Researcher

1.    Post Context/Post Summary.  
The Research Division (RD) is responsible for the planning, organization and execution of the NDC's research programme, including research fellowships, research seminars and workshops, NDC engagement to security organizations and academic institutions, policy recommendations to NATO political and military leaders at headquarters and in NATO’s strategic commands, and research-related publications.
The incumbent belongs to the Research Division. S/he reports to the Director  Research for all research-related activities and for general administrative/staff issues, and to Head Partner Courses Branch when assigned to a NRCC-related activity.

2.    Principal Duties.  

• Develops a research agenda on issues that relate to NATO partnerships, the MENA (MD/ICI) region and NATO’s policy vis-à-vis these regions. Design and implement research methodologies aligned with NDC objectives and academic standards.
• Data collection, analysis and assessment of issues in relation to the Research agenda.
• Prepare reports, academic papers, technical documentation for Senior Courses and support dissemination through workshops, lectures and academic collaborations
• Publish and present at conferences, seminars or international academic and policy debates, work collaboratively with the Faculty Advisors,
• Organizing events, conferences, seminars on the research agenda.
• Participating in international academic and policy debates on the Research agenda through speaking roles in outside events and non-NDC publications.
• Supporting NATO’s engagement efforts by conducting academic education and research visits to the region.
• Undertaking Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) assignments both within and outside NATO boundaries.

3.    Special Requirements and Additional Duties.
Flexibility Clause: The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed. ‘Other duties’ should be similar, albeit in a different organizational element, to that which the individual normally works.

4.    Essential Qualifications.
a.    Professional/Experience.

• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in relation to international security, defence and foreign affairs;
• Strong knowledge gained by education/ experience in Middle East/Maghreb culture & societies;
• In-depth knowledge of socio/politico dynamics in the region and individual countries;
• Proven Research record (publications, teaching) on these topics. relevant .
• Standard Automated Data Processing (ADP) good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Application Suite and Internet use.
  b.    Education/Training.
• PhD in International Relations/Political Science, or related discipline
  c.    Language Requirements.
• English (SLP 4444 – STANAG 6001).

5.    Desirable Qualifications.
a.    Professional/Experience.

• Experience in Universities / Think Tanks or as Policy Planning officer on issues related to Middle East, Mediterranean and Gulf Security.
  b.    Education and Training.
• NRCC or Senior Course at NATO Defense College.
  c.    Language.
• Working knowledge of Arabic (SLP 2222 – STANAG 6001) and/or professional knowledge of French (SLP 3333 - STANAG 6001).

6.    Attributes/Competencies.
Personal Attributes. 
The incumbent must be capable of taking a firm view of all matters in regard of research and conferencing, must be able to work without supervision and under limited guidance, and to express concisely and convincingly. 
Project management: The incumbent must ensure that programme deliverables are attainable and guide their progress. 
Clarity and Accuracy: He/She must be capable of checking his/her own work;
Communication: Represent extensively the NATO Defence College and contribute to the development of research and public messaging, including lectures, conferences and other engagement activities. 
Managerial Responsibilities.
n/a
Professional Contacts.
Professional collaboration with NDC colleagues at all levels.
Contribution to the Objectives. 
The incumbent actively contributes to the creation of an NDC corporate culture. 

7.    Remarks
 Work Environment. There is also an expectation to sometimes work outside normal office hours, and a requirement to potentially travel as part of the appointment.
 The incumbent of this post will be offered a contract of a limited period

Contract. The successful candidate will be offered a two-year definite duration contract which may be followed by a further three -year contract. Employment of research positions shall not be beyond five years duration. 

Additional Information to candidates

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your study(ies) and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities. Please note that only applications from nationals of NATO member countries can be accepted. Current and previous civilians working for NATO or any Coordinated Organization, shall indicate their last grade and step held (next to job title), and specify the name of employing NATO body or Coordinated Organization. The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G20 will be considered with priority. 

Candidates are kindly requested NOT to upload their Curriculum Vitae on the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform. Only attachments specifically asked for as part of the application process will be considered.  All applications must include an uploaded copy of the qualification/certificate covering the highest level of education required by the job description.

NATO is an equal opportunities employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race or ethnic origin, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age, according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

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.