Staff Officer (Operational Research)

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 Plans Directorate (PLANS) prepares and manages the development of functional planning based on the guidance received by COM, the assessments provided by OPS and the liaison activities, contributing to strategic and operational level planning.

The J5 Division leads and ensures the HQ joint planning. It is responsible for developing functional advice to the COM as well as supporting ACO strategic, operational and tactical advance.

The Concepts and Policy Branch is responsible for developing, revising and maintaining policies, concepts and doctrine relevant for the HQ and contributes to the pertinent NATO processes.

The incumbent contributes to operational research and science-based problem solving, especially by modelling and simulation of processes to support JSEC’s function(s).

2. Principal Duties

The incumbent's duties are:

a. Supports the Branch’s ability to assess implementation progress regarding developed concepts and policy.

b. Conducts analytical studies to support the Processes in JSEC’s functional areas.

c. Supports JSEC’s core tasks by providing Operational Research based advice, especially by modelling and simulation of processes.

d. Leads M&S projects and related software development within JSEC.

e. Provides linkages to the NATO scientific and engineering communities.

f. Conducts operational research by applying scientific methods and principles.

g. Contributes to various internal boards and working groups by informing on/providing of assessments and research outcomes.

h. Attends experimentation and concept development meetings and conferences in support of development of the HQ JSEC.

i. Attends at various NATO and (multi-) national conferences.

j. To identify and manage stakeholder Community of Interest that have a stake in his/her assigned tasks.

k. To create project documentation related to assigned tasks.

3. Special Requirements

a. The incumbent may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization 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 Military Operational Analysis.

Activities involving the application of Operations Research (OR) techniques specifically to Military issues. Military Operations Research is also known as Operational Analysis (OA). It is used to support military decision-making across the spectrum of military activities. It is especially relevant for the assessment and analytical simulation of Courses of Action in operational planning and force mix studies, supporting collective headquarters training and evaluation, cost-effectiveness analyses, risk management, logistical simulation and optimization, organizational and business process analysis, as well as manpower and other management tasks. Operational Analysis specialism is required where military knowledge is essential for rapid integration of scientific/analytical support into a civil/military analytical team or when filling a post within an operational HQ.

Skills relevant to the above experience:

Conducts advanced operational analysis/operational research activities for significant programmes and across multiple operational areas. Has an in-depth knowledge of operational analysis/operational research techniques. Plans own operational analysis/operational research activities, selecting appropriate techniques and the correct level of detail for meeting assigned objectives. May contribute to discussions about the choice of the operational analysis/operational research approach to be used. Obtains input from and communicates analysis results to senior managers for agreement.

- This role requires proven experience in Relationship Management.

The systematic identification, analysis, management, monitoring and improvement of stakeholder relationships in order to target and improve mutually beneficial outcomes. Gain commitment to action through consultation and consideration of impacts. Design the relationship management approach to be taken, including roles and responsibilities, governance, policies, processes, and tools, and support mechanisms. Creatively combine formal and informal communication channels in order to achieve the desired result.

Skills relevant to the above experience:

Implements stakeholder engagement/communications plan. Deals with problems and issues, managing resolutions, corrective actions, lessons learned and the collection and dissemination of relevant information. Collects and uses feedback from customers and stakeholders to help measure effectiveness of stakeholder management. Helps develop and enhance customer and stakeholder relationships.

b. Education/Training

a) University Degree in operations research, military operations research, mathematics, statistics or related numerate discipline, computer science, business administration, public administration 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.

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

The following would be considered as an advantage:

a. Professional Experience

- Professional qualification/certification in Project Management, such as Prince2 and/or Agile PM, ITIL

- In-theatre mission experience

- Experience in a multi-national environment

- Experience in strategic or operational level staff

b. Education/Training

a. NATO Logistics Introductory Course (NLIC) (LOG-LG-15475) provided by Multinational Logistics Coordination Centre (MLCC).

b. NATO Lessons Learned Staff Officers Course (LLSOC) (ETE-LL-3635) provided by Swedish Armed Forces International Centre (SWEDINT), Sweden.

c. NATO Staff Officer Defense Planning Course (ETE-DP-26805) provided by NATO - School Oberammergau (NSO).

d. NATO Orientation Course (ETE-MW-3834) provided by NATO - School Oberammergau (NSO).

e. NATO Concept Development and Experimentation Course (ETE-CD-31371) provided by NATO - School Oberammergau (NSO).

f. NATO Modelling & Simulation Basic Course (ETE-MS-21732) provided by Modelling And Simulation COE (M&S COE).

g. NATO Alternative Analysis Course (JPL-AA-31565) provided by NATO - School Oberammergau (NSO).

6. Attributes/Competencies

a. Personal Attributes

Tact, judgment, adaptability, coupled with motivational and listening skills. A sense of diplomacy and propriety in order to work harmoniously with colleagues and other staff, both civilian and military.

b. Professional Contacts

The incumbent will be required to develop a staff level network and to contribute to the overall NATO 2030 stakeholder management and may be required to engage with new or existing frameworks that improve or expedite NATO processes.

c. Contribution to Objectives

The incumbent will contribute directly to the objective of Reinforcement and Enablement within the Family of Plans.

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 livable 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 16 May 2026, at 11:59:00 PM (CET).