Through this Recruitment, we aim to hire for 2 positions as Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Coordinator in 2 distinct locations

• 1 Post as DCB Coordinator located in Jordan – please refer to the Post Description below

• 1 Post as DCB Coordinator located in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Pending Budget Approval) – please refer to the Post Description via the following link: https://www.nato.int/content/dam/nato/webready/documents/hr/2025/PESCXXXX DCB Coordinator.pdf

  Both roles support the effective delivery of DCB and are the focal point for the implementation of DCB in the partner country. They act as a conduit between NATO Headquarters, partner country authorities and other stakeholders in the partner country on DCB related matters.
  Through this application, you may apply to either country or to both, if you wish to be considered for both locations

1. SUMMARY
In September 2025, NATO opened the NATO Liaison Office (NLO) in Jordan. The mandate of the NLO is to enhance political dialogue and cooperation between NATO and Jordan. This includes, for example, the enabling of NATO’s regular engagements with relevant counterparts in the Jordanian authorities, including the Jordanian Armed Forces, the advising on the negotiation, development, implementation, and assessment of the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), as well as supporting NATO’s capacity to better define its practical cooperation and implement the Defence Capacity Building (DCB) package for Jordan.

As a member of NLO Jordan, resident in Amman, the DCB Coordinator reports to the Head NLO and works under their direct supervision. At the same time the DCB Coordinator receives functional guidance from the Capacity Building team, Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD), in the Operations Division at NATO Headquarters, which leads on DCB. The DCB Coordinator works to ensure efficient information sharing and coordination, coherent implementation of NATO policy and a “One NATO” approach in Jordan. Capacity building support encompasses various types of assistance, including advising, mentoring, education, training and exercises, complemented by specific projects to acquire develop and/or acquire services, equipment, material or infrastructure.

The DCB Coordinator supports the effective delivery of DCB in Amman/Jordan. The DCB Coordinator is the primary point of contact on DCB in the partner country, and acts as a conduit between NATO HQ, partner country authorities and other stakeholders in the partner country. The DCB Coordinator provides NATO with a sound understanding of the current situation in the country and recommendations regarding the security and defence needs, policies and plans of the partner, to further develop and implement the capacity building support as agreed by Allies and the partner. The incumbent works closely with and provides immediate advice to relevant local defence and security institutions on behalf of NATO. The DCB Coordinator manages the implementation of the DCB package in the partner country; identifies requirements and supports any potential future updates of the DCB package; supports the development and implementation of projects and activities; oversees and coordinates the work of DCB Core Team members, experts, Implementing/Executing agents, NATO bodies and nations supporting the implementation of the DCB package; monitors progress; and provides reports and recommendations.

The DCB Coordinator manages DCB Voluntary National Contributions (VNC) staff, as well as Locally Engaged Staff (LES) in Amman (if established and once recruited). The DCB Coordinator may have to deputise for the Head of Office during his/her absence.

2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:

• possess a university degree from an institute of recognised standing, preferably in defence-related disciplines, or another relevant discipline; or have attended a NATO or national military staff college or equivalent;
• have at least 5 years’ national or international experience in the field of defence and security, evidenced through previous posts
• have a solid experience in programme and/or project management;
• have experience in managing people and leading teams;
• have a very good understanding of institution and capacity building processes;
• have considerable knowledge and experience with defence policy issues, transformation and reform of the defence and security sector, and defence/force planning, including the underlying political, economic, financial and technical considerations;
• have experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders in diverse environments, and demonstrate cultural and political awareness;
• be able to communicate concisely, clearly, logically and persuasively, verbally and in writing;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one, I (“Beginner”) in the other;
• be willing to travel frequently (including in non-permissive environments, when required) and work outside normal office hours.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• knowledge and experience of the NATO organisation, policies and procedures, in particular related to NATO’s partnership programmes and tools;
• knowledge and experience in security- or defence-related cooperation with the DCB partner country, or other relevant experience in assistance/cooperation programmes;
• knowledge and experience in capability assessment and all aspects of capability development encompassing doctrine and policies, organisation, training, materiel, leadership/education, personnel, facilities, and interoperability;
• knowledge and experience in advising, mentoring or training, and/or experience in managing such efforts;
• knowledge and experience in designing and applying programme monitoring and evaluation processes and tools;
• previous experience in diplomatic services and/or working in a field office, ideally in the DCB partner country or the wider region;
• intermediate or higher level of official language of the respective DCB partner country;
• driving licence.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Expertise Development
Develop an in-depth understanding of respective DCB partner’s defence and security policies and plans. Increase depth of knowledge in best practices for development and capacity building programmes. Keep abreast of NATO partnership policies and priorities, particularly regarding the respective partner. Apply expertise, consider options and provide recommendations for continued improvement and/or adaptation, and the implementation of the respective DCB package. Provide advice to relevant local defence and security institutions on capability development, capacity building and long-term sustainable interoperability with NATO standards. Ensure that the respective DCB package aligns with the overall guidance on programme implementation provided by the Operations Division (NATO HQ/International Staff). Develop background notes, perform analyses, prepare related reports, briefing papers, public briefing materials and follow the development of relevant issues. Assist in communication and knowledge sharing efforts through the preparation of talking points and background materials for meetings at, and visits to/from NATO.

Financial Management
Plan, manage and monitor budgets within their area of competence. Ensure that expenditure of allocated funds is in line with NATO’s objectives and is executed in the most cost-effective manner in line with NATO’s financial regulations.

Knowledge Management
Follow and analyse relevant research conducted in their area of competence. Establish, implement and maintain an effective and practical knowledge management system for the implementation of the respective DCB package, which include mechanisms to ensure the collection and distribution of high-quality content. Support the designated NATO HQ DCB Programme Officer, including drafting staff assessments and recommendations on partners’ requirements and NATO’s assistance, and preparing/updating DCB packages. Contribute to effective information and analysis sharing among relevant NLO staff.

Representation of the Organization
Ensure that communication is consistent with NATO communication guidelines and NLO efforts. Represent the Organization as the head of the in-country DCB Team during meetings with national authorities of the DCB partner country, Allies and contributing partners, NATO staff and other relevant stakeholders, including high-level officials. In close coordination with the Head of the NLO (the senior in-country NATO official), represent NATO at DCB package-related meetings, conferences and seminars in and outside of the respective DCB-recipient partner country. When tasked, negotiate and sign agreements on behalf of NATO. In close coordination with the NLO and NATO HQ, help enhance NATO’s public diplomacy and information efforts on these issues.

Stakeholder Management
Collaborate with Allies’ and relevant partners’ national representations in the partner country; NATO civilian and military staff and agencies and other institutions (including international, governmental and non-governmental organisations) concerned with issues falling within DSCD’s area of competence, particularly related to the DCB package. Ensure the network of stakeholder relationships functions effectively. Prepare contingency plans for the effective management of issues that may arise. Engage and coordinate with the DCB partner’s relevant national authorities for the successful implementation of the DCB package. Coordinate closely with the Head of the NLO in order to complement the respective mandates, and to ensure coherent implementation of NATO policy and a “One NATO” approach in the respective partner country. Guide, coordinate and monitor activities of DCB Core Team members, experts, Implementing/Executing agents, NATO bodies and nations supporting the implementation of the DCB package SMEs delivering the DCB assistance in an outside of the partner country. Coordinate the DCB efforts with the contributing Allies and partners.

Project Management
Contribute to the management of the implementation of the respective DCB package. Ensure that project/programme deliverables are attainable and guide their progress. Identify risks and undertake contingency planning. Coordinate DCB package-related activities in the respective DCB partner country as a whole. Coordinate work of the DCB Core Team members, experts, Implementing/Executing agents, NATO bodies and nations in taking forward the programmes, projects and activities within the DCB package. Help develop and coordinate proposals for DCB projects, and ensure these proposals outline relevant and realistic outputs and outcomes, risks and mitigation measures, as well as provisions for monitoring and evaluation. Establish a practical and efficient in-country monitoring and evaluation system for the implementation of the DCB package. Monitor progress and report on achievements and challenges in advancing DCB.

People Management
Supervise the work of resident and non-resident DCB advisors (VNCs) and DCB Core Team members; and manage Locally Engaged Staff in programmatic roles (if established and once recruited). Contribute to a motivating and effective working environment. Be available to provide advice and guidance, in particular in sensitive and critical moments. Ensure that all personnel contributing to the implementation of the DCB package are clear on organizational objectives. Provide regular and fair feedback on performance, informally as appropriate. Promote integrity, professionalism and accountability through a sound and inclusive leadership culture.

4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS

The DCB Coordinator reports to the Head of the NLO in Jordan. The DCB Coordinator receives functional guidance from the Capacity Building Team Leader, Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate (DSCD), in the Operations Division, and works in day-to-day coordination with the responsible DCB Programme Officer in the CB Team for the performance of all areas of responsibility set out above.
The DCB Coordinator works closely with other members of the NLO, staff in the Operations Division, as well as other HQ Divisions and other relevant stakeholders as outlined above. The incumbent also supervises resident and non-resident VNCs.

Direct reports: n/a.
Indirect reports: n/a.

5. COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:
• Achievement: Creates own measures of excellence and improves performance;
• Analytical Thinking: Sees multiple relationships;
• Change Leadership: Expresses vision for change;
• Impact and Influence: Uses indirect influence;
• Initiative: Is decisive in a time-sensitive situation;
• Organizational Awareness: Understands organisational politics;
• Teamwork: Solicits inputs and encourages others.

6. CONTRACT

Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded): Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years.

Contract clause applicable:

It has been decided that for technical reasons, turnover is required in this post, and therefore, the maximum period of service in this post is six years. Accordingly, the successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years.

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned.

Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Régulations.

NOTE: Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic, and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post.

Under specific circumstances, serving staff members may be appointed directly to the higher grade, and a period of three years might be reduced by up to twenty four months for external candidates. These circumstances are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.

7. USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

https://www.nato.int/content/dam/nato/webready/documents/hr/2025/article-7.pdf

8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

https://www.nato.int/content/dam/nato/webready/documents/hr/2025/encoding-vacancies.pdf