Post Context ACT contributes to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading, at Strategic Command level, Warfare Development required to enhance NATO's posture, military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines.
The Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (SPP) acts on behalf of SACT to formulate policies, strategies, engagements, ACT contributions to NDPP, and analytical practices that enable the Commander to provide strategic foresight, planning, strategy and policy advice, concepts, and strategic engagement to NATO's political and military leadership. Principal outputs include, but are not limited to: long term strategic foresight, strategic level concepts, situational awareness/strategic anticipation, Minimum Capability Requirements, Draft Capability Targets, Suitability Assessment of Allies and NATO Defence Plans, and regional and functional to security related environments.
The Strategic Foresight Branch conducts strategic foresight and operational framing to identify trends and associated defence, security and military implications that support the Allies gaining shared understanding of the future security environment. The Branch provides analysis of trends, including corresponding interactions/convergence that may cause instability situations, as well as resulting challenges and opportunities.
The SF Branch is comprised of two sections: the Strategic Trend Analysis Section and the Strategic Military Implications Section, along the lines of the two main deliverables, the SFA and FFAO.
The incumbent is a member of the Strategic Trend Analysis Section.
Principal Duties - Conduct ACT's horizon scanning efforts to identify political, human (social), technology, economics/resources, and environmental trends. This position will focus on Technical, Economic and Political Trends (Russia Focused).
- Conduct strategic trend analysis to describe the future security environment and identify associated defense and security implications highlighting potential challenges and opportunities to the Alliance.
- Lead/ Support Strategic Foresight Analysis related activities, workshops and brainstorming sessions.
- Support Strategic Military Implication Section's activities when required.
- Conduct analyses and develop reports on ACT engagements and FOGO off-sites.
- Analyze the outcomes of NATO Summits, Foreign & Defense Ministers' meetings and NAC/MC engagements.
- Analyze current issues as directed. Prominent among these will be issues as a consequence of NATO`s strategic concept and other strategic issues identified by SACT. (Examples can be ways to enhance a shared perspective among NATO members as well as increase cooperation with IO, NGO, academia and industry on addressing emerging security challenges; identify strategic implications of disruptive technologies, etc.).
- Research prevailing national, international and NATO-relevant political, social, scientific and technological, economic, environmental, and military issues.
- Build and maintain relationships with both internal points of contact and relevant parties in the broader international community including IOs, NGOs, think tanks, academia and industry regarding existing and emerging strategic issues.
- Support the processing of lessons identified within the Strategic Trend Analysis Section's area of expertise.
- Support the other Strategic Plans and Policy branches in the execution of their duties.
- Collaborate with staff within the NATO community concerned with strategic-level concept development.
- Set out relevant research findings and policy recommendations in detailed reports and briefing papers.
- Be prepared to orally present relevant findings and research to working groups, seminars, governance boards and senior leadership in various forums and settings. Public speaking to senior (GOFO) level stakeholders as well as large audiences in the community of interest is essential.
- Management of individual projects as Working Group leader/member.
- Carry out other unspecified duties as directed.
Essential Qualifications / Experience - University Degree in history, geography, politics, economics, operations research, international relations, sociology, future studies or related discipline and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.
- 4-6 years' experience in policy/doctrine development, future studies and/or analysis.
- Knowledge of research activities conducted in relevant academic institutions and ministries.
- High level of organizational, coordination and communication skills.
- Proven ability to summarize large amounts of written material.
Language - English - SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
Desirable Qualifications / Experience - Staff experience within NATO and/or preferably in a multi-national/multi-ethnic environment.
- Experience working in a large (military) headquarters, Joint Command, MOD and/or international organization.
- Post graduate degree (MA/MS) in Foresight, Future Studies, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, History, Economics, or Sociology.
- Knowledge of the use of Artificial Intelligence in the development of Foresight Products.
Attributes/Competencies Personal Attributes:
Personal qualities of tact, judgement and adaptability. Good political awareness and motivational and listening skills. A sense of diplomacy and propriety to work harmoniously with colleagues and other staff, both civilian and military. Possesses the ability to think at a strategic level. Able to work effectively without assistance and communicate clearly in writing often to a non-technical audience.
Managerial Responsibilities:
Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability with substantial personal responsibility and autonomy to plan own work to meet given objectives and processes. Influences team and specialist peers internally and may influence external organizations, HQs and agencies. Some responsibility for work of others and allocation of resources. Responsible for executing a broad range of complex professional or technical work activities in a variety of contexts. Plans, schedules and monitors work activities in order to meet time and quality targets and in accordance with established procedures. Selects appropriately from applicable standards, methods, tools and applications. Applies analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Communicates and presents complex information fluently to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Maintains awareness of developing trends within the wider occupational field and absorbs new information rapidly and applies it effectively in relevant internal business areas or external agencies. They will significantly influence the way in which NATO's future capabilities are identified and solutions are implemented. The success of the development of new concepts is fundamental to the effort of JATEC and the wider Transformation effort as it provides the Alliance the necessary means to progress improvements within the nations to meet NATO's present and future missions.
Professional Contacts:
The incumbent must be able to liaise effectively both within and outside the HQ with international military and civilian personnel of all ranks and grades. Outside contacts include senior officials in NATO HQ, NATO agencies and research centres, and national government agencies and industry.
Contribution To Objectives:
Strategic Foresight Analysis is a core task for SACT. Post-holder will be responsible for analysis and research of a complete task/output with recommendations that could affect the organization. Assess and evaluates risks and analyses implications of new concepts, technologies and trends. Has a broad understanding of the enterprise and deep understanding of the functional areas.
Security Clearance The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO SECRET Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.
Contract Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. Newly recruited staff will be offered a three year definite duration contract.
Notes for Candidates The HQ SACT web site gives full details on the eligibility criteria and application processes to be adopted by all candidates. However, candidates should particularly note:
Please answer each of the pre-screening questions completely in English. Expressions such as: "please see attached CV, please see annex, please see enclosed document, etc" are not acceptable; this is a cause of immediate rejection of the application.
Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of your application form, which should be populated with details of your career to date and educational achievements and certifications as they relate to your application.
The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G15 will be considered with priority.
This vacancy will close on 29 June 2026 @ 17:59hrs (EDT)/11:59hrs (CEST).
