Political and Security Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The Strategic Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is NATO’s strategic command responsible for planning and directing NATO operations, missions, and activities to support the Alliance’s objectives. Established to ensure the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and defense of NATO member states, SHAPE plays a crucial role in monitoring the strategic environment and managing current operations for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates across multiple countries, focusing on maintaining peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Job Overview:
As a Political and Security Analyst within the Operations Directorate at SHAPE, you will be tasked with assessing adversary and competitor dynamics, particularly focusing on Russia, deterrence, and escalation. Your role will involve transforming complex political and security developments into clear and compelling briefings that will directly inform operational planning and strategic decision-making. This position requires a strong track record in political and security analysis, a deep understanding of Russia's strategic behavior, and the ability to simplify complex issues. You will also be expected to apply new analytical tools, including artificial intelligence, to tackle challenging problems, making this a unique opportunity to influence real-world decisions within the Alliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead analyses and forecasts of political and security developments within an assigned geographic or thematic area, impacting SHAPE’s crisis identification, operational planning, assessment, and strategic awareness.
• Prepare clear and compelling reports, point papers, and briefings that articulate how political and security developments affect the Alliance and its military capabilities.
• Cultivate and maintain an external network of experts from various sectors, including universities, think tanks, research organizations, and national governments.
• Maintain routine communication and timely information exchange with counterparts throughout Allied Command Operations (ACO), NATO Headquarters, and other NATO entities.
• Be prepared to perform similar duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without a change to the contract.
• Undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, which may exceed 30 days and could be on short notice.

Required Qualifications:
a. Professional Experience:

• Recent experience in government, non-government, international, or private sector organizations related to political and security analysis.
• Experience in regions relevant to the Alliance, ideally with expertise in conflict analysis, focusing on political, economic, and social dimensions. b. Education and Training:
• A university degree in a related discipline with 2 years of post-related experience, or higher secondary education with advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification and 4 years of post-related experience.
• In case of ambiguity, post-specific experience takes precedence over standard education and training levels. c. Language: Proficiency in English (SLP 3333) in listening, speaking, reading, and writing is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant discipline, which is complemented by either two years of post-related experience or higher secondary education with advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification and four years of post-related experience. The emphasis is placed on the relevance of the educational background to the specific duties of the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a recent and relevant experience in political and security analysis, ideally within government, non-government, international, or private sector organizations. Experience in analyzing political and security dynamics, particularly related to Russia, deterrence, and escalation, is highly desirable. Additionally, familiarity with NATO strategy, consultation, planning, and operations will be beneficial.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement is proficiency in English at SLP 3333 level (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing). A higher proficiency level (SLP 4444) is desirable, particularly for candidates with substantial experience in political and security dynamics related to Russia.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for newly recruited staff is typically three years, followed by an indefinite duration contract. The salary will be based on the NATO Grade of the post, with potential allowances based on eligibility. 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. Selected candidates are expected to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Applicants who are competent but not selected may be offered other similar positions that become available. All applications must be submitted by nationals from the 32 NATO member states, and applicants should be prepared to provide original documentation supporting their applications.