Executive Officer Kinetic Effects

POST CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The competition for this post is provisionally scheduled during the first or second week of October 2026 at the CSO in Paris (FR) and will comprise an online language test and in-person interview by the selection committee.

The NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) is a NATO subsidiary body to the North Atlantic Council (NAC). The STO Collaboration Support Office (CSO) provides executive and administrative support to the S&T activities conducted through the eight STO Scientific and Technical Committees (STCs). The CSO facilitates the world's largest and most vibrant scientific network for defence and security, engaging more than 5,000 scientists and engineers from NATO and Partner Nations.

Functions

• Assist the STC Chair in the development of, and assist the Director of the CSO in the planning, programming and budgeting of the part of the STO Collaborative Programme of Work (CPoW) related to the KIE STC.
• Provide technical, administrative advice and guidance to assist the STC in developing a dynamic program carried out rigorously in accordance with the mission, policies and directives of the STB and NATO S&T Strategy and Priorities.
• Review, analyze and distribute relevant technical information from NATO and non‑NATO S&T documents to inform the STC members in considering cooperation and collaboration opportunities and in developing the STC Program of Work.
• Manage the administrative and logistical support of STC activities, including business meetings, symposia, specialist meetings, working groups, courses and other STC functions. Prepare and distribute Summary Records and other reports required to keep the STC informed of administrative actions.
• Develop, manage and continually update a detailed yearly budget and funding schedule for the approved STC program, and periodically brief the Director on its current status during program reviews.
• Provide guidelines for the selection, initiation and monitoring of contracts for scientists and engineers to write, edit, and review material for STO publications and to participate in cooperative programs among NATO Nations.
• Supervise the editing of Executive Summaries, Abstracts and Keywords of the STC's STO publications and oversee the preparation of and reviews of these publications for printing.
• Oversee the effective implementation and management of Support Projects to the Supported Nations, ensuring proper reviews and approvals are received, contracts for participants are issued, and status and final reports are submitted.
• Initiate contracts allowing STC Members from the Supported Nations to attend STC Meetings.
• Ensure the promotion and maintenance of proper communication with individuals in high‑level international programs as a representative of the CSO on issues related to STC activities.
• Assist the Head OCO in the planning and execution of Consultant Programs.
• Serve as Technical Advisor to the Director of the CSO in the area of urgent Alliance S&T needs, preparing studies and other assignments within the technical specialty or other expertise available on the STC as required.
• Plan, direct and supervise the work of the Executive Assistant assigned to the KIE STC.
• Perform other staff functions as requested by the Director of the CSO within the Executive Officer's capacity.

REPORTING LINES

The KIE STC Executive Officer reports to the Head Operations and Coordination Office (OCO) and supervises the Executive Assistant to the STC.

QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL

• Five years of experience in science and technology organisations.
• Broad knowledge in at least one discipline relevant to the STC's scope or emerging technologies.
• Experience in writing, editing, and preparing technical reports and studies for presentation and publication.
• Experience in planning and managing scientific and technical meetings.
• Initiative, tact, and the capacity to cooperate and work harmoniously with civilian and military personnel from NATO Nations.
• Degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent qualification.
• Ability to assess research requirements and to plan, coordinate, and evaluate research as it relates to these requirements.
• Skill in administrative and technical management of research and development programmes.
• Skill in communicating orally and in writing to present facts and recommendations in clear, concise, and logical terms to appropriate personnel.
• Excellent knowledge of one of the two official NATO languages (SLP: 3333) and fair knowledge of the other (SLP: 2222). The work at the CSO is mainly conducted in English.

DESIRABLE

• Broad knowledge of technical sciences with Information Systems Technology experience related to the defence environment.
• Experience in office procedures and management skills.
• Knowledge of NATO organisations, policies and their supporting implementation documents.
• Post‑graduate studies in an area relevant to the position.
• Excellent knowledge of both NATO official languages.
• Knowledge of other European language(s).

COMPETENCIES

Personal Attributes

• Leadership.
• Initiative.
• Tact and capacity to cooperate and work harmoniously with high‑level civilian and military personnel of different NATO nations.
• Reliability.
• Trustworthiness, discretion and high sense of responsibility.
• Demonstrated capability to supervise personnel.

Managerial Responsibilities

The incumbent oversees the work of the STC Executive Assistant.

Professional Contacts

• The incumbent is responsible for an extensive network of professional contacts within NATO and international delegations of government, academia and industry representatives.
• The incumbent must use diplomacy, initiative, flexibility, and a highly imaginative approach to problem solving in negotiating with the network of professional contacts.

Contribution to the Objectives

This position is of primary importance for achieving the objective of maintaining a world‑class Collaborative Programme of Work (CPoW). The post holder is the cornerstone for the proper functioning of the KIE STC.

SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL

The applicant must be eligible for a NATO Secret security clearance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The CSO operates in an international, dynamic, multi‑cultural environment. Normal office work environment involves occasional long working hours and frequent business travel abroad, including on weekends. The CSO is a non‑smoking workplace.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The position is at grade G 17. The starting basic monthly salary is Euro 9,314.85 (salary value as per 2026, subject to future adjustments in accordance with NAC decisions), exempt from income tax. Specific allowances may apply, depending on personal circumstances of the incumbent.

The post holder will benefit from 30 days annual leave, life and medical insurance, a retirement pension plan, education allowance for dependent children and biennial home leave if eligible.

The post is a Project Linked NATO International Civilian (PLN) position of three years including a six‑month probationary period. PLN contracts end automatically upon completion of the project or after the three‑year period has expired.

The CSO Director will appoint the selected candidate through the signature of his/her contract. This contract will be ruled by the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

The appointment is subject to the receipt by the CSO of a security clearance at NATO SECRET level (provided by the national authorities of the incumbent) and to the delivery of a certificate of medical fitness by the CSO Medical Advisor.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Only nationals of the 32 NATO member countries can apply for this position.

Applications must be submitted to the following URL:

A Selection Committee will evaluate the applications. Applicants who pass an initial screening by the Selection Committee will be invited to attend an interview with the Selection Committee in Paris, France during the first or second week of October 2026.

Applications must include a resume, application letter and educational certificates.

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of reference documents without proper quotes (plagiarism), or any tools available on the internet, including but not limited to translation facilities or generative artificial‑intelligence (AI) 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 tools will be rejected without further consideration, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

NATO as an employer values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all NATO Nations and strongly encourages women to apply. According to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, staff members are appointed on the condition that they are over 21 and under 60 years of age at the time of taking up their appointment. However, appointments may be offered to candidates of 60 years of age or more provided that the expiry date of the contract is not later than the date at which the candidate attains the age of 65.