Defence Capacity Building (DCB), Project Officer (3 posts)

NATO; Brussel Hoofdstad; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An international military organization in Brussels is seeking a project manager to oversee Defence Capacity Building initiatives. This role entails managing projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities of partner nations and requires a university degree along with 3 years of relevant experience. The position calls for strong communication skills and understanding of NATO policies. The successful candidate will work in a diverse environment, contributing to important security initiatives and fostering partnerships within the defence sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in defence and security, with 2 years in project management.
• Understanding of NATO partnerships and capacity building.
• Ability to translate technical information into presentations for senior decision makers.

Responsabilités

• Support development and implementation of DCB packages.
• Manage projects within selected DCB packages.
• Plan, manage, and monitor project budgets.

Connaissances

Project management methods

Institution and capacity building processes

Political awareness

Communication skills

NATO's official languages proficiency

Formation

University degree in relevant discipline

Description du poste

Job Summary

Primary Location: Belgium – Brussels

NATO Body: NATO International Staff (NATO IS)

Schedule: Full-time

Application Deadline: 25-Jan-2026, 5:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis): 6,713.06

Grade: NATO Grade G15

The mission of the Operations Division of the International Staff is to prepare NATO for the defence of Alliance territory, to respond to crises at home and abroad, and to strengthen the capabilities of partners. The Operations Division advances the core tasks of the Alliance (Collective Defence, Crisis Management, and Cooperative Security) by providing policy recommendations, situational awareness, advance planning, well‑exercised and executed crisis response, and outcome‑oriented defence and related security cooperation programmes.

Within the Operations Division, the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD) facilitates political‑military decision‑making and programme implementation with partner nations to strengthen resilience, promote integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance in the defence and related security sector, and enhance the institutional and defence capabilities of partner nations so that they can better respond to crises at home and abroad.

Within the Defence Security and Cooperation Directorate and the Delivery Section, the Capacity Building team is in charge of provision of practical support to partners through the Defence and related security Capacity Building (DCB) Initiative and other relevant capacity building activities. To date, such support is provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, the Republic of Moldova, Tunisia and the United Nations through tailored DCB packages. Capacity building support encompasses various types of assistance, including advising, mentoring, education, training and exercises, complemented by specific projects to develop and/or acquire services, equipment, material or infrastructure.

Role Description

The incumbent supports the development and implementation of DCB “packages” and other relevant capacity building activities for partners. The main tasks include project management within selected DCB packages, funded by the DCB Trust Fund.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Possess a university degree or equivalent qualification from an institute of recognised standing in a relevant discipline.
• Have at least 3 years’ experience in the field of defence and security, out of which at least 2 years’ experience with programme or project management.
• Have a very good understanding of institution and capacity building processes.
• Have knowledge and experience in applying project management methods and tools.
• Demonstrate political awareness and a good understanding of NATO partnerships.
• Be able to communicate concisely, clearly, logically and persuasively, verbally and in writing, including the ability to translate technical information into verbal/visual presentations for senior decision makers.
• Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages: (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one and I (“Beginner”) in the other.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience with defence policy issues, transformation and reform of the defence and security sector.
• Knowledge and experience with defence/force planning, capability assessment and all aspects of capability development encompassing doctrine and policies, organisation, training, materiel, leadership/education, personnel, facilities, and interoperability.
• Knowledge and experience in security‑or defence‑related cooperation with at least one of the DCB recipient countries (i.e., Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, the Republic of Moldova, Tunisia).
• Higher level of NATO’s second official language.

Main Accountabilities

• Expertise Development

  Keep abreast of NATO partnership policies and priorities, particularly regarding the respective DCB-recipient partner, including the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP). Develop an in‑depth understanding of the partner’s defence and security priorities and plans. Increase depth of knowledge in best practices for capacity building programmes and projects. Apply expertise, perform analyses, consider options and provide recommendations for continued improvement and/or adaptation, and oversee the implementation of the DCB package and associated projects.

• Project Management

  Support the day‑to‑day management of one or several DCB packages and associated projects, in line with guidance by the DCB Programme Officer responsible for managing the particular DCB package, and in coordination with personnel on the ground in the DCB‑recipient country (where applicable). Design, plan, implement, manage, monitor and coordinate projects to build capacities of selected partner/s. Draft project proposals, assessments and reports. Ensure that project deliverables are attainable and guide their progress. Identify risks and undertake contingency planning. Engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure resourcing and implementation projects. Monitor and evaluate progress. Plan and execute activities to build capacities of selected partner/s. Manage other projects as directed by the DSCD. Develop and implement processes, procedures and tools for project management within DCB.

• Financial Management

  Plan, manage and monitor budgets for projects. Ensure that expenditure of allocated funds is in line with NATO’s policies and objectives and additional guidance provided by the DSCD, and that it is executed in the most cost‑effective manner in line with NATO’s financial regulations.

• Knowledge Management

  Act as a focal point for assigned thematic area/s relevant to capacity building work for partners. Implement and maintain an effective and practical knowledge management system for the DCB package and associated projects. Assist in communication and knowledge sharing efforts through the preparation of reports, background materials, speaking notes and presentations for events and visits to/from NATO. Contribute to the preparation of relevant public briefing materials.

• Stakeholder Management

  Engage with relevant stakeholders from within NATO structures, Allies and partners, including organisations and agencies executing/implementing NATO’s projects. Work closely with NATO’s internal services, including the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate’s Resource and Portfolio Management Team, on related funding and financing procedures. Work closely with the DCB Coordinators, NATO’s Locally Engaged Staff and experts in DCB‑recipient countries (where applicable), and with the authorities of the DCB recipient.

• Perform any other related duty as assigned.

Interrelationships

The incumbent reports to the Capacity Building Team Leader, Delivery Section, DSCD, and supports the work of DCB Programme Officer/s who manage the DCB packages. Direct reports: n/a. Indirect reports: n/a.

Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Flexibility: Adapts to unforeseen situations;
• Impact and Influence: Takes multiple actions to persuade;
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time‑sensitive situation;
• Organisational Awareness: Understands organisational climate and culture;
• Teamwork: Cooperates.

Contract

The successful applicant will be offered a definite‑duration contract of three years, with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years. If seconded from a NATO member state, the contract will also be subject to agreement with the national authority.

Application Information

Applicants must be nationals of NATO member countries and submit applications via the e‑recruitment system.

• For NATO civilian staff members only: apply via the internal recruitment portal (link).
• For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment.

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More information about the recruitment process and conditions of employment can be found at our website.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of your studies and work experience, and successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.

NATO will not accept any portion of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial‑intelligence (AI) tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such tools may be rejected.

Additional Information

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. We strongly encourage women to apply. NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment, including providing reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities.

Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, transparency and accountability.

Unsuccessful applicants may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Applicants may be required to travel for work or work outside normal office hours. The organization offers work‑life policies such as teleworking and flexible working arrangements.

Our headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non‑smoking environment.

Information about the NATO Single Salary Scale (grading, allowances, etc.) is available on our website.

NATO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.