Primary Location
 Russia-Moscow
NATO Body
 NATO International Staff (NATO IS)
Schedule
 Full-time
Salary (Pay Basis)
 : 7,964.85Euro (EUR) Monthly
Grade A.4
 
Description
:  Applicants to this position holding more than one nationality must list each of their nationalities on the application form. The nature of the post may make holders of certain nationalities ineligible for an appointment.


1. SUMMARY

NATO’s Public Diplomacy efforts serve a vital function within the Alliance by communicating its purpose and priorities to audiences worldwide. In fulfilling this role, the Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) actively strengthens NATO’s public image, thereby fostering awareness and understanding of NATO’s policies and activities, and ultimately enhance trust in and support for the Alliance.
PDD works to promote security cooperation through a variety of programmes in NATO and partner countries and contributes to a continuous process of international security debate and policy creation. The Division also acts as coordinator for strategic communication activities across all NATO civilian and military bodies and harmonises public diplomacy activities undertaken by other Divisions at NATO Headquarters (HQ), as well as by other entities belonging to the NATO structure.
The Engagements Section’s principal goals are to strengthen NATO’s public image, foster awareness and understanding of NATO, its values, policies and activities, and ultimately enhance trust in and support for the Alliance.
The Section’s strategic outlook is aligned to NATO’s Communications Strategy. The Section is committed to building long-term relationships, fostering dialogue and cooperation with relevant audiences in NATO countries and around the world through a combination of people-to-people as well as digital engagement tools. To that effect, the Section engages with opinion leaders, policy makers and professionals as well as online interest groups and members of the post-Cold-War generations.
The NATO Information Office (NIO) in Moscow assists PDD in its interface with the Russian civil society and in reaching out more widely to Russian audiences through a yearly conference programme, a programme of visits to and from headquarters, a programme of media activities, and the distribution of NATO information material to the Russian public. The NIO is a NATO-asset outside the NATO-Russia Council (NRC) framework. It is also mandated to regularly liaise with the NATO Contact Point Embassy (CPE) (no NATO CPE has been appointed for the current term), with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Russian civilian and military authorities, as appropriate.
Under the responsibility of the Head, Engagements Section and the overall direction of the Assistant and the Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, the incumbent is responsible for promoting understanding of and support for NATO policies and programmes in Russia. S/he, together with local staff and, as appropriate, the support of the Contact Point Embassy, and with the NATO Military Liaison Office, implements North Atlantic Council (NAC) policy and priorities, plans events and evaluates the effectiveness of NATO activities in Russia or with Russian audiences.  S/he will also liaise closely with the Political Affairs and Security Policy Division (PASP) to ensure coherence and synergies with the policy side.
 
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL
 
The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree  from an institute of recognised standing, or an equivalent level of qualification, in a relevant discipline (political or social sciences; international relations; journalism / public relations / public diplomacy; law; etc.);
• have at least five years of relevant professional experience;
• have have recent experience of leading a diverse team;
• have excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and be able to draft clearly and concisely in at least one of NATO’s official languages (English /French) all types of documents (memos, backgrounders, speaking points, reports etc.) required in the post;
• have an excellent knowledge of international affairs, and security and defence policies in particular and possess in-depth knowledge of NATO policies and activities;
• demonstrate sound political judgment and strong analytical skills;
• have experience in planning, implementing, monitoring and assessing a broad range of public diplomacy and public affairs activities, including events, online projects or media relations; 
• have experience working with Russian nationals at a senior level;
• be fluent in Russian;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English and French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other;
• be available to live in Moscow and travel extensively in Russia;
• be willing to work outside core business hours as required.

 
DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage: 

• at least eight years of relevant professional experience;
• a strong background in public information work including public and media appearances;
• several years’ experience in working with and briefing high level groups.

 
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
 
Policy Development
Liaise and work with NATO PDD to establish and implement a comprehensive programme of activities aimed at developing the knowledge and understanding of NATO among Russian key audiences. Report to PDD and NATO HQ in general on political developments and events of interest in Russia. Ensure that projects, programmes, financial and administrative issues are in line with NATO policies and regulations. Ensure that the NIO website is regularly updated with NATO material in Russian. Be active on social media platforms, in line with NATO HQ editorial guidance. Support in a proactive way NATO HQ communications campaigns. Support NATO efforts to counter disinformation.
 
Representation of the Organization
Run a programme of activities aimed at the media to explain NATO’s role and policies. Implement and support NATO HQ-led campaign activities. Keep allied embassies in Moscow informed of NATO activities and events. Brief the media in cooperation/coordination with the NATO Spokesperson. Explore ways to increase the presence of NATO voices in the Russian information space. Brief NATO Committees, as appropriate.
 
Stakeholder Management
Develop contacts with local media, government, academic and educational as well as nongovernmental organizations, civilian opinion leaders, scientists and individuals to share information about NATO in general and NATO-Russia relations in particular. In close cooperation with NATO HQ, arrange participation by Russian groups at briefing programmes in NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium. Oversee the arrangements for visits to Russia by NATO officials. Concentrate her/his communications activities towards opinion leaders, and seek to establish and maintain contact with appropriate interlocutors in key cities across Russia.
 
Project Management
Make significant contributions to developing, implementing and assessing PDD’s communications approaches to Russian audiences. Oversee the development and organization of information programmes, conferences, seminars and other projects sponsored by NATO in Russia. Ensure project/programme adherence to NATO Communications Strategies and campaigns. 
 
Knowledge Management
Oversee the dissemination of NATO material, audio-visual productions and information accessible through electronic retrieval systems, including the translation of the above materials into Russian. Expand NATO information outreach via social media. Provide regular analysis of local media.
 
Financial Management
Oversee the management of the budget of the NIO in Moscow, in close cooperation with the HQ and in line with the NATO Financial Regulations.
 
Other: People Management
Manage the day-to-day operations of the office. Lead the NIO locally hired staff to achieve results by identifying, setting and communicating accountabilities and objectives. Create a motivating and effective workplace. Ensure a balanced workload. Provide staff mentoring and coaching, when necessary and offer guidance at critical moments. Where possible, support succession planning to ensure continuity. Be responsible for privileges and immunities regarding NIO premises and management of local staff to the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium to which the NIO is attached.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
 
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent works under the responsibility of the Head, Engagements Section, and under the overall direction of the Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and the Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy. S/he also works in close cooperation with the NATO Spokesperson and with staff across PDD. S/he will also have to maintain close cooperation with the Eastern Partnership Section in PASP on relevant policy issues as well as work closely with the NATO Military Liaison Office in Moscow to ensure coherence and coordination of approach. S/he will also liaise with other relevant stakeholders and, as appropriate, with the Secretary General’s Private Office, and the International Military Staff (IMS). 
The incumbent operates within the framework of the political directives given by the NAC and within the Letter of Mission signed by NATO, and maintains close contact with NATO HQ (from where s/he will receive her/his tasks and to where s/he will report). S/he must also alert the authorities of her/his country of origin of her/his presence in Russia.
Direct reports: 7 local hires
Indirect reports: N/a

5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Sets and works to meet challenging goals;
• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Change Leadership: Personally leads change;
• Impact and Influence: Uses complex influence strategies;
• Initiative: Plans and acts up to a year ahead;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands underlying issues;
• Teamwork: Works to build commitment.  

6. CONTRACT:
 
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of 3 years; possibility of renewal for up to 3 years.
 
Contract clause applicable:
 
As employment in this post is required for a limited period, the successful applicant will be offered a definite duration contract of 3 years’ duration, which, if required, may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years.
 
If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3 years definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years if required, and subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned.
 
Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
 
7. RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
 
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.
 
Applications must be submitted using e-recruitment system, as applicable:

• For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (for more information, please contact your local Civilian HR Manager);
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment

Please note that at the time of the interviews, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy.
 
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.
 
More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment, can be found at our website (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/recruit-hq-e.htm)
 
8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
 
Salary value as per 2020 is subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decision.
 
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.
 
Building Integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.
 
Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.
 
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.
 
The nature of this position may require the staff member at times to be called upon to travel for work and/or to work outside normal office hours.
 
The organization offers several work-life policies including Teleworking and Flexible Working arrangements (Flexitime) subject to business requirements.