for providing strategic intelligence to decision-makers and ensuring the security of NATO personnel and assets. Established to enhance situational awareness and coordinate security among member nations, JISD operates with both military and civilian personnel across various functional areas, including intelligence analysis, policy development, and capability enhancement. The organization emphasizes collaboration with international partners and maintains a focus on protecting NATO's interests globally.

Job Overview:
The Head of HQ Fire and Emergency Services is a pivotal role within the Protective Security and Emergency Service Branch (PSESB) at NATO Headquarters. This position involves leading a team of professional emergency responders tasked with managing fire, medical, and other emergencies at NATO HQ. The incumbent will serve as the principal advisor on all aspects of fire prevention, firefighting, emergency medical response, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) incidents. The role requires flexibility to work outside normal hours and entails significant responsibilities in policy formulation, operational planning, and technical guidance related to emergency services. The successful candidate will be expected to ensure compliance with safety standards, develop training programs, and maintain effective communication with various stakeholders, including national authorities and NATO's medical services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of HQ Fire and Emergency Services include:

• Planning and Execution: Ensure compliance with emergency access and evacuation standards across NATO HQ, draft security instructions, and communicate effectively with relevant authorities. Analyze plans for fire resistance and flammability, develop emergency evacuation drills, and manage the budget for fire and emergency equipment.
• Stakeholder Management: Establish relationships with Belgian authorities, coordinate with host nation emergency services, and provide expertise on fire detection and prevention.
• Organizational Efficiencies: Advise on firefighting materials, analyze budget implications, and develop policies in coordination with host nation services.
• People Management: Lead a team of firefighters, conduct training and emergency response exercises, provide mentoring, and offer feedback on performance.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or equivalent qualification relevant to the position, along with at least 5 years of experience managing a team of professional firefighters. A degree in crisis management or an advanced certificate in firefighting or emergency response is required. Extensive experience in emergency management, planning, and disaster recovery is essential. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in NATO's official languages, achieving at least an advanced level in one language and intermediate in the other. Additional assets include experience in developing training programs, knowledge of CBRN response procedures, and familiarity with occupational health and safety regulations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or equivalent qualification relevant to firefighting and emergency management. Candidates should also possess advanced certifications in crisis management or related fields from recognized national fire prevention or civil protection bodies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in managing a team of professional firefighters. Candidates should have extensive experience in emergency management, including planning and disaster recovery, as well as practical experience as a professional firefighter.

Languages:
Proficiency in NATO's official languages is mandatory, with a minimum of V (Advanced) in one language and III (Intermediate) in the other. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The successful applicant will receive a definite duration contract of three years, with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years. The maximum period of service in this post is six years. The position may require travel and working outside normal office hours. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all member nations, and offers various work-life policies, including teleworking and flexible working arrangements. The organization maintains a non-smoking environment at its headquarters.