Staff Officer TOPFAS OPT - NATO 2030, Mons

1.POST CONTEXT

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework, employing a multi-domain and multi region focus to create a 360-degree approach, with the flexibility to enable, upon direction, a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE).

The TOPFAS Functional manager is responsible for managing and leading the use of the TOPFAS suite at SHAPE and NATO-wide. The TOPFAS OPT Tool Manager is responsible for providing support to the TOPFAS FM, for delivering the required TOPFAS OPT support to Strategic Operations Planning Group (SOPG) and delivering tool’s trainings within SHAPE.

2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The incumbent's duties are:

1) Performs the role of TOPFAS Operations Planning Tool (OPT) Tool Manager (as per ACO Directive 080 103). 
2) Train and support the Strategic Planning Teams and SHAPE staff with TOPFAS OPT usage. 
3) Supports the TOPFAS FMs in developing requirements and run tests to improve TOPFAS OPT.
4) Assists the TOPFAS FMs with leading the preparation of planning environments. 
5) Assists the TOPFAS FMs in representing the TOPFAS User Authority within NATO. 
6) Supports the TOPFAS FMs in leading and coordinating all activities related to the utilization of TOPFAS.

3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES 
The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments both within and without NATO’s boundaries and be willing to work unsocial hours.

The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment / Secure office environment with artificial light and air (e.g. Bunker).

Normal Working Conditions apply. The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment.

The risk of injury is categorised as: No risk / risk might increase when deployed

4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Professional/Experience

- Experience in NATO planning process at Strategic or Operational level and knowledge of NATO structures and responsibilities.

- Completion of the TOPFAS OPT Course and recent practical knowledge of TOPFAS OPT and its use in collaborative operational planning.

- Previous experience supporting planning teams, coordinating with stakeholders, and assisting users with planning tools.

Education/Training 
University Degree and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience has priority over the standard education, training levels and experience described here.

3.Language

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

5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

- Knowledge of the new Deterrence and Defence (DDA) family of plans.

6. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES

Personal Attributes: Personal qualities of tact, judgment, adaptability, coupled with motivational and listening skills. A sense of diplomacy and propriety to work harmoniously with colleagues and other staff, both civilian and military. Able to work effectively to support the team activities. Ability to use initiative and good judgment to propose optimum options to SHAPE TOPFAS Team in materializing effectively the capability delivery. This post requires good knowledge of the NATO planning doctrine and TOPFAS OPT use.

Professional Contacts: To accomplish the required duties, the incumbent must engage with a various range of Military and Civilian personnel within the NATO Command Structure as well as from across SHAPE. Dealing with different nations and entities implies working with a high level of understanding, maturity and displaying a high level of diplomatic tact. The candidate must assure that proposed requirements, once collected and validated, are reflected within the tool’s improvements, architecture and related projects.

Contribution to Objectives: Provides coordination and in-depth subject matter expertise, knowledge and analysis to support SHAPE TOPFAS Team to manage, assess and advise the innovation on TOPFAS OPT in line with the new planning doctrines and concepts

REMARKS:
Duration of contract: The successful candidate will fill this post as a Project Linked NATO International Civilian (PLN) with a three-year contract within the NATO 2030 Agenda. On expiry of this term the PLN will be deleted or absorbed into the ceiling pending approval or will exceptionally be considered for extension.

The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.

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.

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.

Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

We believe that all people are capable of great things.  Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:
Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (  Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.

More information to be found on these links:
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Application Process  

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.

Final remarks:
a)    Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE.  
b)    Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed, or, re-submit the application.   
c)    Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancy’s closing date.
d)    Candidates’ individual telephone, e-mail or telefax enquiries cannot be dealt with. All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application.
e)    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.
f)    As part of the recruitment process, the organization may review publicly available information to assess potential conflicts of interest, reputational risks, or behaviors inconsistent with the organization’s values.