Staff Officer (Plans, Policy and Exercises) at NATO · Ulm

1. Post Context

Headquarters JSEC provides a resilient operational-level Joint Headquarters, capable of supporting 24/7 operations to coordinate enablement (at the operational level) and, on order, the execution of reinforcement by forces (RbyFo) and sustainment flow in order to contribute to the Alliance's ability to project and sustain combat power into, across and from the Area of Responsibility (AOR), and, if required, into a Joint Operations Area (JOA).

The Support Directorate (SPT) is responsible for providing cross-functional expertise in Supply and Services, HNS Military Engineering (MILENG), Medical Support, Maintenance, CIS, Human Resources (HR) matters and Logistics Information Management.

The J6 Division is responsible for developing and implementing policy, plans and procedures for CIS and Information Assurance (IA).

The Plans, Concepts and Information Assurance Branch is responsible for planning, development, execution, and enforcement of Command and Control (C2)-systems-related policy, concepts, IA and procedures in support of the HQ exercises and operations.

The incumbent contributes to CYBERSPACE / CIS operational planning and conduct of operations and exercises as an integral member of operational working groups. The incumbent plans and assesses CYBER / CIS requirements and capabilities for RbyFo and sustainment especially with contributions to doctrinal documents of JSEC.

2. Principal Duties

The incumbent's duties are:

Principle planning array J6 CYBERSPACE

-Establishes close relationship and works in close cooperation with SHAPE J6 / CyOC on strategic and all corresponding operational level entities within the functional domain JSEC.

-Plans and develops Concepts / Directives for the coordination of long-term CIS requirements for RbyFo and Sustainment.

-Contributes to Planning for future operations and exercises and support Deployment Planning.

-Coordinates with NATO Communications & Information Systems Group (NCISG), NATO Communications & Information Agency (NCIA) and host, sending, receiving nation for long-term CIS requirements for operations and exercises.

-Supports and assesses all CIS Interoperability related policy, concepts, and procedures with special focus on NATO digital transformation 2030.

-Is in divisional lead for preparation, contribution, coordination and the developing of measures to NATO Crises Response System (NCRS) throughout JSECs functional area.

3. Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The incumbent may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY (temporary duty) assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries. Such operational deployment may exceed 30 days duration up to 183 days in any period of 547 days and may be on short notice. For NATO International Civilian Staff, acceptance of an employment contract linked to this post constitutes agreement to deploy in excess of 30 days if required.

4. Essential Qualifications

a. Professional Experience

• This role requires proven experience in Command and Control Support (Operational Planning).

Activities that ensure consideration of Communications and Information System (CIS) and Cyber Defence aspects during the production of an Operational Plan. CIS must be deployed, maintained, protected and defended to achieve maximum overall effectiveness in the employment of military forces consistent with the projected rate of activity and scope of operations. Cyberspace planners should be brought into the planning process at the beginning and must interact continuously with those who will conduct operations.

• This role requires proven experience in Command and Control Support (Operational Planning - Spectrum Management).

Activities that coordinate the NATO Military use of the Electromagnetic Spectrum at strategic, operational, and tactical levels by national, international, military and governmental agencies and staffs. This includes the production and co-ordination of the EMCON plan and its operation. Comprehensive management of the spectrum, used for all military purposes (not just CIS), by qualified persons, in order to ensure the most effective use of the limited bandwidths and frequencies within a joint force and between adjacent and higher authorities.

b. Education/Training

University Degree and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

The additional job specific qualifications and experience are described under Professional Experience paragraph. In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience has priority over the standard education and training levels and experience described here.

c. Language

English - SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

NOTE: The work both oral and written in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English.

5. Desirable Qualifications

Education/Training

Any further training certificates and courses related to subject field or acquired through NATO (e.g.: Spectrum Management for NATO, NATO Comprehensive Operations Planning Course, NATO C4ISR Orientation for Officers, NATO CIS Operational Planning, NATO Deployed Spectrum Management for Operations and Exercises).

6. Attributes/Competencies

a. Personal Attributes

The duties require clarity of thought, sound consistent judgement, good interpersonal and communication skills and often a creative approach to bridge the challenge of the diverse application of varying standards on CIS/Cyber. The incumbent must possess creativity and originality, and ability to deal with projects with confidentiality. Must be a mature articulate individual possessing tact and sound judgment. Must be able to work with limited or no supervision taking due and appropriate note and guidance from established NATO/ACO/SHAPE documents. The incumbent may be required to work outside normal office hours.

b. Professional Contacts

Regular professional contacts at the high managerial level with senior representatives of NATO and non-NATO nations, other NATO Agencies and Bodies, national directors, and staff at NATO Agencies and NATO HQ, contacts with staff at National Ministries of Defense, which result in agreements requiring military commitments on the part of ACO commands and NATO nations.

c. Contribution to Objectives

As the SME CIS/Cyber plans the incumbent contributes to the development and establishment of a JSEC position on CIS/Cyber issues relating to the major activities, operations, and exercises of ACO commands. The majority of issues addressed are of precedent-setting nature and can involve the commitment of considerable effort and resources, to include significant efforts, by ACO HQs, and the NATO nations. Optimize knowledge on NATO CIS/Cyber within Nations and NATO command structure. With the end result: enables the timely and effective planning, implementation and maintenance of CIS/Cyber for NATO in wartime, crisis and peacetime posture.

7. Contract

a. Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

b. In accordance with current policy, newly recruited staff will be offered a three-year contract which may be extended, subject to a satisfactory recommendation, to an indefinite duration contract.

c. Salary/Benefits: The salary is tax free including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff; Education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme; Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible); Retirement Pension Plan.

8. Notes for Candidates

a. Applications must be submitted using the e-recruitment system. Applications and other documents will not be reviewed if sent through other formats (including email, social network, etc). Candidates should particularly note: When completing the application form using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform, you are able to add attachments. Only attachments specifically asked for as part of the application process will be considered.

b. 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.

c. All pre-screening questions should be answered completely. Expressions such as: “please see attached CV, please see annex, please see enclosed document, etc” are not acceptable.

d. Before you apply, we encourage you to watch this video providing 6 tips to prepare you for your application and recruitment process. Do you have questions on the application process in the system and not sure how to proceed? This video contains the information you need to successfully submit your application on time.

e. After review of your online application, successful candidates will usually be asked to complete a pre-recorded video interview. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to the final assessments.

f. Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance, approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of the academic background and work experience.

g. Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

h. The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G15 will be considered with priority.

i. NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

9. Additional information

a. About Ulm: Ulm distinguishes itself as one of Germany's most livable cities by seamlessly blending a high-tech professional landscape with an exceptional quality of life. As a major innovation hub home to the "Science Park," it is known for its academic and business ecosystem in biotech and AI, while its strategic importance is further underscored by the presence of the NATO Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC). Stationed at the Wilhelmsburg Barracks, JSEC serves as a vital multinational headquarters responsible for the rapid movement and sustainability of forces across Europe, reinforcing Ulm’s role as a key "hub" in continental security. This global significance is balanced by a convenient "15-minute city" infrastructure that ensures almost everything is accessible by public transport, foot, bike, or a short car ride. Residents enjoy a unique harmony between the charm of the historic city center and the natural beauty of the Danube, all while benefiting from a safe, clean environment, excellent healthcare infrastructure and high-speed connections to major cities like Munich or Stuttgart.

b. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability.

c. NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment, where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation, please inform us during your selection process along with documented medical evidence to support your request.

d. All JSEC personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct as agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.

e. Due to the broad interest in HQ JSEC and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or email enquiries cannot be dealt with.

f. For more information on JSEC, please visit our website.

g. This vacancy will be closed on 31 October 2026, at 11:59:00 PM (CET).