Staff Officer, #NATO – Russia Relations job in #Brussels, #Belgium

1.    SUMMARY 

The Political Affairs and Security Policy (PASP) Division leads on the political aspects of NATO’s core tasks and is the International Staff’s (IS) hub for partnerships.
Within PASP, the Partnership East Section is responsible for the development and the implementation of political guidance related to NATO relations with Russia and Ukraine (including in the framework of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) and the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) respectively), Belarus, Republic of Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Section also guides the work of the NATO Representation in Kyiv, Ukraine and the NATO Liaison Office in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
The incumbent reports to the Head of the Partnership East Section and is responsible for NATO-Russia relations.  S/he provides political advice on NATO’s policy toward Russia. Additionally, the incumbent might act as a back-up officer on one or more of the countries in the Partnership East Section.

2.     QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:

•    possess a degree from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the field of political science, international relations, security studies, or another relevant discipline;
•    have at least 5 years of experience in diplomatic, policy, or other relevant experience involving Russia;
•    have excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and be able to draft clearly and concisely in at least one of NATO’s official languages (English /French) documents required in the post (e.g., memos, backgrounders, speaking points, analytical reports, etc.);
•    have an excellent knowledge of international affairs and defence policy issues;
•    demonstrate sound political judgment and strong analytical skills;
•    possess the following minimum level of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
•    possess good working level of Russian (IV: “Upper Intermediate”)

DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:

•    a Master’s degree from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the field of political science, international relations, security studies, or another relevant discipline;
•    possess a good knowledge of NATO policies and activities;
•    experience with countries in the Partnership East Section area of responsibility.

3.     MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES           
Policy Development
Monitor, analyse, and report on developments in and around Russia and the implications for NATO. Advise the NATO leadership on the development of NATO’s policy toward Russia, as well as its implementation, including by supporting the work of relevant NATO committees. Contribute to the development of NATO’s policies related to other geographical areas where Russia plays a significant role.  Support the dialogue in NATO-Russia Council.

Project Management
Provide political oversight and determine the direction of NATO activities related to the dual-track approach towards Russia. Identify potential risks and suggest possible solutions.

Stakeholder Management
Coordinate NATO-Russia relations and the NATO approach toward Russia with counterparts throughout the NATO HQ and the NATO Command Structure.  Work closely with Allies, partners countries, international organizations, and other stakeholders (academia, civil society, NGOs), maintaining regular relations and exchanging views.  Develop a network of key stakeholders.

Expertise Development
Prepare, write, coordinate, and edit documents, memoranda, checklists, answers to the press, speaking notes and background materials. Monitor and analyse domestic and foreign policy trends in Russia.   Act as back-up officer to another member of the team, providing support, as needed, on other countries in the Partnership East area of responsibility.

Representation of the Organization
The incumbent will represent the Partnership East Section at relevant meetings and visits, as required.  Give presentations to visitors, contribute to briefings to various internal and external audiences, and represent the Alliance at conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4.    INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Head, Partnership East Section.  S/he works in close coordination with other sections in PASP, with other Divisions in the International Staff, the NATO Military Authorities, with national delegations, NATO agencies and Centers of Excellence.  S/he will maintain regular contact with Allied delegations.
Direct reports: N/a
Indirect reports: N/a

5.    COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:
•    Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
•    Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
•    Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
•    Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
•    Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
•    Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
•    Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.