View Vacancy - Defence and Security Policy Attaché (BEL299)

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.

We are now looking for a Defence and Security Policy Attaché for the UK Delegation to NATO in Brussels (UKDEL).This is a challenging opportunity to deliver UK defence and security policy objectives, as part of the busy 10-strong UKDEL Defence Policy and Planning Team.

Working in collaboration with 28 other Allies and NATO’s International and Military Staffs, you will help implement the decisions of the NATO Warsaw Summit, representing the UK in committee discussions with Allies, and delivering UK objectives through NATO’s defence planning process. You will advise and take instructions from the FCO and MOD on international defence cooperation, actively seeking opportunities to promote UK interests. The successful applicant should expect to cover this position for approximately two years at a minimum.

Main Duties / Responsibilities:

• Drive forward UK objectives on multinational defence planning focussing on Defence capabilities, including in the NATO Defence Policy and Planning Committee.

• Inform and influence UK policy in NATO, in particular the UK strategy to become “international by design”.

• Lead officer on NATO/EU defence capability co-operation.

• Leading policy development for NATO partner nation defence planning, working closely with the UKDEL Political team. Supporting UKDEL Political team on partner nation defence reform activities.

• UK liaison representative for NATO multinational capability co-operation projects.

• Prepare for and represent the UK in working-level discussions of relevant policy issues, negotiating with Allies and partners to help achieve UK objectives;

• Establish and maintain a wide portfolio of contacts with stakeholders in NATO, Allies’ and partners’ delegations, UK Government departments and the UK’s network of embassies;

• Draft timely, accurate reports of committee meetings, sessions of the North Atlantic Council, Ministerial meetings and other events as necessary;

• Provide succinct, targeted advice and briefing to the UK Permanent Representative, Military Representative and other colleagues as required. Contribute to Ministerial and Chief of Defence briefings coordinated by London.

• Be responsible for the management and development of the team support officer.

• Policy development skills, ideally in a political-military environment.

• Experience of working with a wide network of contacts demonstrating lobbying and influencing skills.

• Ability to grasp complex issues quickly and communicate them simply and effectively, including to senior interlocutors.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and contribute to its outputs;

• Strong interpersonal and customer focus skills;

• Excellent drafting skills;

• Good organisational skills;

• Adaptability under pressure;

• Commitment to staff development;

• Fluent written and spoken English;

• The job holder will occasionally be required to work extended hours during peak periods, including in the run-up to Ministerial meetings and Summits and to travel internationally for short periods.