Military Partnerships Analyst

OverviewSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.SPAs NATO Allied Command Transformation Group within JOID provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage. We have a near-term need for a Military Partnerships Analyst to provide onsite support out of Norfolk, VA.ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will support the Partnerships Branch in advancing NATO’s partnership objectives and serve as part of HQ SACT’s central coordination function for partnerships-related activities. The position will work closely with HQ SACT Directorates and Branches, ACO/SHAPE, NATO Headquarters, Partner Nations, International Organizations, and other stakeholders to coordinate partnership activities and ensure alignment with NATO and ACT priorities. Responsibilities include contributing to policies, directives, concepts, processes, and procedures related to NATO military partnerships; coordinating ACT Programmes of Work, exercises, experiments, training, education, and engagement opportunities available to Partners; and preparing briefings, point papers, speaking notes, reports, decision-support products, and Key Leader Engagement materials for senior leaders and external engagements.The candidate will have a particular focus on Partner Capability Development, Innovation, and Interoperability, supporting cooperation among NATO capability development stakeholders, Partner Nations, NATO HQ, ACO/SHAPE, and relevant Subject Matter Experts. The role will help integrate NATO capability development approaches into Partner activities, ensuring coherence with the NATO Defence Planning Process, NATO standardization, interoperability requirements, and applicable doctrine. Responsibilities include contributing ACT inputs to Partner capability plans, Individually Tailored Partnership Programmes, and Defence Capacity Building packages; identifying and analyzing Partner capability requirements and gaps using DOTMLPFI-based analysis and ACT warfare development processes; and promoting interoperability through mechanisms such as CWIX-type activities, Federated Mission Networking, data-sharing architectures, and standards development. The candidate will also support appropriate Partner participation in capability development, experimentation, innovation, Multi-Domain Operations, modelling and simulation, training, and technology exploitation initiatives.The successful candidate will provide analysis and staff support in emerging and cross-domain areas, including space, cyberspace, digital transformation, innovation, and other future capabilities relevant to Partner interoperability and military transformation. The position will also identify opportunities to improve Partnerships Branch tools, processes, and information-sharing mechanisms while supporting corporate memory, knowledge management, lessons identified, document traceability, and quality assurance. All activities will be conducted in accordance with applicable NATO security, releasability, and information-management requirements. The candidate will support the Branch’s coordination requirements and battle rhythm, represent the organization at meetings, conferences, workshops, exercises, and other engagements, and may be required to travel within and outside NATO boundaries for up to 30 days per year..QualificationsRequired:Master’s degree in international relations, international security, international development, military studies (including military technology or operations research), foreign policy, public affairs, political science, or related discipline; or have attended a NATO or national military staff college (OF-3 level or higher).Experience working in the field of foreign/international security/international cooperation/defense/military affairs.Experience working within NATO Enterprise (preferred), or other International Organization (in a Defense or Security-related position), or within a national mission/delegation, or embassy to an IO (in a Defense or Security-related position).Demonstrate a working knowledge of NATO Partnerships, or security sector reform/defense and security capacity building, or defense planning, or military capability development/military applications of operations research.Demonstrate experience in drafting for and/or briefing senior leaders/decision makers (FOGOs or civilian equivalent), ideally at Strategic Level or above.Active NATO or National SECRET security clearance.Valid NATO Nation passport with no travel restrictions to NATO nations.Able to work fully on-site based on clients needs.Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $125,000.00/Yr. - USD $165,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23448Category: Strategy, Policy, & Advisory ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: NATO Secret (NS)Type: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Mid-level