The NATO Close Protection Unit (CPU) is a modern, globally operational unit that is responsible for the protection of the NATO Secretary General. No matter where the area of operations, wherever the Secretary General goes, NATO CPU is there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With a passion for excellence, the NATO CPU provides the most up-to-date continuation and developmental training in areas such as tactical/mobility operations and medical support. The NATO CPU, supported by all members of the unit, strives to be an inclusive and diverse working environment with a focus on providing a work/life balance that is unmatched in the sector and is suitable for all. A highly professional and dedicated team structure allows for the growth of individual agents and fosters a strong working ethos. Do you have what it takes to be a part of this dynamic team? See video here: https://youtu.be/umwOWkoON3Y

1. SUMMARY

The Joint Intelligence and Security (JIS) Division, under the leadership of the Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Intelligence and Security, comprises two principal pillars: Intelligence, headed by the Deputy ASG for Intelligence; and the NATO Office of Security (NOS), headed by the Deputy ASG for Security (DASG-S) / Director NOS.

Within the NOS, the mission of the Close Protection Unit (CPU) is to protect the Secretary General (SG) at NATO Headquarters or any other location, in Belgium or abroad, armed or otherwise, as the environment and circumstances determine. The CPU ensures a secure environment for the SG to include personal and physical protection against all forms of actual or potential threats.

In the CPU, we are comprised of a management structure and a number of teams. The incumbent will work as part of a team, on a shift system basis, carrying out Close Protection (CP) duties for the SG, comprising escort, residence and driving duties. S/he will report through the Team Leader and the Deputy Head, to the Head, CPU.  Physical, shooting and tactical understanding forms an integral part of the pre-selection process. The fitness standards, shooting requirements and other information about the recruitment process for this post can be found in attachment here: https://www.nato.int/structur/recruit/info-doc/CPU-info-sheet.docx

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must:

• have a good general education at the higher secondary level;
• possess a minimum of 4 years’ experience in, and have been an active member of, a Close Protection (CP) Team of a NATO member nation’s security or intelligence service, or armed forces or of their civilian/military police;
• have passed a recognised CP training course(s), and have achieved competence in the following appropriate disciplines: tactical driving; firearms handling; self-defence and associated CP operating procedures and drills;
• possess a B category (or equivalent) driving licence;
• possess a good level of first responder medical training;
• possess the ability to maintain the required physical, psychological and tactical condition to enable her/him to intervene in emergency situations (s/he will be required to pass an annual CPU fitness test);
• have a basic understanding of protocol procedures and appropriate communications skills with senior officials;
• possess good writing skills in one of the two NATO official languages (English and French) and be able to draft clear and concise reports and emails as well as PowerPoint presentations;
• demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing situations and manage  stress in  emergency situations;
• be flexible to work outside normal office hours and be assigned ‘on call’ duties;
• be flexible and willing to travel extensively;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages; (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; I (“Beginner”) in the other.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• good knowledge of MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook;
• certification in first-aid/medical training such as BLS-AED, TCCC, PHTLS;
• certification with regard to firearms skills;
• knowledge of and certification in advanced driving skills;
• advanced CP tactical skills;
• knowledge of basic fire-fighting measures;
• knowledge of the Belgian police and judicial organisation and legislation, in particular in the areas of public security, public order, fire-arms, legal self-defence and priority vehicles;
• familiarity with the use of open source intelligence methods to gather situational awareness information (Open Source Information);  
• Knowledge in the operation and use of: Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Intruder Detection Systems (IDS) and fire detection systems; secure communications systems; and GPS systems.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Planning and Execution

Ensure the SG’s physical protection in any given place and at all times against all forms of actual or potential attacks/threats and take the appropriate steps to provide protection in a crisis or pressure situation. This protection may include the use of force and/or firearms as directed by the CPU standard operating procedures (SOPs). Assume the function of a driver. Provide vehicular transportation to any other principal designated by CPU management. Provide security at the residence of the Secretary General and operate all security and communications equipment. Assume the function of a security liaison officer for the Deputy Secretary General or other NATO staff member(s) as required. In close coordination with the CPU Team Leaders, the Deputy Head CPU and the Office of the Secretary General, perform reconnaissance and advance missions in Belgium and abroad including in high risk areas.

Stakeholder Management

Deal tactfully, politely and discreetly with members of the Office of the SG, host nation support officials and other high-ranking members of the diplomatic community. Be beyond reproach as regards to individual professional standards, appearance and dress. Have the utmost discretion when dealing with information pertaining to the Secretary General’s personal and official life. Interact closely with the Office of the Secretary General as well as with any other protocol and/or security officers involved. Identify any additional stakeholders that could be of importance for ongoing or future missions. Represent the Organization in a professional manner.

Expertise Development

Follow training courses organised by the CPU management, including physical and tactical training, weapon handling, driver training, medical training and GPS navigation training. When assigned by the Team Leader, assume the role of Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one of the essential training domains of the CPU (Shooting, Tactics, Research & Development, Medical, Self-Defence, Admin-Technical, and Driving). Maintain up-to-date information on the developments within her/his domain of expertise and build up knowledge through external courses. Develop and prepare training tools in order to train the other members of the team to the level required by CPU Management. Communicate to her/his Team Leader any gaps or inaccuracies that s/he has identified in the existing CPU SOPs and propose changes to improve the efficiency of the Unit. When tasked by the Team Leader, assist in developing SOPs for different Points of Interest (POI) that are frequently visited in the context of the CPU missions.

Information Management

Maintain a thorough understanding of the CPU SOPs. When performing a reconnaissance or advance mission, collect and collate all necessary information in order to ensure the success of the mission, and present that information in a clear and concise report, including pictures and maps, in order to provide appropriate information to all stakeholders before the execution of the mission. During the reconnaissance or advance mission, record and subsequently pass on non-security related issues to the appropriate stakeholders. Carry out all administrative tasks assigned within the CPU. Upon accomplishment of a mission, provide all relevant information to the CPU Training Coordinator.

Perform any other related duty as assigned.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The incumbent reports to the Head, Close Protection Unit, through the Team Leader. S/he also coordinates arrangements with the relevant staff in the Private Office when required. S/he will have considerable contact with the Secretary General and entourage as well as with staff, official visitors and guests.

Direct Reports: N/A

Indirect Reports: N/A

5. COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Achievement: Works to meet standards;
• Analytical Thinking: Breaks down problems;
• Customer Service Orientation: Takes personal responsibility for correcting problems;
• Flexibility: Acts with flexibility;
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
• Organisational Commitment: Supports the Organization;
• Self-Control: Responds calmly;
• Teamwork: Cooperates.