Section Head (Civilian Human Resources Policy), Norfolk

Post Context

ACT contributes to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading, at Strategic Command level, Warfare Development required to enhance NATO’s posture, military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines.

The Resources and Management (RM) Directorate acts on behalf of SACT on all internal management and resource-related issues. It monitors the coherency of ACT plans to ensure that ACT remains an effective and efficient organization and improves continuously.

The Human Resources Management Branch is responsible for maintaining ACT's Peacetime Establishments (PE) on behalf of SACT as PE Authority; providing administrative and personnel customer service to all NATO and Partner Nations; and performing human resource management and recruitment functions with respect to HQ SACT, JATEC and JALLC civilian staff. The Branch is comprised of three sections: Workforce, Military Personnel and Civilian Personnel.

The Head of the Civilian Human Resources Section in the Human Resources Management (HRM) Branch is responsible for civilian human resource management including civilian Human Resources policy, administration, recruitment and resource management.

Principal Duties:

Formulates ACT internal civilian Human Resources policies that respond to organizational needs. Formulates, coordinates and defends SACT position at various NATO-wide civilian personnel policy-making bodies such as ad hoc working groups, the Advisory Panel and Joint Consultative Board. As SACT’s representative on the Joint Consultative Board and working with the International Staff (Executive Management Division), contributes to the development of NATO-wide Human Resources Policy. Oversees the implementation of NATO international civilian personnel policy, procedures and rules.  Assures compliance of personnel actions with internal guidelines and with NATO regulations. Provides management advisory services and policy interpretations at HQ SACT on a full range of civilian Human Resources management issues. As ACT Civilian Human Resources Community Manager, providing mentoring for all subordinate Civilian Human Resources Offices in ACT (Portugal, Poland and Norway). Provides professional oversight and expert guidance to Civilian Human Resources Managers of ACT subordinate commands on civilian Human Resources policies and procedures and assists in solving complex problems.  As required, provides advice to ACT Heads of NATO Body, particularly concerning matters related to staff grievances. Proposes solutions for resolving staff grievances and disputes.  Provides advice to the Chain of Command throughout any procedure involving administrative review, mediation, complaints and appeals.  Represents ACT as Human Resources Subject Matter Expert at NATO Administrative Tribunal cases. In HQ SACT, exercises      direct access, as the Official Responsible for Personnel Management with regard to civilian personnel, and as mentioned in NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPRs), to the Head of NATO Body. Establishes, with the Head of the Talent Acquisition, effective practices in line with the organization’s mission and goals for selection and recruitment of highly qualified staff to fill civilian positions. Develops reviews and assesses effectiveness of performance management, training & development, and employee relations plans and programs.  Develops new or modified business processes, work methods or procedures to adapt to organization’s objectives and evolving requirements. Works closely with the Section Head (Workforce / Branch Deputy) on issues related to organizational/PE changes.  Reviews new or revised civilian job descriptions and classification proposals.  Might serve as member of the NDWAA Classification Board as directed by Branch Head HRM. Acts as Resource Manager for the HQ SACT civilian pay budget and co-ordinates the input into ACT’s resource planning process, providing direction, guidance and oversight for the formulation of budgetary inputs relating to all ACT civilian personnel resources and other personnel requirements, to ensure adequate funds are secured. Functions as the point of contact for the organization in consultations and communication with the HQ SACT Civilian Staff Association. Signs contracts and termination letters for NATO International Civilians, Consultants and Temporary Staff. Initiates the process for NICs continued employment beyond the normal retirement age IAW Article 11 and Annex XV of NCPRs and submits to HoNB decision. Provides the Civilian Human Resources expertise and continuity necessary to develop, coordinate, manage, and complete long-term ACT and BI-SC initiatives. Conducts special projects and studies relates to Civilian Human Resources Management.

Committee Participation:

defined Contribution Pension Scheme Management Board  - Member/Representative Advisory Panel on Administration - Member/Representative NATO Joint Consultative Board - Member/Representative

Essential Qualifications / Experience:

University Degree or equivalent  and 6 years post related experience. At least 6-8 years’ experience (depending on educational background/degrees) in Human Resource Management with 3-4 years’ experience at a higher managerial level commensurate with the responsibilities of this position. Knowledge of human resources management concepts, practices, analytical methods to solve a wide range of problems and issues. Substantial experience in interpreting and implementing administrative regulations and analyzing the legal implications of personnel decisions. Experience in budgeting and financial resource management in relation to employee costs and understanding budgetary implications of personnel decisions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated in prior positions.

Language:

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

Desirable Qualifications / Experience:

Previous experience in an international organization or in a NATO Civilian Human Resources Office and the acquisition of a comprehensive knowledge of NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, policies and procedures. Master’s degree with concentration in Human Resource Management. French SLP 2222 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).

Attributes/Competencies:

Personal Attributes:

Capable of working harmoniously in a multi-national environment. High degree of analytical thinking and judgment.  Creative thinking is important when dealing with unusual, unprecedented cases. Ability to build strong personal credibility through consistency and reliability. Ability to relate to people and their concerns while at the same time considering the Organization's interest and established regulations. Must be prepared to travel frequently in support of the listed duties.

Professional Contacts:

Internal contacts: COS, ACOS, Branch Heads, Legal Advisor, Financial Controller, civilian staff and their supervisors, Staff Association Chair. External contacts: Head, NATO HQ Policy Coordination Section,  Head NATO Pensions Unit, Head, NATO Social Service, Head, ACO Civilian Human Resources Policy Section,  Civilian Human Resource Managers of SACT’s subordinate entities, Deputy Director/Director, Undersea Research Center,  SACTREPEUR, NDMAA, NCIA, U.S. Mission to NATO, U.S. Civil Service Human Resources Office; U.S. Department of State. Represents HQ SACT at the NATO HQ Advisory Panel on Administration, Joint Consultative Board and Ad Hoc Working Groups. Serves on HQ SACT Selection Board, Civilian Contracts Board and the NDMAA Classification Board as directed by Br Head HRM. Purpose of contacts range from exchange of information, contacts to resolve problems, to influence and persuade individuals to accept and implement recommendations, to present, justify.

Contribution To Objectives:

Contributes directly to organization’s objectives by ensuring the effectiveness of HQ SACT staffing and human resource management activities, missions and programs.

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 HQ SACT web 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 G20 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 17 August 2026 @ 17:59hrs (EDT)/11:59hrs (CEST).