Political Officer NATO Sarajevo NORDEM

The Political Engagement Support Cell is part of NATO’s presence in Sarajevo and reports to NATO Headquarters in Brussels. It supports the realization of NATO’s objectives in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), facilitates political dialogue, promotes partnership cooperation, and contributes to NATO’s strategic communication efforts in BiH. Under the direct supervision of the Head of the NATO Political Engagement Support Cell (PESC) in Sarajevo, BiH, and the overall direction of the Head of the Partnership West Team, the Political Officer (VNC) will contribute to reinforcing the liaison between NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ONLY NORWEGIAN CITIZENS MAY BE NOMINATED FOR THIS POSITION

Responsibilities

The Political Officer NATO will be responsible for:

• Policy Development Provide political advice and assistance in implementing NATO priorities with respect to the NATO- BiH relationship. Complement NHQSa, as appropriate, in providing assessments and advice to BiH’s authorities in his/her areas of responsibility in order to facilitate the planning and implementation of partnership cooperation programmes with NATO. Project Management Monitor the implementation of, and contribute to assessments of, progress in BiH’s implementation of its Reform Programme and others as appropriate.
• Expertise Development Provide advice and assistance to the Secretary General and other NATO officials prior to, and during, their visits to the region. Knowledge Management Provide regular reports and other memoranda on the political and security situation in BiH in his/her areas of responsibility, and provide input to current work activities and future areas of cooperation that may be developed. Monitor and analyse political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other related developments affecting security, stability, and the NATO-BiH cooperation and advise NATO HQ on their implications for Alliance policies.
• Stakeholder Management Liaise with NATO structures, the NATO Contact Point Embassy/ies, Allied Embassies, partner international organisations, BiH officials and local NGOs and civil society organizations, as appropriate, under the overall guidance of the Head of the NATO PESC in Sarajevo. Perform any other related duty as assigned.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• Possess a university degree from an institute of recognized standing, preferably in the field of political science, international relations, security studies, or another relevant discipline;
• Have knowledge of international affairs and security policy issues;
• Have at least five years’ related professional experience in diplomacy, international relations and/or defence and security matters, in a national or international post;
• Have excellent drafting skills and be able to draft clearly and concisely in at least one of NATO’s official languages (English/French) documents required for the position (e.g. reports, analyses, backgrounders, speaking points, etc.);
• Have a good understanding of the overall aims and objectives of the NATO-BiH relations;
• Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in English; and I (“Beginner”) in French; and,
• Have a valid driving licence.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• Previous experience in working with/in the region;
• A post-graduate degree from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in the field of political science, international relations, security studies, or another relevant discipline;
• A good knowledge of NATO policies and activities, and NATO partnership cooperation programmes, and the tools and mechanisms associated with them; and,
• Knowledge of the local languages.

About Us

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.

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About The Team

At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.