Political Advisor (POLAD)

Position description

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is the world’s oldest and most powerful defence alliance. Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood, United Kingdom is NATO’s Maritime Theatre Component Command, delivering maritime situational awareness and connectivity while planning and commanding the full range of maritime operations.

We are seeking a high caliber individual as the next Political Advisor to the Commander of MARCOM.  The Political Advisor (POLAD) is the Commander’s principal advisor on politico-military and diplomatic issues that affect the planning and conduct of operations and the day-to-day management of the headquarters.

 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will have the proven ability to personally advise the MARCOM Commander and the Command Group on political issues related to NATO operations, exercises and policy, provide support to the headquarters staff, and utilise excellent communications skills to prepare written and verbal advice.  In the headquarters, the POLAD provides political advice at all command-level briefings and boards, and assists the Commander in engaging with senior-level visitors, participating in conferences and meetings of key leaders.

Externally, the POLAD provides effective information and analyses of crisis situations, government policies and politics, and international organisations. The POLAD often represents MARCOM in diplomatic engagements involving NATO higher headquarters, Allies and Partner national governments, parliaments and military institutions, as well as international and non-governmental organisations. 

 

ATTRIBUTES

• You will display analytical thought and demonstrate independent judgement in the development of policy and strategies in fields of strategic-political-military interest and concern. 
• You will be confident in providing high-level advice at a multi-national senior level, with diplomacy and tact. Listening and persuasiveness are crucial to this role in supporting policy and planning initiatives, working with the Command Group, in coordinating with other agencies and government staffs. 
• You will ensure MARCOMs credibility before the Allied nations and within the NATO Command Structure by ensuring that the Commander understands the political situation, both globally and in the theatres of operation or areas of developing concern.  This includes contribution to mission objectives by proactive identification of trends and advice on dealing with potential problems. 
• You will directly contribute to the Commander’s ability to prepare to exercise command and control functions in accordance with operational priorities. You will also be an effective manager, providing direction and guidance to two Deputy POLAD Staff Officers.

Qualifications

You will have a minimum of 15 years professional experience in government, military and/or academia in the fields of politics, international relations, international security, law, public policy or related fields.  That experience should include working in policy development with NATO or national diplomatic offices and policy offices.  Experience of NATO and of maritime policy issues in NATO is highly desirable.

 

You will have a Master’s Degree or equivalent in political science, public administration, international relations or related discipline and 6 years post-related experience.

You will be fluent in English. Desirable languages include French, Russian and Arabic.

Desirable experience includes understanding and writing of diplomatic correspondence, NATO or national naval and maritime affairs, and the development of maritime policy and strategy.

Desirable education would include a PhD degree in political science, international relations, law, public administration or related disciplines.

Application instructions

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