Staff Officer (Data Science)

Post Context

Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF) provides a resilient, static Joint headquarters to plan, prepare and conduct operations across all domains in peacetime, crisis and conflict, in order to support NATO’s three core tasks, at the Joint Operational level, as directed by SACEUR.

The Communication Directorate is responsible for the management of information activities and capabilities in support of JFCNF policies, operations and activities in order to advance the aims of the Command.

The Information Environment Assessment Branch is responsible for conducting systematic, data-driven analysis and assessment of the Information Environment to support understanding, decision-making and the application of capability in the engagement space.

The incumbent delivers hands-on advanced data analytics in support of Information Environment Assessment (IEA) activities, applying data science techniques such as machine learning, deep learning and advanced visualisations to enhance the quality and operational relevance of IEA products. The role oversees the implementation of data analytics for IEA at JFCNF and contributes to ACO-wide data science activities in line with established technical direction.

Principal Duties:

·       Conduct hands-on data analysis and modeling in support of IE assessment, including data exploration, preparation, statistical analysis and the application of machine and deep learning and other advanced analytical techniques.

·       Develop and apply advanced or novel analytical approaches to enhance IEA products, including the design of custom data processing pipelines, visualisations, models and rapid prototypes to test and operationalise new analytical concepts.

·       Produce high-quality analytical outputs, including reports, briefings and visualisations with clear, evidence-based and actionable recommendations.

·       Support the application of data, advanced analytics and AI in support of the IEA capability across Allied Command Operations (ACO) by developing and implementing analytical approaches, models and tools in line with established technical direction.

·       Oversee the implementation of data analytics within the IEA branch, ensuring the effective application of tools, methodologies and analytical approaches, and supporting the use of commercially available data analytics tools through the provision of technical guidance and the promotion of best practices to analysts.

·       Contribute to the quality, scope and operational relevance of Information Environment Assessments by applying rigorous analytical methods and critical judgement.

·       Maintain awareness of emerging analytical methods, tools and data sources relevant to Information Environment Assessment and contribute to their practical application where appropriate.

·       Undertake additional duties and assume other responsibilities as directed by the Chain Of Command.

Essential Qualifications / Experience:

·       University Degree in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, economics, operations research or related discipline (i.e., field with strong focus on statistical modelling and machine learning) and 4 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 6 years post related.

·       Minimum of 4 years post-related experience relating to data science, analytics, AI or a related field in line with expertise and competencies outlined for this role.

·       Experience of working with large and complex data sets, including both structured (e.g., relational databases, time-series data) and unstructured data (e.g., natural language, sensor data)

·       Experience in data transformation, integration and analysis, including cleaning, pre-processing and feature engineering of structured and unstructured data for statistical modelling, machine learning and AI system development.

·       Strong background in statistical modelling, machine learning and AI, including the applications of these techniques to real-world problems.

·       Experience in developing custom analytical solutions, including the use of programming languages (e.g. Python), for data processing, visualisation and machine and deep learning.

·       Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection, processing and analysis, including working with audience research data (e.g., survey data)

·       Demonstrated experience in using analytics and analytical tools to generate actionable insights in support of decision-making.

·       Experience in developing reports and data visualisations, with the ability to communicate complex analytical findings as a clear, compelling and evidence-based manner.

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

Desirable Qualifications / Experience:

·       Complementary degree in political science, communications, or relevant field.

·       MSc/PhD in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, operational research, economics or related discipline (i.e., field with strong focus on statistical modelling and machine learning)

·       Prior working experience in an international organization comprising military and civilian elements or public sector in a military or intelligence community

·       Knowledge of subjects of relevance to NATO (e.g. information activities of potentially hostile actors, including their techniques and tactics of online manipulation and persuasion, etc.)

Personal Attributes: The incumbent will need to display a high degree of professionalism, technical expertise, organisational, coordination and communication skills in the performance of their duties. The post requires proactive contributor with strong analytical and technical skills, conceptual thinking, data visualisation expertise, and problem-solving ability. Effective collaboration and team-working skills are essential. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and collaborate with analysts, subject-matter experts and stakeholders across a large organisation. The incumbent must also be able to present information in a clear and logical manner, both in writing and verbally, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Effective collaboration and team-working skills are essential to success in this role.

Professional Contacts: It is desirable that the incumbent has a wide range of professional contacts with personnel within NATO organisations and agencies, civilian academia and industry. J10 Strategic Communications will increasingly be embedded in a wide network of committees and working groups, with external and internal stakeholders. The incumbent will be required to attend meetings with internal and external participants up to and including ACO and NATO Commanders.

Contribution To Objectives: This post contributes directly to the objectives of the Division. Due to the increasing demand for IEA within the command and across ACO this post’s outputs benefit the organization significantly.

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 JFC Norfolk Career 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 G17 will be considered with priority.

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.

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. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations and strongly encourages women to apply.

This vacancy will close on 12 Sep 2026@ 17:59hrs (EDT)/11:59hrs (CEST).