Special Advisor (International Affairs)

The Special Advisor (International Affairs) serves as the principal advisor within OSIA on strategic, political, and military issues affecting Allied Command Operations in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea region. The role provides integrated strategic advice, policy insight, and international affairs expertise to senior leaders across Allied Command Operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on NATO political‑military issues, especially concerning Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea.
• Serve as lead advisor on security, policy, and operational matters in the East/South Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Black Sea region.
• Contribute to major NATO policy and planning initiatives, shaping Command decisions with expert political‑military insight.
• Provide political‑military guidance related to NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
• Advise on maritime security issues, policies, and initiatives relevant to NATO operations.
• Assess European and global political‑military developments and identify implications for ACO and ongoing NATO operations.
• Serve as principal advisor on NATO’s relationships with MD, ICI, AU, and other global partners; coordinate directly with regional General Staffs.
• Represent OSIA in engagements with NATO HQ, national missions, governments, and subordinate commands to harmonize strategic military advice.
• Support ACO political‑military engagement, lead negotiations when required, contribute to crisis management, and develop strategic assessments and recommended courses of action.
• Draft high‑level briefs, maintain diplomatic and military networks, and support senior‑level visits and outreach across NATO and partner nations.

Requirements

• University Degree in political science, public administration, international relations or related discipline and 6 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 6 years post related and 2 years function related experience.
• Advanced political‑military and international affairs expertise: Experience analyzing complex geopolitical environments, advising senior leaders, and developing policy in areas such as defense, diplomacy, security studies, or international cooperation.
• High‑level policy development and strategic planning experience: Demonstrated ability to shape policy, produce strategic assessments, and support decision‑making at senior government, intergovernmental, or organizational levels.
• Diplomatic engagement and stakeholder coordination: Experience representing an organization in international or intergovernmental settings, negotiating, and maintaining relationships with governments, international organizations, or regional partners.
• Good working knowledge of English SLP (3333)
• Previous experience working in a military environment (desirable).

Skills

• Political-Military Analysis
• International Affairs Expertise
• Geopolitical Analysis
• Policy Development
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Assessment
• Decision-Making Support
• Diplomatic Engagement
• Stakeholder Coordination
• International Negotiations
• Government Relations
• Inter-Governmental Relations
• Military Environment Experience
• English Language Proficiency

Languages

English