Staff Officer (Data Analysis)

Post Context

Headquarters Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF) provides a resilient, static Joint headquarters to plan, prepare and conduct operations across all domains in peacetime, crisis and conflict, in order to support NATO’s three core tasks, at the Joint Operational level, as directed by SACEUR.

The Communication Directorate advises the Commander, and exercises the Commander’s authority to achieve the desired effects of communication and information activities. It is responsible for directing, monitoring, assessing and coordinating communications staff functions.

The StratCom Analysis and Assessment Branch represents the Understand/Assess function of StratCom and covers all analysis capacities from Info Ops, PsyOps and Mil PA.

The incumbent provides tailored analytics, using a variety of data sources, to extract value from NATO operational data and enable the HQ to make better, faster decisions within the information environment assessment (IEA) process.

Principal Duties:

• Provides the J10 Directorate and StratCom Analysis and Assessment branch with analytics products through the application of data science techniques, including statistics, data mining and machine learning.
• In coordination with the other Communication Divisions, J2, CCOMC, CMA, NIFC, NATO HQ, and associated elements across the NCS, conduct appropriate analysis, modelling and simulation of the Information Environment (IE) and. To include assessment of StratCom performance and effect towards objectives, through a system of systems approach in order to generate clear, holistic and actionable products for staff and decision makers.
• Conducts analytical studies to support decision-making in areas such as hybrid threats and for customers such as J2, J3, J4, J6, J9, J10 and JMED.
• Use historical data points to gauge the success of previous hostile Information Activities, identify Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) and forecast their potential use in future hostile communications; Provide real time data insights to allow NATO communicators the ability to capitalize on NATO’s own communications and mitigate the impact of hostile communications in the IE.
• Supports the development of HQ processes and procedures related to data science are coordinated and aligned with all NATO policies and procedures.
• Assess and report on the effectiveness of JFC Norfolk communications.
• Works with NCIA data engineers to ensure operational data is available for analytical purposes.
• Provide operational level briefs on designated aspects of the Information Environment when required.
• Enables a data-driven culture in the HQ that uses analytics to generate insights, inform operational decisions and improve performance.
• Supports the identification of issues and lessons learned relating to data science are captured, managed, analysed and available as appropriate.
• Undertakes work as part of a project team or working group as directed or assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Communication/STRATCOM or StratCom and Analysis Branch Head.

Essential Qualifications / Experience:

• University Degree  in information technology, economics, statistics, operations research or related discipline  and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training  in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.
• Applies a variety of analytical and visualisation techniques, in consultation with experts if appropriate, and with sensitivity to the limitations of the techniques.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with good briefing skills (including visualisations for customers).
• Experience in applying data science tools to support advanced data analytics, machine learning and data visualisation.
• Experience in planning and executing the data science lifecycle: ingestion, pre-processing, analysing, post-processing and visualisation.
• Experience in applying data science, analytics and data integration tools/programming languages on real-world datasets e.g. Python, R, KNIME, Splunk.
• Proven knowledge of mathematical and statistical models.
• Experience of use of data visualisation tools e.g. Microsoft Power BI, Spotfire, Tableau.Experience working with social media analysis tools e.g. brandwatch.

Language - English - SLP 3333- (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications / Experience:

• Experience in briefing and communicating analytical products with senior military and civilian staff.
• Experience with AI and or Machine Learning Tools e.g. Watson, Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit, TensorFlow.
• Practical experience using big data ecosystems. E.g. Hadoop, Spark, MapReduce.
• Knowledge of NATO software application services used at operational level, e.g. TOPFAS, LOGFAS, NCOP, JOCWatch, AOSS, INTEL FS, EDMS.
• Knowledge of joint and/or combined operations at both operational and tactical levels.

Personal Attributes: The incumbent will need to display a high degree of professionalism, technical expertise, organisational, coordination and communication skills in the performance of their duties. The post requires a self-starter, analytical and technical skills, data visualization management, and conceptual thinker. Good team work skills. Ability to see the big picture within the operational environment; understanding the relationships across complex systems and the way data could be used. Innovation and drive to succeed when faced with the complexities of technology management and interoperability challenges within military command and control systems. Forward leaning, identifies problems within the HQ for which data science can offer answers, and then cooperates with customers to develop innovative solutions.

Managerial Responsibilities: As a member of the data science team contributes to the planning and coordination of the Joint Analysis and Assessment Staff work.

Professional Contacts: Post requires regular professional contacts within and outside the HQ and the organization. The incumbent solicits and provides information as well as advice. The job involves working with contacts within NCS and NFS Commands, as well as civilian organization/stakeholders, and requires high level of maturity, understanding of sensitivities within an international environment and diplomatic tact when dealing with others.

Contribution To Objectives: The post provides information, assurance and analysis and contributes directly to the planning, initiations and development of wide range of products submitted by HQ. Provide direct feed into both the delivery and assessment of all StratCom messaging Objectives. Constantly monitors developments in data science tools and techniques and applies and advises on their application to current and future military operations and the military objectives assigned to COM.

Security Clearance - The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO SECRET Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Contract - Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.  Newly recruited staff will be offered a three-year definite duration contract.

Notes for Candidates - The JFC Norfolk Career Site gives full details on the eligibility criteria and application processes to be adopted by all candidates.  However, candidates should particularly note: Please answer each of the pre-screening questions completely in English. Expressions such as: “please see attached CV, please see annex, please see enclosed document, etc” are not acceptable; this is a cause of immediate rejection of the application. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of your application form, which should be populated with details of your career to date and educational achievements and certifications as they relate to your application.

The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade G15 will be considered with priority.

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating 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 generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

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. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations and strongly encourages women to apply.

This vacancy will close on XX XXXX 2025@ 17:59hrs (EDT)/11:59hrs (CEST).