View Vacancy – Political Officer (UKDELNATO) (BEL20.498)

Note: Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.

Our daily work relies on the input of dedicated individuals who engage on many different topics and activities. We seek to employ a diverse range of candidates who bring their own talents and perspectives to the role. We have a strong corporate agenda that ensures we create a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone is valued for their contribution.

The United Kingdom’s Joint Delegation to NATO is the vital link between the UK Government and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Its principal roles are to promote British interests in NATO and to keep UK Ministers and Government Departments informed about NATO discussions. The UK Delegation (UKDEL) is now looking for a Political Officer.

Main Purpose of Job: 

Delivering UK objectives in the world’s most successful political-military alliance.

Working within the Political Section, the jobholder will deliver UK objectives in a range of areas. Key focuses will likely include maximising the value of NATO’s partnerships with 40 countries; and advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda at NATO. This will require the ability to build relations with a wide range of stakeholders, to persuade and influence when problems arise, and confidently to represent the UK in committee discussions and negotiations. The jobholder will work in collaboration with 29 other Allies, partner delegations and NATO’s International Staff, and represent the UK in Committee, in order to advance UK objectives.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is the bedrock of the UK’s defence and security. It is undergoing its most significant changes since the Cold War to meet new and more assertive threats in an increasingly complex and uncertain world; and has recently moved into a new headquarters. The UK plays a highly respected leadership role in the  Alliance. The growing threat to the international order, and NATO’s increasing political weight and breadth of engagement, is also strengthening the Alliance’s importance to the UK’s foreign policy.

The pace and range of work at the UK Delegation are increasing. The delegation is a busy team, a mixed community of UK diplomats, Ministry of Defence civilians, military officers and locally-hired employees, operating at a high tempo in a challenging multilateral environment. But it is also a supportive workplace, with a strong focus on learning and development and upholding values of respect, integrity, fairness and inclusivity.

As with all jobs in the Delegation, we promote an adaptable and responsive approach, which means the jobholder will need to be ready to adapt their focus to deal with changing circumstances and priorities. The jobholder will be a strong team player. Working in a large and diverse mission, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in cross-team issues, and the job holder will be expected to make an active contribution to supporting the effectiveness and wellbeing of the UK delegation and its people, based on their particular interests and experience. We can ensure that it will be fast moving and enjoyable, with plenty of scope for policy development and delivery.

Further terms and conditions will be sent to candidates that are invited to interview.

Please note: Due to COVID restrictions, the successful candidate may be required to work some of the time from home, though this may vary dependent on local conditions in Brussels.

The UK government is an equal opportunities employer. However, due to security requirements, electronic devices are not permitted in NATO workspaces and certain assistive technologies and IT therefore may not be suitable for this role. We will consider requests on a case-by-case basis and make every effort to accommodate reasonable adjustments.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Policy development: Analysing issues, understanding other countries’ positions and formulating policy;
• Briefing: Provide succinct, targeted advice and briefing to the UK Permanent Representative, Military Representative and other colleagues as required. Contribute to the Team’s political analysis;
• Negotiation: preparing for and representing the UK in working-level Committee and informal discussions, negotiating with Allies and partners to help achieve UK objectives;
• Political reporting: Draft timely, accurate reports of committee meetings, sessions of the North Atlantic Council, Ministerial meetings and other events as necessary;
• Networking: Establish and maintain contact with stakeholders in NATO, Allies’ and partners’ delegations, UK Government departments and the UK’s network of embassies;
• Wider support: Providing support and advice across Political Team and the UK Delegation, in advance of Foreign Ministers’ or Leaders Meetings, flexing according to changing priorities;
• Corporate Activity to improve the Delegation’s effectiveness.

• Full professional proficiency in English, including excellent writing skills*;
• Experience of working with a wide network of contacts demonstrating negotiation and influencing skills;
• Good communication skills (written and oral);
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills;
• Ability to grasp complex issues quickly and communicate them simply and effectively;
• Excellent drafting skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and contribute to its outputs;
• Good organisational skills;
• Adaptability and resilience under pressure.