NATO International Civilian Grade: 15 Duty Location: Brunssum, The Netherlands Requirement filling date: as soon as possible Closing date for applications: 26 July 2026

Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) serves as a Joint headquarters to plan, prepare, and conduct operations supporting NATO’s core tasks at the Joint Operational level, as directed by SACEUR. The Management Directorate facilitates HQ functions through coordinated services and activities. The Integrated Advisory Team Office (IAT) manages business continuity planning for the JFC HQ in support of its mission.

The Staff Officer for Strategic Thinking will assist and advise the Head of IAT, providing a holistic, cross-functional analysis to the Director of Management (DOM) and JFCBS senior leadership. This role involves liaising with stakeholders to drive change and ensure organizational coherence within the headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Define necessary actions to achieve organizational goals, particularly regarding JFCBS adaptation and development, aligning with high-level references and ACO guidance.
• Support the creation of directives, concepts, and strategies to implement policy activities aligned with ACO Policies, reviewing existing plans and recommending changes as needed.
• Contribute to the development of a clear long-term vision and mission for the organization, supporting operational military vision documents and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure alignment between strategic and operational levels, advising on areas for development to unify PAN-HQ plans and policies.
• Design and oversee an implementation roadmap for alignment between strategic and operational levels, considering assessment, resourcing, and decision-making cycles.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders to enhance coherence and coordination of internal strategies and high-level documents.
• Propose improvements to enhance HQ capabilities in anticipating challenges and opportunities.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of NATO capstone and high-level documents from strategic commands.
• Provide detailed analysis and recommendations to leadership, including drafting speaking notes and presentations.
• Prepare and conduct briefings and background papers for the JFCBS Command Group and external entities as required.
• Influence the Key Leadership Engagement Plan to achieve JFCBS objectives.

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, which may exceed 30 days and could be on short notice. Acceptance of an employment contract for this position implies agreement to deploy as necessary.

Requirements

• English – good – NATO Standard Language Proficiency 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) as per STANAG 6001.
• University Degree in public or business administration, international relations, operations management, organizational leadership, systems engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in a large Headquarters, Joint Command, NATO/National Headquarters, or large multinational organization.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in alternative planning.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in long-term planning.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in idea generation, framework development, and programmatic planning with a proven ability to translate concepts into clear written documentation.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with Net Assessment concepts and methodology.
• Experience in delivering organizational structure and change management initiatives in a large multinational organization.
• Completion of relevant courses/training for this position.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage at all levels.
• High level of interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with various stakeholders.
• Capability to thrive in a complex international environment.
• Good problem-solving skills.

The successful candidate must obtain and maintain a security clearance and pass a medical examination before receiving an employment contract offer. This examination will determine fitness for duty and deployability to NATO's operational areas in support of the NATO 2030 agenda.

The selected candidate will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract as NATO International Civilian (NIC), with remuneration exempt from taxation and applicable allowances.

For current NATO international Civilians, contracts will be offered in accordance with NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations and additional Nations’ guidance. The selected staff member will receive a definite duration contract, except for those with over 10 years of service, who will receive an indefinite duration contract.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the NATO Talent Acquisition Program by Sunday, 26 July 2026, 23:59.

Candidates are advised to provide comprehensive information in the job submission form, as the Selection Board will only assess the details provided therein. All applications prepared using generative AI tools may be rejected without consideration. Only candidates meeting all essential qualifications will be evaluated against others.