Staff Officer (Current Intelligence)

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 Operations Directorate (OPS) is responsible for directing, monitoring, assessing and coordinating joint staff functions.

The J2 Division is responsible for conducting the intelligence cycle at operational level in support of planning, refinement, execution and assessment of any activity descending from the mission assigned, in peacetime, crisis, or conflict, into, across, and from SACEUR AOR.

The J2 Fusion Branch is responsible for fusing and processing finished and unfinished intelligence released by NATO Intelligence Community, as well as intelligence/information shared from other actors.

The incumbent is responsible for the liaison with and representation of J2 expert in the JOC once requested. Provides current intelligence and knowledge expertise focused on those aspects of AOR wide that pose a threat to the preparation and execution of JSECs’ functional responsibility, contributes to 360° threat related situational awareness.

2. Principal Duties

The incumbent's duties are:

- Provides Intelligence and Knowledge expertise to the staff (JOC and CG) with a focus on the last 24 hours and upcoming 48 hours for designated areas of operations and interest in close cooperation with staff officers of analysis.

- Monitors and fuses J2 related Reports and Returns in the JOC.

- Researches topics of interest using public available information and classified databases as directed.

- Maintains Intelligence Situational Awareness for the Command Group and JOC.

- Provides initial Intelligence Assessment for Incidents related to CCIRs.

- Represents J2 and advices Cross Functional Action team with Intel expertise.

- Ensures liaise between JOC and J2.

- Prepares and presents intelligence products, contributes to briefings and reports.

- Supports and prepares Intel related research products as ordered.

- Takes part in project teams or working groups as directed or assigned.

3. Special Requirements

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

b. 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 Strategic Level Intelligence.

Activities that encompass intelligence at the Strategic level for the formulation of strategy and policy, developing military plans, monitoring the international situation, force structure issues, supporting the conduct of strategic operations and providing indications and warning.

- This role requires proven experience in Intelligence - Transnational Issues.

Activities that derive intelligence on issues that transcend national boundaries such as asymmetric warfare, terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction computer network attack, organised crime, etc.

b. Education/Training

University Degree in criminology, police, public or business administration, administration of justice, criminal law, comparative general management, political theory, behavioral or social psychology 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.

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

a) 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

a. Professional Experience

Working experience within the NATO Command/Force Structure (NCS) for a minimum of three years.

b. Education/Training

Any further training certificates and courses related to subject field or acquired through NATO (e.g.: NATO Intelligence Course, NATO Orientation Course);

6. Attributes/Competencies

a. Personal Attributes

The incumbent is able to adapt to work in military environment and show respect to military culture and requirements. The duties require sound consistent judgment and communication skills to provide initial assessment to command group or for working level. Must be able to work with limited or no supervision where following guidance from established NATO/ACO/SHAPE documents. The incumbent may be required to work outside normal office hours once requested.

b. Professional Contacts

The incumbent is capable to maintain professional contacts, exchange of professional views, with other experts on working level.

c. Contribution to Objectives

The incumbent understands and supports the organization’s roles and responsibilities on working level.

The incumbent is required to undertake approximately 20 days of TDY per year attending various meetings as directed.

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 liveable 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 11 November 2026, at 11:59:00 PM (CET)