Branch Head Civilian Personnel

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF), which was established to provide a resilient, static Joint headquarters that plans, prepares, and conducts operations across all domains in peacetime, crisis, and conflict. The organization supports NATO’s three core tasks at the Joint Operational level as directed by SACEUR. JFCNF operates with a focus on sustainability and coordination among military and non-military actors, ensuring effective resource management and operational readiness. The Support Directorate (SPT) plays a crucial role in planning and coordinating sustainment activities, while the J1 Division focuses on human resources management, providing essential HR services to the HQ and supported organizations. JFCNF is committed to maintaining a high standard of operational effectiveness and readiness, with a diverse workforce that reflects the values of NATO.

Job Overview:
The Branch Head Civilian Personnel is responsible for overseeing the management and administration of civilian personnel within NATO bodies. This position entails providing comprehensive Civilian Human Resources services, ensuring compliance with NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, and managing various HR functions such as recruitment, contract management, performance evaluation, and employee relations. The incumbent will direct a Civilian Human Resources Management (CHRM) service, develop and implement HR policies, negotiate agreements with labor associations, and advise commanders on strategic human capital planning. The role requires a proactive approach to managing personnel issues, fostering organizational flexibility, and enhancing productivity. The Branch Head will also ensure the professional development of CHRM staff and manage budgetary inputs related to civilian personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Branch Head Civilian Personnel include:

• Holding formal authority for managing NATO International Civilians, Temporary civilians, and Consultants, including decision-making on recruitment, appointment, contract management, and performance issues.
• Directing the Civilian Human Resources Management service for NATO bodies, ensuring effective HR practices during exercises and operations.
• Developing, revising, and implementing HR management policies for civilian personnel in peacetime and operational settings.
• Negotiating agreements with worker associations and labor ministries in host nations.
• Acting as the primary contact for civilian representatives and advising commanders on workforce strategy.
• Leading organizational change initiatives and enhancing civilian capacity within NATO.
• Ensuring adequate training and professional development for CHRM staff.
• Managing payroll and budget inputs for civilian personnel.
• Providing National Support Element services for civilians in theater HQs. 1
• Maintaining legal accountability for civilian staff appointments and separations. 1
• Supervising the work priorities of multifunctional teams and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in human resources management, business administration, law, social sciences, or a related field, along with 6 years of relevant post-related experience. Alternatively, candidates with Higher Secondary education and advanced vocational training leading to professional accreditation may qualify with 6 years of post-related experience and 2 years of function-related experience. A minimum of 6-8 years of experience in personnel management, including 4-5 years in managing a personnel office, is required. Candidates should demonstrate broad functional knowledge and the ability to lead negotiations on labor management policies, as well as the capability to advise senior management on workforce strategy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University Degree in human resources management, business administration, law, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates with Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification may also be considered, provided they have the requisite experience. A Master’s degree in HRM, social science, law, business administration, or a related field is desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically 6-8 years in personnel management, with at least 4-5 years in managing a personnel office within an international organization. Candidates should have a proven track record in human capital planning and development, as well as experience in negotiating labor management policies. A minimum of 12 years of experience in personnel management is preferred, particularly in a NATO or similar operational context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a required Standardized Language Profile (SLP) of 4343 for Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Desirable qualifications include a higher SLP of 4444, indicating advanced language skills. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to host nations, may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a three-year definite duration contract for newly recruited staff, in accordance with NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. The successful applicant will be required to obtain a NATO SECRET security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Clearance prior to employment. Candidates should be aware that NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all member nations and particularly welcoming women to apply. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of providing detailed information in the application, particularly in the Education and Experience sections, and prohibits the use of generative AI tools in application preparation.